“Oh no! Last year didn’t go as planned. Let’s see if the new year brings better luck!”
This is a line we often hear as each year begins. Yet, what follows is the same routine and lack of enthusiasm, and life continues unchanged. The only thing that changes is the pages of the calendar. Years pass by, but where is the change?
For those who ask this question, here’s a story to inspire transformation.
He was a business tycoon, constantly travelling—boarding one flight after another, rushing from one meeting to another. As he left his office in a hurry, a shoeshiner approached him one evening.
“Sir, your shoes are dusty. Shall I polish them for you?”
“No, I don’t have time for that,” replied the businessman and walked away.
As he passed a tall building, another shoeshiner made the same offer, and he gave the same response. Near the last block, he saw a small shoe stand where a man counted, “97, 98, 99…” The man looked up and said,
“Sir, you seem very busy. I apologise for interrupting you. Today is my birthday, and I decided to offer free shoe polish to the 100th customer. You’re the 100th person. Please give me the chance to keep my word.”
The businessman couldn’t refuse. The man polished his shoes with great care—so much so that they looked brand new. As the businessman prepared to leave, he asked,
“How much do you normally charge?”
“Twenty rupees,” replied the shoeshiner.
The businessman handed him a ₹100 note, wished him a happy birthday, and walked away. As the businessman disappeared, the shoeshiner carefully pocketed the note and resumed counting, “97, 98, 99…”
This story, from the book “It Only Takes a Minute to Change Your Life,” teaches us a powerful lesson: it’s not about what work you do, but how creatively and passionately you do it.
Not everyone gets their dream job or ideal opportunity. Some may lack a degree but have skills. Others may have a degree but lack the right skills. But none of this should lead to discouragement. Combine your existing knowledge with intelligence, sharpen your skills, and adopt a positive mindset, even in the face of challenges.
When you polish your mind with creativity and determination, your life will shine brighter daily.