Mindset determines destiny (waiting for the final kick)

The original article was published in the "People's Insights" column on page 3 of the Zhejiang Workers' Daily on August 8, 2008.

"Either you take control of your life, or your life takes control of you. Your mindset determines who is the rider and who is the horse." As stated in the preface, this book taught me what the right mindset is, how to take control of my life, helped me see the road ahead clearly, and filled me with confidence in life.
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"There is only a small difference between people, and that small difference is whether you have a positive or negative mindset. The huge difference that results from this is success or failure." This is a famous quote by Napoleon Hill, the American master of success. In this book, such quotes always appear in the most important positions, allowing me to appreciate the importance of mindset and understand the connection between mindset and life.

This book is divided into fifteen chapters, guiding me step by step to find the right mindset and direction in life. Each chapter begins with a story about mindset to lead us into the content, and each section concludes with a summary. The overall summary at the end of each chapter is the finishing touch, helping me to better understand its content and meaning.

The opening story of the chapter "Reshaping Yourself with a Positive Mindset," titled "The Best Corn, The Best You," left a deep impression on me: An old woman planted a large field of corn behind her house. One plump ear of corn said, "On harvest day, the old woman will definitely pick me first, because I'm the best corn this year!" But on harvest day, the old woman didn't pick it. "Tomorrow, tomorrow she'll definitely pick me!" the wonderful corn comforted itself… The next day, the old woman harvested some other corn, but she didn't pick this one. "Tomorrow, the old woman will definitely pick me!" the corn still comforted itself… But from then on, the old woman never came again. Until one day, the corn despaired; its once plump kernels became shriveled and hard. But just then, the old woman came, picking it and saying, "This is the best corn this year. Use it as seed, and next year you'll definitely grow even better corn!"

This story teaches us that when we are confident but feel our talents are not being recognized, we should maintain a positive attitude and be patient enough to wait a little longer in despair, because perhaps an opportunity will appear in the next second. It was under the guidance of this story that I understood the meaning of "rebuilding oneself with a positive mindset".

My experience in football matches made me understand this deeply. In the 2004 secondary school district competition, our team was in a very dangerous situation after the first two group stage matches. Unless we defeated the group leader in the final group stage match, our journey that year would be over early.

The match was full of drama. In the first half, thanks to our efforts, we held a temporary one-goal lead. However, the second half saw a dramatic turn of events, with an own goal putting us on the brink of elimination. Time was running out, and goals in football are hard-won. Should we give up or persevere? I chose the latter. Time ticked by, and the goal remained elusive… Just when everyone was about to give up, the ball came to my feet. "This might be the last kick of the year, perhaps the kick that could change the team's fate," I thought. And it was perseverance that led to the goal. We advanced to the knockout stage.

This book taught me that no matter how great the challenge, never back down; muster the courage to face it. And tell yourself, "I can do it!" My devout faith has given me immense strength; I can do anything!