The Hero Report is a weekly online video podcast on the subject of heroism. Matt Langdon is the host and the founder of the Hero Construction Company. He recently used his show to do an interview with Jade and me on Charity Ball and the Play [well] Cup. Here’s a link: http://vimeo.com/63109801
I asked Matt if he would return the favor and put together a little post for Charity Ball on giving back. Here’s what he sent over…
The ancient Chinese philosopher, Lao-tzu, said that the journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step. It is often used as a motivating quote. He tells us that to achieve success we just have to start working on it.
It is also a good reminder that that anyone you see doing big things also started with one step. It’s easy to imagine the players we see in the Premier League got there through some freakish gene or luck. It’s not true – they all started with a single step. The world’s biggest singers and movie stars had to take a first step. One step can change your life – or the lives of others.
Ethan took one step four years ago. He gave away his soccer ball. It was an easy thing to do. For him, it was something he barely considered worthy of a second thought. But this single step led to a long journey; one that sees him organizing a soccer tournament in Africa, providing balls to thousands of kids around the world, and befriending an international soccer star. The journey that began with that step has inspired many others, including his brother and you (and me).
It could have been very different. Ethan could have just left Africa on his plane and never looked back. Many ten year olds would have done that. But he chose to do one good thing. Often, one good thing is all it takes to change someone’s life. Unfortunately, it’s easy to forget that in the hustle bustle of our own lives.
Ethan’s story reminds us to look for the opportunities around us. It reminds us that we all have the power to do good. And it reminds us that the journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.
Shout out to Matt for all the encouraging and positive remarks. Matt has invited me to be one of the speakers at the Hero Round Table Conference this November. Looking forward to it. Be sure to check it out at http://www.heroroundtable.com/speakers/
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