Some people can’t believe in themselves until someone else believes in them first.
– Robin Williams (Good Will Hunting)
I came across this quote the other day and it had me thinking…it helps more than you could ever know when someone decides to give you a chance.
Growing up my mother always believed me, and never let me feel like I couldn’t accomplish my goals. I was lucky enough to always have someone there to believe in me from the start, but I know there are those out there who don’t have that kind of support
I also had my teachers, neighbors, and friends that had faith in me, but all it takes is one person. In my senior year of high school I knew I did not have the grades or the money to get into Syracuse, but I had a dream, and I always knew one little break could get me there.
There was an admissions office worker I met when I visited Syracuse who really pushed my case and supported me through the application process. Without her, my life would be completely different. Going to Syracuse was a turning point in my life.
Another guy who gave me a chance was Jim Beard, who gave me my dream job out of college as a Management Trainee in the employee cafeteria at the Hyatt hotel in Baltimore. Jim showed me the difference between management and leadership. He also showed me the importance of a team; how all of us are better than some of us. I have tried to instill everything Jim taught me all those years ago into the way I run Steiner Sports today.
I always believed in my ability to achieve my dreams, but couldn’t actually pursue them until someone else believed in me first.
All it takes sometimes is one break, from one person, with one decision.
As parents, teachers, bosses, and leaders, we need to believe in those who we feel have potential. You never know what someone is capable of until you give them the opportunity to prove it to you.
We all face times of self-doubt, but if you surround yourself with people that will instill confidence, you're on a path for success.
Thank you to all the teachers, bosses and friends in the neighborhood who gave me so many opportunities throughout my life and motivated me to go after what I wanted.
Never forget you could be the person to change someone’s life…
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I read your essay this morning and it put a smile on my face. You delivered the perfect message at the exact time I needed to read it.
Brandon -
Once again, you brought a tear to my eyes and put a lump in my throat with today’s Blog.
Right before writing this message, I forwarded your Blog to the wife of the PR agency owner/president who believed in me back in Dec. ‘73 when I had no idea what PR was and hired me to be a “junior writer” at his firm. That same man, Morris Silver, is in his 90’s now and still very much involved in the agency he founded (which is now run day-to-day by his wife).
You made my day — and I believe there’s, too. Thanks.
Ira