What if your greatest transformation is just one step away? How often do we feel stuck, thinking it’s too late to change direction? The Chinese proverb, “回头是岸” (Turning back is the shore) teaches us that it’s never too late to change course in life. This powerful idea can guide us in personal growth, leadership, and overcoming challenges. In this article, I’ll share how this proverb has influenced my journey and how it can inspire resilience, transformation, and courageous leadership.
Leadership and the Power of Pivoting
As I reflected on the past weekend with my kids and conversations with people around me, I noticed that many feel limited by their circumstances, unable to achieve their goals due to fear or self-doubt. As leaders, it’s our responsibility to challenge this mindset, encouraging our teams to take risks, try new things, and even break old rules to create new ones.
At Stellar, we emphasize resilience as a core pillar of our culture. We believe that every setback is an opportunity to pivot and learn. Great leaders embrace two key traits that are essential for navigating change: adaptability and vision. Adaptability allows leaders to respond swiftly to challenges, while vision helps them guide their teams toward new possibilities, even in the face of uncertainty. By fostering these traits in ourselves and others, we build a culture where growth thrives.
Interestingly, children often show more resilience than adults. They try, fail, and try again without the fear of judgment, while adults are burdened by pride or fear of failure. As we grow older, our willingness to take risks fades. Yet, many of our greatest successes are the result of risks we once embraced. Our challenge as leaders is to rekindle that courage, both in ourselves and in those we lead.
Personal Transformation
In 2012, I came across an anti-smoking ad that said, “Every day without smoking brings benefits to your lungs.” It reminded me that no matter how long we’ve been on the wrong path, there’s always hope for change. This message resonated deeply with me because, for most of my life, I had avoided physical activity. As a child, my focus was on academics, and my health suffered as a result.
In my late 20s, inspired by people around me—mentors, friends, and doctors—I started running marathons. Though inconsistent at first, I gradually built a habit. Each step forward reinforced the belief that it’s never too late to change, no matter how long you’ve neglected an area of your life.
A Journey of Strength and Resilience
A turning point came during a basketball game with my mentor. I realized how weak I was physically, and his advice to build strength pushed me to take action. Soon after, I met a dedicated bodybuilder named Samuel, whose passion for fitness deepened my commitment to health.
In 2017, during an event with UCSI Group, my newborn son was distressed by the noise, and my wife carried him for hours. Watching her struggle, I felt guilty for not being strong enough to help. That moment became my motivation to take fitness more seriously.
When the pandemic hit and gyms closed, I didn’t let that stop me. I adapted by climbing stairs daily, which became a cornerstone of my fitness transformation. At 33, I went from poor stamina to being physically fit, with a body age younger than my actual age. This transformation proved to me that no matter when we start, lasting change is always possible.
Steps Toward Change
How do we begin to change our habits? For me, the key was emotional motivation. Watching my wife struggle to carry our son motivated me to focus on my strength. Identifying the emotional driver behind your goal is crucial for sustainable change.
Once you have that motivation, set a clear goal. For me, it was to be strong enough to carry my children without tiring. From there, consistency becomes the foundation. Small, steady steps—whether it’s exercise, reading more, or practicing gratitude—add up over time, creating long-lasting change.
Of course, setbacks will happen. When I suffered a slipped disc, I could have given up. Instead, I adapted, switching to swimming to continue my fitness journey without further injury. This adaptability is key in both personal growth and leadership. The leaders who pivot in the face of adversity—who remain adaptable—are the ones who guide their teams to success, even in the toughest circumstances.
Conclusion: Turning Back to Move Forward
This brings me back to the idea of “turning back is the shore.” It’s never too late to change course, start over, or pursue a new goal. Today is always the best day to begin—whether it’s starting a new habit, breaking an old one, or embarking on a new venture.
Often, the “impossible” is a barrier we create in our minds. But with the right mindset, habits, and the courage to take that first step, we can overcome these barriers and achieve transformation.
So, I challenge you—reflect on one area of your life where you’ve felt stuck. What’s one small habit you can start changing today? The power to change is within your reach. It only takes the courage to take that first step, the resilience to keep going, and the belief that transformation is possible. Remember, turning back is just the beginning of a new, stronger version of yourself.
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