Thursday, October 23, 2014

THERE IS AN USAIN BOLT IN ALL OF US



Usain in his signature pose. Shooting for the stars in his discipline
Credit: http://www.fih.ch/ 
The London 2012 Olympics was a festival that will endure in the minds and hearts of millions of people for years to come. It was marked by the breaking of old records and invariably the setting of new ones, and the creation of new stars in various events. Of all the stars that graced the festival, one reigned supreme. It was the indomitable, incomparable Usain Bolt. He breezed through the 100 metres and 200 metres events like there was no real competition for him. And indeed, there was no real competition for the super athlete.


Once again Bolt is first to cross the line, earning him the gold
Credit: http://www.footballworldcupnews.com/
I vividly recall a group of young ladies gushing about Usain Bolt's athletic prowess and dominance as he took to the track for the start of a 100 metre race at the Olympics. II also remember the look of jealousy on the faces of nearby young boys as they wished that they were in Bolt's spiked shoes and the object of the ladies' praises.

You see, the fact simply is that there is an Usain Bolt in all of us. All it takes is the identification of what you are good at - and also passionate about - the discipline to dedicate ourselves to the development of our talent/gift/craft, and the boldness to grasp the opportunities that will eventually come your way. Discipline, like I said in one of my earlier posts (DISCIPLINE YOURSELF FOR SUCCESS' SAKE) is the most crucial ingredient for success. Without it no great success can be achieved. However the fact remains that no matter how disciplined you are and adept at your craft, success will elude you if you lack the courage to jump at opportunities to exhibit your talent and begin your journey on the narrow, rarely-taken path of success (it is not a destination). 

For instance, regardless of how good a footballer is, if he does not go for football club trials or play in public places where he can be discovered by a scout, his chances of ever playing professional football are at best slim and at worst, nonexistent. If Usain Bolt had not exhibited his athletic potential at Primary and Secondary School, he would never have had the opportunity to take part in the 2001 IAAF World Youth Championships in Debrecen, Hungary - where his performance was not nearly as distinguished as it always is nowadays -  which was a stepping stone to greater things such as his dominance at the Beijing 2008 Olympics and 2012 London Olympics.


Catch me if you can:Usain Bolt Coasts home with ease in the 100m final at London 2012.
Credit:Credit: http://www.independent.co.uk
It will always remain a fact that for success to be attained, preparation and preparedness must meet opportunity; preparation (the honing of one's talent/gift) and the preparedness (readiness) to seize any opportunity that presents itself. Go on then, give your inner Usain Bolt a chance to shine.

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