How Kalpana Chawla Motivated Generations of Businessmen/women

The source of inspiration behind every little girl going school to every woman, who aspires to make it big in her life, is Kalpana Chawla, the first Indian woman to go to space.

On the birth anniversary of Kalpana Chawla, we remember her teachings which can be applied as much in business as in life.

Dream Big:

Kalpana once said, “The path from dreams to success does exist. May you have the vision to find it, the courage to get on with it, and the perseverance to follow it?”

Every business in its initial stage is merely a dream, which evolves as a seed of an idea and when you water your passion, dedication, hard work, it grows and takes the shape of your dream in reality.

Only a person who dreams big can dare to achieve it. No dream is too big if you have the courage to face the problems that come your way and learn from the mistakes.

So, entrepreneurs and businessmen/women dare to dream big and pour in all your dedication to it.

Believe in Yourself:

Kalpana used to say, “I was not born for one corner. The whole world is my native land.”

These words sound so heavy with confidence and determination. An entrepreneur or a businessman/woman might have the right idea but if they fail to believe in themselves and their idea, the business might not even kick start.

To make your investors, customers and your staff believe in working with you, you have to believe in yourself. You have to display the confidence in your product that will convince the staff and investor to pour their heart and soul.

Enjoy the Journey:

Kalpana had said, “Times like those (when she was young, she used to gaze at stars) gave me the opportunity to wonder and ask all those very basic questions. That sense of awe for the heavens started there.”

Enjoy your entrepreneurial journey, when you get to meet people, who in more than one ways will teach you the art of doing business. Extract their positive energy, try to implement and experiment with your product as much as you can, learn from the mistakes, so that 5 years down the line, you can inspire others with your journey.

As the quote says, “Success is a journey, not a destination.” Before you reach your destination enjoy your journey and try to exceed one step at a time and value that moment before it vanishes.

The Picture is Much Bigger:

Kalpana had said, “There are so many people who are arguing or fighting over issues which don’t have much relevance. We must all realize it is not worth it. It’s like being in the whirlpools which are always present behind a little rock near a river. We seem to be living in these little whirlpools and forget that there is a whole river. The picture is much bigger. We should take time to look at the picture.”

She had added, “When you look at the stars and the galaxy, you feel that you are not just from any particular piece of land, but from the solar system.”

All the big brands or names you hear today were mere visions once, now with their courage, dedication and hard work have made the impossible possible.

If you want to start a business, keep the bigger picture in mind and keep that vision in mind, wear your courage to walk the path. Starting a business is not a cake walk but perseverance can keep you grounded while monitoring the profits and losses and then moving forward in your business.

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