| When an amazing man named George Dawson died years ago, he left an indelible legacy that can, in many, dramatically impact the lives of each of us. His is a legacy of perseverance, dedication and a refusal to be stymied by the fear of failure.George Dawson was 103 years old when he died; he was 98 when he took his first step to learn how to read. He didn’t care what others thought or said. He didn’t care about those who asked why he would pursue such a goal at such an advanced age. He didn’t care that in whatever classroom he would sit he would be the focal point, the object of curiosity, stares and whispers; may be even the object of nasty jokes. He didn’t even care that he might not be able to do it and could fall flat on his face. He just knew it was something he wanted, and despite the obstacles, it was something he had to pursue, no matter how much he feared what might, or might not happen.
“I never would have known if I could do it if I hadn’t at least tried to do it” he said once. Dawson tried and succeeded and eventually went on to write a book: life is so good, sharing tidbit of wisdom while outlining his incredible life journey, a journey that kept him out of school as a boy because he had to work to support his family. But even at 98, he took the first step to realize a long-cherished dream. The kind of step that so many of us never take, can’t take, won’t take simply because we are frozen in the paralyzing grip of fear, more specifically, the fear of failure. All of us can learn a life-changing lesson from Dawson: who was a glowing testament to the power of perseverance, an example of success against odds. He didn’t just learn to read, he became a model and an inspiration for all those who don’t have the courage to take the first step and simply try, more specifically frozen in the paralyzing grip of fear. The fear of failure prevents you from doing that great thing you wish to do. If you trace the history of any successful person, you’ll probably find a string of failure, disappointment and rejection that infiltrated their lives before there was a celebration of triumph. So there is nothing wrong with a bit of failure, as long as you’re not overwhelmed by it, consumed by it or paralyzed by it. BOTTOM LINE; how will you ever know what’s yours to have if you never take the first step to find out what’s within your reach? If you have a dream, live it. If you have a hope, chase it. If you have a desire to succeed, don’t let the fear of failure prevent it. Let’s meet at the acme. – AOD Oluwafemi |
