One of the most admirable traits I’ve observed in these CEOs is their humility. They openly acknowledge past mistakes and poor decisions, viewing them not as failures but as opportunities for learning and improvement.
“The things that we want takes time.”
What is it that you’re striving to achieve, yet it remains a work in progress? Whether winning a competition, passing a licensure exam, securing a promotion, or pursuing other goals, success isn’t instantaneous—it requires time and perseverance. Throughout the journey, doubts may arise, and there may even be moments when quitting seems tempting. However, it’s crucial to remember that worthwhile achievements take time to materialize.
Reflecting on my own experiences, I recall my elementary days spent training rigorously for hours each day to win in table tennis tournaments. It took two years of dedicated effort before I earned my first medal. Was it challenging? Absolutely. Did it require countless hours of training? Without a doubt. Was it worth it? Undoubtedly, it remains one of my most cherished memories. Not only did I achieve my goal, but I also gained friendships through shared passion and practice. These experiences taught me to persevere even if it takes time to achieve the goal, and the sense of accomplishment was truly rewarding.
As we grow older, our ambitions often become more ambitious and complex. Whether aiming for that promotion, pursuing an MBA, or launching a dream business, these goals demand planning and steadfast dedication. Entering into these pursuits requires acknowledging that success won’t come overnight. When I embarked on my MBA journey, I anticipated challenges, but I didn’t fully grasp the extent of the obstacles ahead. Despite the difficulties, I am still trying to remain steadfast, knowing that enduring the challenges will ultimately lead to growth and achievement.
In recent months, hearing from various CEOs has underscored this lesson. They, too, have faced setbacks and uncertainties in their journeys. Behind their established brands lie years of perseverance and resilience, overcoming challenges to establish and solidify their businesses. Their stories serve as a reminder that character and values are cultivated during the waiting period for success to manifest.
One of the most admirable traits I’ve observed in these CEOs is their humility. They openly acknowledge past mistakes and poor decisions, viewing them not as failures but as opportunities for learning and improvement. These experiences shape their leadership and decision-making, enabling them to make wiser choices in the future and steer their companies toward sustained success.
In life, achieving meaningful goals requires embracing the journey, recognizing that success is a sum of time, effort, and resilience. It’s about enduring the challenges, learning from setbacks, and persistently pursuing excellence. Each setback is an opportunity to learn and grow, making you more resilient and adaptable, and knowing that every step forward contributes to personal growth and eventual success.
The author is an MBA student at the Ramon V. Del Rosario College of Business of De La Salle University. She wrote this reflection paper for her class on Trends and Issues in Business and Management: CEO Series. She can be reached at madeleine_a_si@dlsu.edu.ph.
The views expressed above are the author’s and do not necessarily reflect the official position of DLSU, its faculty, and its administrators.
