From Metropolitan-Academy to the Ivy-Leagues of the world!
Hello everyone!
I want to emphasize the gravity of this: during my freshman years, my classmates at the university back home laughed when I shared my dream of studying at McGill. Time, however, has emerged as the ultimate validator, proving them all wrong. It took me several years to turn that dream into a winning reality. Not only did I achieve my goal by attending McGill University, but my journey also led me to the prestigious University of Oxford and the University of Cambridge for my advanced management studies. It's a testament to the power of perseverance and the unwavering pursuit of one's dreams.
No one could have predicted that a young lad from the humble corridors of 'Metropolitan Academy,' where I completed my primary schooling, would ascend to such remarkable heights of academic excellence and eventually find himself in a senior management professional role at a top Canadian telecom company. The burning question is, how did this seemingly improbable journey become a reality? Without a shadow of a doubt, it's a tale written with the ink of blessings from the Almighty and the heartfelt prayers of my parents and loved ones.
However, in this blog, I am eager to unveil three pivotal personality traits that have served as my compass throughout this extraordinary journey. These traits have not only silenced my adversaries but have also become the guiding stars leading me to achieve my goals. Let's delve into the narrative of belief, lifelong learning, and a no-care attitude towards critics that transformed dreams into successful realities.
As a sagacious individual once imparted, 'Life is difficult, but the moment you understand it, it becomes easy.' At every turn in our journey, we encounter challenges. New hurdles inevitably arise, accompanied by critics from all walks of life who, with no positive impact on your personal development, mock your goals, ridicule your dreams, and question your ability to achieve them. The barrage of skepticism may reach a point where you start doubting yourself, your vision, and, ultimately, your belief.
In my daily pursuits, I witness talented individuals throwing in the towel simply because someone, somewhere said they're not good enough. It pains me to see these talented souls surrendering to external voices. To them, I say: remember, losing belief in yourself is equal to losing everything. Conversely, holding onto your belief is possessing everything. Belief fortifies you, guides you on the right path, and illuminates the best course of action. If you believe it, you will see it. It's as simple as that.
Secondly, I have always embraced a learner's mindset. The pursuit of knowledge excites me and keeps my curiosity alive, unveiling endless possibilities that have truly assisted me in navigating the ever-changing environment and staying relevant. My commitment to lifelong learning transcends the mere accumulation of monetary wealth; rather, it is about achieving life balance, peace, and a clear sense of direction. Based on my experiences, I firmly believe that lifelong learning is the key trait for ultimate success in all spheres of life.
As someone once wisely noted, the best investment you can make in your life is the investment in yourself. By investing in yourself, you acquire knowledge and skills that reduce the time spent on less important matters, allowing you to dedicate more time to activities that bring you joy. While the impact of this investment may not be immediately visible, the commitment to lifelong learning can significantly shape and enhance your life over time.
For the final trait, I'd like to quote Winston Churchill, who expressed it brilliantly: 'You will never reach your destination if you stop and throw stones at every dog that barks.' Some individuals criticize not because we are doing something wrong but out of habit, as they find problems in every solution. Remember, a statue has never been set up in honor of a critic. So, you shouldn't mind them, and they shouldn't matter in your life.
This brings us to the end of this blog. Please note that I am certainly not a life guru who can guide you. I am just a very ordinary person who has set extraordinary goals in life. I hope that the silver lining I've gained in my academic and professional journey will inspire you in your lives as well. If a humble soul like mine can do it, then you can do it too!
With all green lights,
Gracias!
AKBAR
