Boxing Wisdom

I love to play golf although some people find it silly.  Silly because you hit the ball and then you run after it.  There is another sport that some people find silly, and that is boxing.  Some people can’t comprehend why hitting someone in the face can be enjoyable to watch.  Silly or not, this sport has given us exceptional personalities whose power impacts our lives.  One of these powerful individuals is Muhammad Ali.

Muhammad Ali exudes a presence that is felt by those who come into direct contact with him and experienced by those who hear him speak.  He speaks a lot, in and out of the ring. He inspires and changes lives with his wisdom.  Ali fights not just on the ring.  His fight is a fight for life, for equality and a fight to make a difference.  

Following are some of my favorite Ali quotes that have spoken so much to me and have been my inspirations.

“The man who views the world at 50 the same as he did at 20 has wasted 30 years of his life.”   Our world is more challenging now than it was during the time of our parents.  We need to keep evolving … evolving our businesses; otherwise, your business will cease to exist.  Our parents did not imagine that there will be another means to communicate… the internet.  Because of the internet, we get to more clients than people generations ago.  Thus, we need to adapt to this new technology to compete and succeed.  If we don’t evolve, we will be left behind. 

“It isn't the mountains ahead to climb that wear you out; it's the pebble in your shoe.” Choose positive words.  Anger, hatred, unforgiveness, frustration, regret will wear you down.  If you want to be successful you need to forgive and forget the bad past.  These are excess baggage that will slow you down on you ascend to the mountain of success.

“I am an ordinary man who worked hard to develop the talent I was given.”  Success does not come easy; you need to work hard and sacrifice to achieve your goals.  Use your talents and resources you have to reach your goals.  Be creative and focus.  It will be a delight when you reach your destination and laugh as you look down on the struggles you faced along the way.  Now that you are at the top, you will have a different perspective.  What you thought before as insurmountable struggles are now just small stuff.

“I set out on a journey of love, seeking truth, peace and understanding. I am still learning.”   Education does not end after receiving a degree.  Learning is not just in the school building.  Everyday is an opportunity to learn because life is an endless journey and it is full of lessons to be learned.  We must be willing to accept challenges and not allow our mistakes and misfortunes to define who we are as individuals.

“Truly great people in history never wanted to be great for themselves.” We must live unselfishly, willing to do greater good so that those we leave behind will have a better place to live in. 

“At night when I go to bed, I ask myself, 'If I don't wake up tomorrow, would I be proud of how I lived today.'” Live each day like it's your last. Never pass up on an opportunity; it knocks only once. Stay ambitious, seeking more goals as you reach each step of success.  Make a lasting impression, always seeking to help others. Always seek to be the best version of yourself everyday. 

So, if you think boxing is silly; look at the nuggets of wisdom one of its greatest icons has given us.