Entrepreneur: A finger in every pie

Peggy Mahlaba’s book "Impossible is Nothing" is an aspirational story of entrepreneurship. Read an extract here.

ONLINE BONUS

Peggy Mahlaba had a small share of the spotlight in 2002 when she was named a Miss SA Finalist. Fast-forward 10 years and she’s CEO of engineering firm Imbokotho and cosmetics company Meta. She’s also a published author. Below is an excerpt from her motivational book, Impossible is Nothing.

Excerpt

I am often asked by people from all walks of life what it means to have a sense of belief in oneself and one’s dreams. This is not always an easy question to answer as it deals with many psychological and social issues that affect the person in question. It leads to the question of what we mean by the term ‘self’. It is perhaps easier to describe what it is not. Belief in oneself is not about arrogance or ego; it is not just a process of passive wishing and fantasy.

One of the most important characteristics you’ll find in successful individuals (especially entrepreneurs) is belief in themselves. It’s no secret, many athletes use it to give them an edge to beat competitors and current billionaires have used it in the lowest moments of their lives as motivation to keep going. Successful people believe in creating their own success and don’t sit back waiting for it to happen. They experience fear but do not allow this emotion to determine their thoughts and actions. Successful people continually hone their perception and look for opportunities in the world around them that others often miss. They make a point of transforming difficulties and problems into learning experiences. They have clarity, focus and certainty about what they want to achieve.

Something to ask yourself: Are you a pioneer of your own future? In other words, to what extent do you believe in your dreams and vision of your dreams and vision of your future, or do you rather believe in what others tell you. Many people tend to downgrade their dreams and ambitions based on their views and opinions of others. Sometimes we only accept what others tell us is possible and neglect our own deeper feelings and beliefs. Success is a healthy response to life. On the other hand, loss of faith in your abilities and the acceptance of failure is decidedly unhealthy and negative. A healthy response to life therefore depends on believing in the possibility of your dreams and this in turn means that you have developed a positive and affirmative response to living.

As I intend to share with you in this book, those who are successful in business have one thing in common, namely a refusal to be intimidated by the word impossible. They know the secret, that impossible is nothing and certainly nothing to be afraid of.

It’s about a vision of what one wants out of life and a belief in that vision that will not be deterred or swayed by any difficulties that may arise. However, one has to work to sustain this vision. Dreams and aspirations can become a reality, it is possible to cultivate one’s self-worth – even in the face of adversity – through passionate determination, unfailing courage and powerful belief that impossible is nothing.
The key to the success of your dreams, aims and goals lies within you and that you should never forget or be dissuaded from realising that the Impossible is Nothing.
Never, never give up!

To read more about Impossible is Nothing go to page 100 of the July issue of DESTINY