OK, I am going to say something really bold here. Everyone possesses unique abilities and strengths that, when applied, lead to personal success.
How can I make such a bold statement, you ask? Simple. During my early elementary school years, I was diagnosed with a learning disability in math. So why am I sharing this personal experience in this forum, you wonder? Because in retrospect, it had absolutely NO impact on my achievements in life.
Growing up with a learning disability wasn’t always easy, but thanks to a strong support group, I didn’t “fall through the cracks.” My mother played a significant role, not just in assisting with my studies, but also by highlighting others who overcame their learning disabilities to achieve personal success. It is crucial for young individuals to feel they are not alone in their journey. I was also fortunate to have exceptional teachers along the way. And here’s the point I want to emphasize.
Having a learning disability doesn’t have to be a barrier. It doesn’t mean one can’t learn; it means they may need to learn differently. My advice is to always provide encouragement and show individuals that others like them have overcome disabilities to achieve significant accomplishments. In summary, I want to share a few examples that illustrate what I mentioned earlier. Although my disability lies in math, I have become proficient with it now, thanks to a calculator.
My interest in business started when I was around 15, and I have been studying various aspects of it ever since. I have been fortunate to be involved in and run several businesses. It wasn’t always easy, but I genuinely believe that my learning disability didn’t make it any harder for me than it would for anyone else.
The bottom line is, you can accomplish whatever you want in life! It may require extra effort in some areas, but it is still possible. With enough persistence, I firmly believe we can all achieve amazing things.
It’s your life, LIVE BIG!
Josh Hinds
* Author of Why Perfect Timing is a Myth: Tips for Staying Inspired and Motivated Day in and Day out!, It’s Your Life, Live BIG
