Chapter IIMagical Belief System
“The only way to do great work is to love what you do.
If you haven’t found it yet, keep looking. Don’t settle.”
Steve Jobs, co-founder of Apple Inc.
Loneliness Isn’t Always What It Seems
Did you love playing in the sun growing up? I did! Growing up with limited toys, I always enjoyed playing outside by myself and my pet as if I were cooking in my kitchen like my grandmother.
Playing outside in the sun with my pet, pretending to be cooking using mud, in the sun felt like having a break after completing my study and house chores. I became incredibly good at the house chores, so I got faster completing them. The faster I could do them, the quicker I could hone-in learning English grammar. Not to mention, I earned allowance for doing the house chores so that I could keep attending the English course.
Being alone early in my life meant I could be playing house outside or doing homework all by myself. I might get accustomed to the fact that I was always happy either being by myself, or I might not mind having a friend or two to play with. When I felt lonely, I found things to do; therefore, my loneliness wasn’t always what it seemed.
Whispers Of Self-Affirmation
Other than singing, I also believed that self-talk could be magical, even when no one else noticed my victorious moments. The self-talk worked well for me, sharing my own excitement. Another whisper of self-affirmation for me was self-belief. It was essential for me to believe in myself, even when I thought that no one else did.
Growing up by myself, I thought I was the only child that had to do things by myself, like the study and the chores. That also included when I celebrated exciting, happy moments by myself and in my own special way. My self-talk, “Good job!” or “There you go!” were my favorite expressions. Whether I was deep into my English books, pretending to cook in the sun, or silently commending herself, the self-talk and self-belief became my anchors, my belief system.
The belief system became my biggest cheerleader, my own reflection in the mirror. The belief system that sometimes made me wonder how far this could take me. Would this magical belief system shape my journey to be magical with discoveries of excitement along my path ahead?
Only time would tell.
Can you think back to a moment when you were able to hit a high note while singing in the shower? Or, when you were able to crack a puzzle that had been stumping you? Could you feel that rush of pride? That’s when I whispered self-affirmation to myself.
Believe Against All Odds
Have you ever encountered someone who truly believed they could fly? As a child, I often imagined soaring through blue skies with cardboard wings after finishing my homework and chores. This simple act of imagination freed my mind and sparked my creativity. My grandmother imparted a crucial lesson during those formative years - to always believe in good intentions, no matter how impossible things might seem.
The story of my eldest uncle, Uncle Minjee, serves as a powerful example of perseverance. Despite facing numerous challenges, he never gave up on his dream of studying Dutch. Even after completing his studies and encountering hardships, he remained focused on seizing every opportunity. Eventually, his determination led him to successfully establish a small business. My grandmother shared his journey not as a cautionary tale, but as a lesson in the power of belief.
My grandmother’s wisdom extended beyond individual stories. She often reminded me that when one door closes, we shouldn’t be discouraged. Instead, we should maintain faith in good intentions, as another door might be wide open for us. Her words still echo in my mind: “If you don’t believe in yourself, who will?” This simple yet profound question encouraged me to believe against all odds.
These childhood lessons about imagination, perseverance, and belief in good intentions have shaped my outlook on life. They remind me that even in the face of adversity, maintaining a positive mindset and believing in the best of any situation can lead to unexpected opportunities and personal growth.
The Backbone Of Success: The Work
When I became a teenager, my uncle and his family, who also had seven children, moved in to take care of my aging grandparents. My grandparents’ big house became livelier since then. Not only that, their move benefited me; the many chores that I did earlier were also shared with other children of my uncle. My chores got lighter, which meant I had more time for learning English and being more active in teaching Sunday School. It was a win for me.
I was no longer a lonely teenager and started enjoying having many discussions about new ideas with my cousin, Yudi Arto, who is one year younger than I am. He enjoyed reading management books, and growing up together with him, I had an opportunity to learn about management topics as well. When I got stuck trying to understand his reasoning, I enjoyed getting my uncle to get involved in the discussions during family dinner time. It helped both of us to learn deeper understanding together.
My uncle had become a strong influence, especially during my teenage years. He did not only welcome my concerns about college tuition, but also provided me with guidance that I learned about the whole complex process, from getting raw materials, making the snacks, and pricing them. My grandmother let me keep the profits towards my college account.
The lesson learned from this entrepreneurship mindset was precious and remained a strong experience in entrepreneurship in my early life. I learned that with good intentions, effort, and a bit of patience, I can always find a solution to any problems in front of me. It was how I felt about my life journey. Every challenge, every early morning, every penny saved – it was all a block in my tower of success, as my uncle repeatedly reminded me that success wasn’t just about luck. Importantly, it was about hard work and dedication as the backbone of success.
The Early Bird Catches The Worms
Do you remember the tales your parents or grandparents told you about waking up
