Sometimes we
wake up feeling very excited about a day. We expect a perfect day where we will
amongst other things engage in activities set for it with no buts coming our
way. Occasionally, we do have unique plans, and we wish that nothing goes wrong
about the plan(s). When we manage to live a day as planned, it is always our
moment of glory. However, when we face obstacles right from the very beginning,
then it’ll take more than endurance to wield through.
Since last
year, I got involved in an environmental project. Ran by a group of students, it seeks to
transform the waste sector in my community. As a group of students, we face a
major challenge of factoring in adequate time to learn more about waste
management in our society while also spending time in weekly to monthly
activities around environmental management and conservation. Sometimes a month
or semester elapses and we don’t quite meet our goals. But we have never at any
time thought about quitting. There are many things in life that an individual
may not be sure about, but when you finally identify what you are passionate
about, then no one can stop you from pursuing it. Perhaps that’s one reason why
I have personally devoted my time and energy to ensure that I will gain the
necessary competency and skills to see the dream of proper waste management
translate into action.
In a real
world, I have come to understand more than ever before that you never reach
your limit without a constant flow and blow of obstacles. Obstacles will always
rain on you. I sit down today and wonder
whether to just let go of an opportunity whose occurrence probability is very
slim. I have talked to the “right persons” about a certain pathway to take and
most of them suggested a ‘no, back off or try something else or this is not
going to work’. The most discouraging of them all was this particular morning
when my own professor made me feel stupid and reckless by the kind of attitude
and thoughts he shared. I got to a point where I began questioning my sanity
and non-relenting attitude especially because that was not the first “I suggest
you drop it” advice echoed to me in barely a fortnight. Yes it may not work,
but can’t we always try and get to the ‘no it didn’t sail through point?’ Why
is human nature more discouraging often that pursuing? If it were not for the constant
trial nature even when one is losing a million times, then we wouldn’t be in
the progressive world we see today.
Having felt
terribly laid back and discouraged, I am not about to stop. I am pushing our
idea through until the very end where the judge’s verdict may give us a reason
to stop. Only then will I be content even upon getting an answer of “No try
next time”. My mind is continuously whispering the little words ‘never
underestimate the power of trying’. And if you can’t try then don’t be the
fellow who is always quick to make a final negative comment towards a
motivated/passion-driven mind. Because it’s only by that extra scoop of passion
that we get things done differently.
