“It’s not about the resources you have available. It’s about the resourcefulness you have within you.”
– Tony Robbins
Did you know that Kenya, a country famous for its world-class runners, also produced a remarkable javelin thrower? His name is Julius Yego.
Unlike many of his peers, Julius wasn’t naturally talented in running. So he decided to pursue javelin. Even if it meant practicing his throw with a makeshift javelin made from tree branches.
And it paid off. In 2006, Julius set a junior national record in javelin.
But he wanted to improve even more, and there was a problem: Kenya didn’t have experienced javelin coaches.
So, what did Julius do?
Instead of giving up, he went to a local cybercafe (since he didn’t have internet at home) and watched videos of world-class javelin throwers like Olympic champion Andreas Thorkildsen and world champion Tero Pitkamaki. Learning from them, he adapted his training routine, and techniques.
By 2011, Julius made history at the All Africa Games as the first Kenyan field athlete to win an event. Without any coach.
Today, he holds the African and Commonwealth records in javelin.
Many of us often see a lack of resources as an unavoidable obstacle. Whether it’s the absence of equipment, money, or mentorship, it’s easy to believe these barriers prevent us from reaching our goals.
But it’s not a lack of resources that limits us.
It’s a lack of desire.
Here’s how Napoleon Hill put it: “The starting point of all achievement is desire. Keep this constantly in mind. Weak desires bring weak results, just as a small fire makes a small amount of heat.”
Julius didn’t have a personal coach, but he found his coaches online. The internet, books, or even people around us can teach us if we’re willing to listen and learn.
The key is having clarity and desire about what you want to do and where you want to go. If you have those two things, the resources will appear before you.
Remember Julius’s story whenever you face challenges or start making excuses. Look for resources around you. They might not be traditional, but they’re there.
This Week’s Image
This Week’s Riddle
What is 3/7 chicken, 2/3 cat, and 2/4 goat?
This Week’s Journaling Prompt
Write down a goal that you’ve held back on pursuing. Describe the intensity of your desire towards this goal on a scale of 1-10. Imagine if your desire for this goal was at a 10. What steps, no matter how unconventional, might you take to make it a reality?
This Week’s Challenge
Identify something you’ve wanted to do but felt you lacked resources for. Spend 20 minutes a day for a week seeking alternative resources or solutions. By week’s end, use one newfound resource to take a step toward your goal.
Riddle Answer: Chicago