The Ant Philosophy

 I read Jim Rohn talking about teaching kids about a simple but powerful concept — the ant philosophy. He thinks everybody should study ants. They have an amazing four-part philosophy, and here is the first part: ants never quit. That's a good philosophy. If they're headed somewhere and you try to stop them, they'll look for another way. They'll climb over, they'll climb under, they'll climb around. They keep looking for another way. What a neat philosophy, to never quit looking for a way to get where you're supposed to go.

Second, ants think winter all summer. That's an important perspective. You can't be so naive as to think summer will last forever. So ants gather their winter food in the middle of summer.

An ancient story says, "Don't build your house on the sand in the summer." Why do we need that advice? Because it is important to think ahead. In the summer, you've got to think storm. You've got to think rocks as you enjoy the sand and sun.

The third part of the ant philosophy is that ants think summer all winter. That is so important. During the winter, ants remind themselves, "This won't last long; we'll soon be out of here." And the first warm day, the ants are out. If it turns cold again, they'll dive back down, but then they come out the first warm day. They can't wait to get out.

And here's the last part of the ant philosophy. How much will an ant gather during the summer to prepare for the winter? All he possibly can. What an incredible philosophy, the "all-you-possibly-can" philosophy.

Wow, what a great philosophy to have—the ant philosophy. Never give up, look ahead, stay positive and do all you can.

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2012 Zeitgeist ‘Young Minds’ Competition: Call for application

The 2012 edition of the Zeitgeist ‘Young Minds’, a competition to find 10 pioneers, change-makers and leaders of tomorrow aged 18 – 24, across Europe, Middle East and Africa* is now open. The winners will take their place alongside the greatest visionaries of today at Google Zeitgeist 2012 near London on May 20th – 22nd 2012.

From January 25th until March 19th 2012, the search will be on to find 10 exceptional, motivated and inspiring 18-24 year-olds from across EMEA*, who are making a positive impact in the world through science, the arts, education, innovation or inspiration.

The lucky winners will be invited to participate in Google’s annual Zeitgeist event, where previous speakers have included Archbishop Desmond Tutu, Burberry CEO Angela Ahrendts, Google CEO Larry Pageand Chairman Eric Schmidt. They will also win a brand new Google tech gadget and get the chance to take to the stage and have their voice heard.

Last year saw the first ever ‘Young Minds’ competition in both the UK and America. The lucky finalists won an experience of a lifetime, from meeting Chelsea Clinton and Will I Am, to taking part in panel discussions with Jon Snow and Martha Lane Fox (Co-founder Lastminute.com).

Orli Setton was a winner from 2011 and described attending Zeitgeist as “magical, fantastic and powerful! What I enjoyed most was the innovative, energetic and creative atmosphere.”
Matt Brittin, Vice President of Northern & Central Europe, Google commented, “Google has always championed innovation and is proud to help young people showcase their ideas and achievements. Zeitgeist Young Minds is an incredible opportunity for future world-changers to meet some of the most powerful and inspiring people on the planet today.“

The winners will take part in a series of bespoke master classes with the aim of inspiring as well as giving them mentoring to help further their project and get their hands on the latest Google gadget. But what’s even more exciting is that a select few will also get the opportunity to take to the stage and have their voice heard. Here are the highlights from last year’s panel discussion with Martha Lane fox, Jon Snow and our Young Minds winners http://youtu.be/6_LYNwuaub4

To be in with a chance of winning a place at Zeitgeist 2012, all entrants have to do is simply upload a video no longer than a minute telling us how they are making a difference to the world towww.ZeitgeistYoungMinds.com

The competition is open to entrants from the following countries within EMEA:
South Africa, Algeria, Germany, Saudi Arabia, Belgium, Egypt, Spain, France, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Jordan, Kenya, Morocco, Nigeria, Uganda, Holland, Poland, Czech Republic, United Kingdom, Russia , Sweden , Tunisia & Yemen.

Source: www.ZeitgeistYoungMinds.com

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TURN ADVERSITY TO ADVANTAGE

It is interesting to notice how some minds seem almost to create themselves, springing up under every disadvantage, and working their solitary but irresistible way through a thousand obstacles. Sometimes, we face several challenging situation that gives us the opinion that the tunnel of adversity bears no end.

This is the case of Kunle, a 10-year-old boy who decided to study judo despite the fact that he had lost his left arm in a devastating car accident. The boy began lessons with an old Japanese judo master. After three months of excellence, he discovered that the master had taught him, and repeated just a single move. Curious, he approached his master. ‘Sensei’ (Teacher in Japanese), he paused, thought once more and finally asked ‘Shouldn’t I be learning more moves?’. Smiling, the master answered patiently, ‘this is the only move you know, and the only move you will ever need to know’. Though not satisfied with the response, he kept an unwavering faith in himself and his master and continued vigorous training.

Several months later, the Sensei registered Kunle for his first challenge during a tournament. Engulfed with surprises after easily winning the first two matches, he proceeded to the third match. The third match proved to be more difficult, but after some time, his opponent became impatient and charged. Deftly, Kunle used his one move and won the match. Amazed by the marvelous effect of his ‘only’ move, Kunle won several other matches and found himself in the finals.

Now in the final match, Kunle’s opponent was bigger, stronger and more experienced. For a while, Kunle appeared to be overmatched. Concerned that Kunle might get hurt, the referee called a time-out. He was about to stop the match when the Sensei intervened, ‘No’, the Sensei insisted, ‘let him continue’. Soon after the match resumed, Kunle’s opponent made a critical mistake; he dropped his guard. Immediately, Kunle used ‘his move’ to pin him, thereby winning not only the match, but the tournament. Alas! He was the champion.

On the way home, Kunle and his Sensei reviewed every move in each and every match. Summoning courage, Kunle asked a question that had been bothering him; ‘Sensei, how did I win the tournament with only one move?’. ‘You won for two reasons’, the Sensei answered. ‘First, you’ve almost mastered one of the most difficult throws in all of judo. Second, the only known defense for that move is for your opponent to grab your left arm, which you don’t have’.

Unconsciously, Kunle was able to convert his biggest weakness and adversity to his greatest advantage and strength.

Just like Kunle, consciously endeavour to review adverse situation and make effective use of the opportunities that comes along with it. Dr. Tai Solarin’s words’ stating that ‘may your days be rough’, if critically viewed confirms that adversities can be turned to one’s advantage. For you are special, important and talented, never magnify your adversity but amplify the advantages it can be converted to, and extract the best of it.

'Nothing is predestined: The obstacles of your past can become the gateways that lead to new beginnings' -Ralph Blum

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