FEATURE: Set goals and pursue them relentlessly

By Timothy A. Edward

Life can be tough, and doing business can be very exhausting. But never give up, never give in. Everyone is destined for greatness in some way, and you are no exception. You are of great value and born to achieve victories. What is the inner dream or vision that you keep waking up with? Hold on to that dream and do your best to achieve that vision - the rest will become history.

Learn from historical figures

History is full of examples of how failures, rejections, and mistakes have become some of the best-known, best-selling products in the world. For example, Abraham Lincoln failed in business and love and had many political defeats. Despite everything saying "no way," he did not give up and eventually became the president of the United States, steering America during one of its most difficult times. Then take Walt Disney.  He was fired by a newspaper for lack of ideas and faced bankruptcy many times before building Disneyland. Finally, Henry Ford is another classic example. He went bankrupt five times before his business model became a success.

Decide on your vision

First, decide on your vision and where you will put your energy. A great example is Sir Winston Churchill, who was born two months premature on November 30, 1874. Despite a challenging childhood and a speech impediment, he served in the army, travelled, wrote to newspapers, and then pursued journalism and politics. His vision and determination made him the prime minister in 1940, where his courageous leadership saved Great Britain from a seemingly certain defeat in World War II.

Persevere through challenges

The world seems poised for a third world war, due to the ongoing battles and with trade tariffs now looming as another forerunner. Doing business will get tougher, but to achieve anything worthy or significant, we must go through a narrow path. It will never come in a bed of roses.

At a recent funeral, I met a 75-year-old gentleman who served as a senior journalist and continues to work actively. He shared that despite many challenges, he never gave up. His secret? "I always say a small prayer in my heart and keep moving forward."

Trust in divine providence

Divine providence keeps moving us forward in such small steps that we might not even notice. Yet, after many years, we can see the Hand that steers the world has been steering our paths as well. In the process, it transforms us. My former boss once said, "Spend time with children, then it will transform the way you work with them and advocate for their rights." Words of wisdom.

Business as a force for good

Businesses can find lasting solutions to poverty and hunger, provide worthwhile employment opportunities, and lift the standards of women and single-parent households. They can share technical know-how and support vocational education. The list is endless.

Story of Andrew Carnegie

His father was a handloom weaver and earned a decent living for the family.  However, the mechanised looms changed it all and there was no demand for handloom weavers. When this happened, the Carnegie family’s living standards started to go down and his mother opened a grocery store and mended shoes to earn extra money. Reflecting on those days, Carnegie said this experience taught him ‘what poverty meant’ as he watched his father beg for work. And, he resolved that when he grew up, he would provide jobs for hardworking people.  History tells that Andrew Carnegie grew to become a man of outstanding work ethics and dedication and went to become one of the wealthiest men and greatest philanthropists of his day. Hard work and relentless pursuit of his goals made Andrew Carnegie, from once being an impoverished son of an unemployed weaver, to what the world later called ‘the richest man in the world’.

When we set our minds to accomplish our goals, work hard toward them, take responsibility, and seize opportunities, then, we will achieve our goals and make a difference in our lives and in the lives of everyone we come in contact with.