You Can Have Anything You Want

The year was 1975. A first year Harvard student, in the midst of reading a magazine article, suddenly blurted out, ‘A revolution is going to happen in the computer world and it’s going to happen without me?’ 'No way' he told his friend Paul, ‘I will lead this revolution!’ Gathering all his courage, with utter confidence in himself, the eighteen year-old dropped out from the university millions dream about and launched his very own business. He knew that if he waited for his graduation he would miss this opportunity. He was aware of his goal and he understood what he had to do. He was aware of the possible consequences of the risk he was taking. But he was confident: his risk was well calculated; no space for mistakes. Today, we know him as the legendary Bill Gates and his company still bears that same name….. ‘Microsoft’.

With this inspiring tale of multi billionaire Bill Gates’ insight and bravery, Mr. Saifur Rahman Khan, Managing Director of Saifur’s Coaching Center started his heart-warming speech on the importance of courage at the 10.30 session of Enlightenment Program on 1st of May, 2012. Besides Bill Gates, he didn’t forget to mention the other inspirational figures whose courage, along with their other qualities, took them to the pinnacle of success. Steve Jobs, founder of Apple, was also a college dropout like Bill Gates. Michael Dell, founder of Dell.Inc, was a 1st year dropout from the University of Texas at Austin. Seeing the freshman design a computer at his home, the father became curious and asked, ‘What are you doing? What's your plan?’ ‘I intend to beat IBM’, he replied in a matter-of-fact way. IBM was the most renowned company for computers at that time. Late Dhirubhai Ambani, founder of Reliance India and one of the richest persons in Asia, studied only up to grade 10.

Our country is not lagging behind in this list of exemplary tycoons. Akijuddin, founder of Akij Industries, never went to school. M. A. Hashem, founder of Partex Group, Abul Kalam Azad, founder of Azad Products and Abdul Khalek Pathan, owner of Keya Cosmetics Limited, all started from very humble beginnings.

These are not exceptions. A survey shows that 90% of the successful men on earth have come from very ordinary conditions. What took them to the height of success is their courage, initiative and willingness to take risks.

Many of us believe that extraordinary academic result is a must for a successful life. If a student can’t score straight A’s, GPA-5 or distinction, his or her life is worthless. We think that, science is the only subject available on earth and medical and engineering are the only worthwhile professions. But life is much, much bigger. He who fails today, will be tomorrow’s Akij, Ambani or Bill Gates. If everyone chooses their career wisely, ultimate success is a must.

Mr. Saifur also mentioned three rules for a successful career. First, identify the work you are good at and courageously aim for a career demanding that work. Second, find out what you like doing best and find someone who will pay you for that work. Third, choose the work you love. If someone can love his work, he will never have to work for the rest of his life. The work turns into his source of entertainment.

Opportunities keep on coming in our lives. They knock on our door very lightly. But if we are to take that opportunity, we will have to get up from the couch and bravely open the door. Only courage gives us that ability.

We sometimes confuse momentary failure with ultimate loss. Success is a marathon and not sprint. We must not deduce a conclusion at just one shot. Remember, failure is not fatal and when you see shadow, light must also be shining somewhere near. When the door of an opportunity closes, another door always opens. But we remain so engrossed in the grief of our loss that we don’t see the door that has just opened, or sometimes, we dare not to see. Our courage plays an important role here and it is this courage and self esteem that enables us to look for that opened door; enables us to bear a calculated risk and work for our goals.

And if you really want to get everything you desire, you must help others to fulfill their wants and desires.

Each and every successful human being whose name is written in the pages of history has exhibited remarkable courage throughout their life. This courage to aim, want, risk and work makes us immortal.