Impressed by Achievement, Not Wealth: A Shift in Perspective
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Chapter 1: The Illusion of Resources
We often hear phrases like, “I lack the resources,” “I don’t have enough money,” or “I don’t have the time.” These common excuses stem from a victim mentality that keeps us trapped in dissatisfaction. To escape this mindset, it’s essential to adopt a flexible perspective, believing that improving our situation is indeed possible.
Here are four remarkable stories of individuals who have accomplished incredible feats with minimal resources. I hope these examples motivate you.
Section 1.1: Creativity in Limitation
One filmmaker who embodies this principle is Hong Sang-soo. The South Korean director consistently seizes every opportunity to create new films. He uses the profits from his previous projects to finance his next ones and often writes scenes on the day of filming, working without a formal script. Over 26 years, he has produced 27 critically acclaimed films, earning recognition at prestigious festivals like San Sebastian and Cannes.
Section 1.2: Faith and Service
Mother Teresa, known as Anjezë Gonxhe Bojaxhiu, felt a divine calling early in life. Reflecting on her limited financial resources, she famously stated, “I have three cents and a dream to build an orphanage. With God, I know I can achieve this.” Her unwavering faith inspired countless others, ultimately allowing her to gather the necessary funds to establish numerous orphanages and aid homes. Her 50 years of dedication in the slums of Calcutta earned her the Nobel Peace Prize.
Chapter 2: The Power of Time
In a talk at Live Talks Los Angeles, Robert Greene shared insights about Toni Morrison, who, despite a demanding schedule, found time to write her first novel. After working as an editor until 7 PM, she would return home and, after caring for her children, start writing around 11 PM. Those late-night hours ultimately led to the completion of her groundbreaking work.
Section 2.1: Learning Through Experience
Richard Branson founded Virgin with little business acumen. He embraced his inexperience, surrounding himself with knowledgeable individuals and focusing on his vision. His first venture, a magazine called Student, paved the way for Virgin Records, where he signed his first major artist, Mike Oldfield, and produced the iconic album Tubular Bells. Branson went on to establish over 400 companies across various industries, proving that success comes from action and resilience.
In summary, it’s time to discard your excuses and pursue your dreams.
A.G.