Sometimes, we get our inspiration in the oddest of places. We see people accomplish what they seemed to think impossible and watching them we get inspired to strive to be the best that we can be ourselves. Such was the case with me as I was watching the finale of one of the seasons of the Great British Baking Show.

If you have never seen the show, I suggest you take a look if you have Netflix. All the seasons are out there and it is a rare look into compassion and competition without the backbiting and negativity that often accompanies our competition shows. The person that moved me the most in this season was Nadia, a Bangladesh woman who took a chance and risk despite her reservations and self doubt. To watch her grow and challenge herself throughout the ten episodes was something special to watch. What she said after the finale was something that touched my heart. She said, “I’m never going to say I can’t do it. I’m never going to say maybe. I’m never going to say I think I can. I can and I will”.

What is more powerful than that. As we go through life wanting to do and accomplish that which we desire, it is often the second guessing of ourselves that keeps from that which we want most. Because we don’t challenge what we perceive as our limitations, we assume that we are not capable or worthy, when in reality we can do far more than we could ever imagine if we only believe. When we are willing to take the risk, the possibilities are endless. Each failure becomes a stepping stone to success, if only we find the will to persevere and carry on. As each step leads us to the next, we suddenly find ourselves having accomplished that which we never thought possible.

There have been many ups and downs in my life that led to where I am today. I bombed out of my first year of college not knowing what I was going to do next. I left the Air Force after four years not having any idea where my life was taking me. I held different jobs that never seemed to gel. Finally, one day I started believing in myself and stopped questioning my limitations and focused on my possibilities. Taking a chance on me led to a Bachelors, MBA, 30+ year career in the pharmaceutical and healthcare network industry and to become the head of a not for profit that is doing amazing things in the senior community.

Converting I don’t think I can into I think I can is no easy task. It takes hard work, self reflection, dedication and the will to see through the mire even where there is no light at the end of the tunnel. It is also not a one and done. It is a life long effort that when executed provides you with a life that is fulfilling and wonderful.

So, on this day, I thank Nadia from that little baking show from across the pond. I thank her for reminding me to reflect, remember and celebrate the fact that hard work and believing in yourself pays off. We all have the tools that we need within ourselves to succeed if we only believe that we can. Well done Nadia!

Have a great day and remember to be the reason someone smiles.

Ron

Mornings with Ron is now available as a podcast on iHeart Radio, anchor.fm, Apple Podcast, Google Podcast, Spotify and most podcast sites.

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