“Straight into the mouth of the unknown”-Call Me, by artist Shinedown

Each and every day, I am confronted with the same daunting question. In some instances, it’s more of an influx of scrambled and somewhat puzzled question mark signs ??? that once aggregated, all point back to the exact same core Question: Given it’s not rhetorical; so it cannot be left unanswered. Here lies ones never ending frustration, which I believe amazingly, leads to ones greatness.

Looking back, I often ponder as to whether my entire future was subconsciously mapped out by an extremely vigilant, intuitive and rebellious little girl. When I was just knee high, I’m certain I began to comprehend that this little world I was growing up in, was by no means big enough for what I had planned. And yet, those plans were not even a twinkle in my eye at that point, nowhere near my grasp. At that age, I built into my thought process, a certain mentality. My simple philosophy has got me a long way, physically, geographically and mentally.

Think BIG! Act BIG, Be BIG! Aim BIGGER!

Thus began my quest for a life, action packed with all kinds of experiences, both in business growth and personal growth. My thirst for adventure created a built-in excitement for risk taking. The consequences of these activities had me welcoming failure with open arms. Or what I called fearless failure. As it came evident, that each time I screwed up; I learnt from that mistake tenfold. This ultimately fueled my constant hunger for knowledge, and always put me one step ahead of the game.

Early on, this unruly child was labeled as being ‘different’ from the other classmates. A bit of a loner at times. Yet when spoken to, always had a sharp answer to everything. Both in the classroom, and on the playground.

By not having much interaction with TV or video games (my father preferred we listen to music when at home), I grew up very unenthused by the normal Mind-Zen: TV, video games, sports, even movies. I found it dull and uninspiring watching other people’s lives, as opposed to actually living. So I never immersed myself in anything that I perceived generated zero benefit to me. And anyway, Nickelodeon didn’t come close to my favorite show..

Thus, I was not a cast member on this particular show, nor was I a part of the audience. But – I was on set. Right in the centre of this 3D animation coming to life all around me. While capturing the behaviors of such an array of different larger than life characters I met each day, witnessing their craft evolve into a masterpiece over the course of time, observing the interaction between the boss and the staff, and the staff and the customers was astonishing. So many types of communication styles, for so many different purposes, addressing many different types of people. It amazed me:

The favorite character by far was the leading actor. The other cast members addressed him as “Boss”, “CEO” , ‘Sir” , “The tough guy”. I always saw him as the Willy Wonka of his empire. He seemed to be the one that made all the magic happen. Unfortunately his empire was lacking a chocolate river! Plus, he was admittedly a little crazy, always pretty hard on them, nevertheless, they always seemed to look up to, and seek leadership from the guy I addressed as – my father.

All the while, I managed to stay invincible. Unlike Veruca Salt, my intent wasn’t to be the center of attention. Instead, I preferred the excitement of peeking through the stage curtains, and gazing admirably over at the show that was taking place on stage each day.

The ramifications that a young sprout encounters from having a naive view on the business world, without being taught, mentored or guided, led to a perceived advantage gained that I am always truly thankful for today. I acquired a burning hunger to continue learning, and had no intent to stop. Particularly in my case, because it gave me a desire to experience the learning process via life itself. First hand!!
At a young age, I decided to channel my energy, anxiety, ignorance, and enthusiasm into a course of action. The first day of my life began the day I spontaneously announced my ‘plans’. While waving farewell to my home, family, friends and familiarities … I realized I wasn’t scared. As I was about to embark on an adventure where I could create/be anyone or anything I desired. It was a journey of oneself. I believe in taking risks. Staying safe means staying still. Risk taking makes the world go round. While at the same time, creates opportunities for those unwilling to take a leap of faith.

This continual journey, this evolution, this quest to better oneself; all stemmed from the same daunting Question I asked myself as a little girl: It’s the same Question I continue to ask myself each and every day:

“What is the next step I must take to make my dreams a reality? By becoming the best version of me”

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