“Live your best virtues and principles in difficult/challenging times.”

“Live your best virtues and principles in difficult/challenging times.”

“Live your best virtues and principles in difficult/challenging times.” This quote means that we should stick to our values, even during trying periods when it is convenient to put them aside. As a business leader, I have learnt that virtue is what brings out the best of a person and keeps them going when things are tough. Sometimes the rigors of multifaceted projects drain my energy and discourage me, but it is self-discipline that helps me endure and succeed. It is temperance that allows me to delay fulfillment as a trade-off for greater success in the long-term. Fortitude helps me conquer the numerous trials of the corporate world: it gives me the momentum even in the face of tough situations. Strength, courage, and resilience are what give me the edge in my profession during trying times.

“Lack of evidence should not derail your faith; stay focused and keep the faith.” This quote means that one should not be discouraged by the disappointments of an endeavor but should hold on and continue believing. As an entrepreneur, encountering setbacks that cast a dark shadow on a project that I care deeply about is very disheartening. However, experience has taught me that these moments of restlessness are also the times, if one has a little faith, when one’s unrelenting determination, critical to success, is developed. The dispiriting times reveal certain character traits that would have been improbable to discover any other way in addition to sparking persistent levels of creativity. In fact, the times that I was discouraged by lack of evidence are also the times when my greatest victories materialized.

“I need you to value and treat you the way they need to value and treat you.” This quote means that we can teach other people to treat us with respect if we respect ourselves first. Growing up, I had trouble looking at myself and being comfortable with what I saw: I had some negative feelings about myself and very little self-respect.  This self-loathing adversely affected all my interactions. I tried pleasing everyone except myself and a number of people took me for granted. However, when I learnt to change my choices and attitudes toward myself and life in general, I began having control over my interactions. I refused to be disrespected, stood up for myself, and unashamedly spoke my truth.

“Be grateful and rejoice while pursuing your goals; happiness transcends.” This quote means that one should take pride in chasing after their dreams as that is a source of inexpressible joy. I made sure that I enjoyed my job as a location independent entrepreneur after learning that I was spending a large chunk of my life at work. It was after finding joy in my career that I discovered that life can be pleasurable indeed. I now lose myself in my work that time ceases to matter. I feel I am doing something meaningful and get fulfilled by it. I am excited to wake up and do not mind the struggle. More importantly, I am content and have found my purpose in life.

“Always be skeptical of the convenient of narratives.” This quote means that we should be suspicious of stories that while rewarding and inspiring, do not focus on the complex unplanned consequences of human action. There are numerous narratives that attribute a linear and discernable cause-and-effect chain to the way one understands the business world. As an entrepreneur, I realize that the explanations offered by these narratives are not entirely predictive of future success or failure because both are more complicated than the reductive stories allow. I have come to understand that convenient narratives are dangerous because too often, they are made more real than they are. I am very wary of applying any views from convenient narratives in real life because that would be presumptuous and would most likely be detrimental.

“You are the choice you make; blame no one but you.” This quote means that one is the result of his or her actions and therefore the person can only blame himself or herself. Life is a mixed bag and there are both successes and failures. While triumphs and disappointments are part and parcel of life, I have learnt that it is the decisions an individual makes that eventually determine if a person succeeds or fails. Everyone is the master of their fortune and therefore, no one can blame another or fault external circumstances for failing to succeed. In fact, taking accountability for your failure is the first step towards learning the valuable lessons life has to offer and becoming successful.

“After darkness there is always light; nothing lasts forever, good, bad and ugly; please, smile while you are at it here.” This quote means both good and hard times are fleeting and one quickly follows the other: It is consequently right for one to be at ease during both periods. Successes and failures are the lot of every entrepreneur. While I want to make my life full of triumphs and happiness, I cannot negate the probability of sorrows and failures. To achieve great success, I must go through my own share of disappointments. I cannot allow myself to despair when I suffer a loss, at the same time, I cannot allow myself to be sidetracked by a victory. I must remain composed and understand that these events are the order of life.

“In darkness we move closer to see, touch and feel each other; always know that you are never alone.” This quote means that during challenging times, people draw towards each other and that there is always someone to comfort you during challenging periods. During trying times, I seek out my team members and friends who soothe, calm, as well as nourish my feelings besides providing me with the necessary reassurance I need. I feel safe in the company of my team members and friends with whom I share a spirit of closeness and familiarity and who I work cooperatively with for common ends. I know that I am not alone because I have a broad support network that supports me and which I can open up to unreservedly.

“Trust self and do something great, never wait for permission.” This quote means that one should have faith in oneself to do great things by boldly chasing after their goals. As a businessperson, I have learnt that impulsivity, despite the strong negative connotations, is sometimes an asset in entrepreneurship. Believing in oneself and acting under uncertainty is a central premise of free enterprise. To do something great in the corporate world, one must trust themselves sufficiently to make decisions concerning tentative business opportunities, quickly engage in action before the window closes, and either enjoy success or learn from the experience. For that reason, to get ahead, one must be self-assured enough to confidently chase after his or her goals.

“Be proud that chameleons cannot change you, even though all you want to do is change.” This quote means that we should be pleased when we remain true despite the unpredictability around us and our desire to transform. I am happy that despite the inconstancy of many businesspeople, I have strived to be constant in my opinions and behavior in all situations. I have remained faithful and dependable even when I want transformation. Ironically, it is this constancy of purpose that has often driven change. As a leader, I must be steadfast, persistent, and loyal to effect needed modifications in the workplace. I have developed trust by being consistent and judicious in the implementation of policy and measures. It is that quality of faithfulness and reliability that supports the leadership constancy critical in driving change.