The 20 Something Year Old Entrepreneur

Mohandas K. Gandhi once said, “A man is but a product of his thoughts; what he thinks, that he becomes.”

When you think about it, there are many things, factors, that shapes who we become.  These factors are different for everyone, but Gandhi is right (no surprise there…).  Our thoughts are probably the most powerful weapons we have and control that mold us into the individuals we are today.  What’s interesting for me is yoga really brought those thoughts out and it’s helping me get through this tough patch right now.  There’s something about lying in savasana that helps me relax and focus on me.

One of the things that I’ve realized is how important quotes are in my life and it’s funny where some of these quotes come from.  Just the other day I shared a quote with a friend and of all places, it came from a Disney movie.  This quote is one of the things/thoughts that is driving me today:

“What’s the one thing all great teams have in common?  Defense.  See, unlike scoring, defense never quits.  But to play great defense you need one thing above all else.  Confidence.  Listen, if you learn nothing else when you’re here, you learn this alright?  This is not about hockey.  It’s easy to be confident when you have control of the puck.  It’s very, very difficult to keep that confidence when you gotta take whatever strange bounces life throws your way.  Don’t be careless, but don’t be too careful either.  You cannot be afraid to lose.  That’s how you gain the confidence to attack the game when the puck isn’t yours.  That’s how you attack life…even when you think you don’t have any control.  And that’s how you play real defense.” – Coach Orion

As I move forward with Sports Yoga Hawaii, I know there’s a lot to be done to make this company succeed.  “The struggles I’m facing.  The chances I’m taking.  Sometimes might knock me down but no, I’m not breaking.  I may not know it but these are the moments I’m going to remember most, yeah.  Just gotta keep going.” – Miley Cyrus (yes Hannah Montana)

Coach Boone said, “I don’t scratch my head unless it itches and I don’t dance unless I hear some music.  I will not be intimidated.  That’s just the way it is.” And this is how I’m attacking Sports Yoga Hawaii.  People may say I’m crazy trying to start a business in this economic environment, but I’m not intimidated.  I just need to remember, “that the opposite of SUCCESS is not FAILURE, it’s MEDIOCRITY.” – Someone on a Podcast I was listening to.

As I welcome an intern(s) to the Sports Yoga Hawaii family I must remember, “A great player who is not a team player is not a great player.  Lewis Alcindor was a great team player.  Why?  Because his first priority was the success of the team, even at the expense of his own statistics.” – John Wooden.  (Lewis Alcindor aka Kareem Abdul-Jabbar).

Coach John Wooden also taught me, “to expect failure – the missed basket – and be ready to do what comes next: a tip-in, rebound, fast break, or something else.  Don’t just stand around waiting to see if the ball goes in.  Assume it won’t; get ready to respond quickly and correctly…In any context, basketball or business, what happens after a missed opportunity, mistake, or failure is crucial.  Perfection is impossible.  Capitalizing on imperfection – mistakes – makes all the difference.”

If you find yourself stuck in a rut just remember, “hakuna matata.  It means no worries for the rest of your days.” Lie in the savasana pose and get in touch with your inner self.  However you do it, “Cool Runnings.  It means Peace Be The Journey.”

What are some of your favorite quotes?