So now you ask, what is this one thing that allows me to make a difference? What is this one thing that I need to cling onto, forsaking other more valuable things? Well, allow me to offer one version of the answer I found today. I attended a social entrepreneurship for youth conference at the School of Thought, a social enterprise entity which features a 'civic education disguised tuition center'. We screened a movie of M Yunus, a Nobel peace prize laureate who innovated a chain of self-sustaining micro credit financing systems that broke the Bangladeshi's poverty cycle and improved their quality of life greatly. The session continued with a sharing by three outstanding social entrepreneurs of Singapore, and ended with enriching Q&A.
Well, yes, the answer is largely expected. What they have in common is passion! And with the passion comes along the ideals that compelled them to be creative and innovative, the courage that braced them through harsh times, and the conviction that realizes their visions. A drop of passion at a time, if well-directed and sustained, would be a drive, strengthens you, and really opens door of opportunities! And, if I may add on, 'the best time is now!' Do not live a 'deferred life plan': telling yourself that you would do a lot of good things once you retire, own a mansion, etc etc. It would be too late then.
I can imagine the skeptics saying: 'It is very fortunate for the people who have found their passion. I am afraid I have none, or no long-lasting passion.' At this juncture, allow me to address this concern. I believe some people confuse the cause and effect. They believe that you excel at one area because you like it, not the other way around. Conversely, why not try to excel in whatever you are doing now, and let yourself fall in love with it? In other words, be damn good in whatever you are doing, so that others cannot ignore you. You will suddenly realize that you have the passion for it!
Allow me to add a story I heard at the conference to lighten up the mood. The speaker used to stay at NUS boarding, and he would stay up late and be hungry at 3AM! Only Mac Donald's would be available during such hours, and it would take a long time to arrive and costs quite a sum too. So they decided to start a business, by buying hawker center food which is 15 minutes away from the boarding, and selling them to the boarders for convenience for a nominal profit. They made their first fifty cents by walking back and forth. Then it changed to running. Then running won't suffice, they asked someone to cycle there. Then cycling too, does not suffice. The delivery guy for Mac Donald's lost his job, and worked for them instead. The motorcycle did not suffice, too. The hawker center uncle delivered the meals through his van. This is how a business started, and prospered. However, it is interesting to note that initially, everyone was telling him that his idea is absurd. In the end, the same people thanked him for providing convenience, making him feel great as he contributed to his community... with a spark of passion (and inconvenience)!
To end off, allow me to share an advice given by another speaker of the event. Smile. Talk to people. Expose yourself to different experiences. Get your hands dirty.
Have a good time unfolding your own myth!
Forever yours truly,
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