The tenacity of children is key to business success

Some may recall from 7 months ago that my daughter had qualified for the South African National Team for Cheerleading and was due to go to DisneyWorld in Orlando for the International Cheerleading Union (ICU) World Championships.

It begins with a goal

She set this goal in Grade 6, that by the time she reached Grade 12 she wanted to go compete at the World Cheerleading Championships in the USA and she did it.

Hurdles are there to be overcome

The Ministry of Sports did not award her the National Protea Colours (green and gold) because she is not a South African Citizen. However, she got an exemption from the Cheerleading Association (SAMCA) to continue to the competition with the team and she did it.So she wore the SAMCA Black and White colours.

She only managed to raise half the money, with much effort, that was required for the trip. Once again she got a reprieve to proceed and make a plan for the balance after the trip.

Turn lemons to lemonade

On applying for the USA Visa, which had been delayed by the Ministry of Sports’ decision, she could not get an early enough appointment at the USA Embassy in Johannesburg so I had to fly her 1600km away to Cape Town for the 5min interview. It was just before Easter so we made this into a one week holiday and stayed with friend, rode the cable car up Table Mountain, drove along the scenic Chapman’s Peak drive. It is a beautiful place where you can see two oceans within half an hour’s drive.

Go ahead and claim the prize

In the end her dream was achieved against all odds that came along the way. We watched with so much pride the live stream of the competition last week. Their All-Girl Team came 9th out of 13 countries and the Co-Ed (boys and girls) came 11th out of 18 countries. The competition was stiff. They had another three days of display to do with the All Star USA teams at Disney World Arenas. They had a blast.

And in between they explored the vast Disneyland splendour.

And do it all over again

She arrived last night around 9pm after a 24hour flight. I was surprised and not surprised when she told me that she is going to write 2 exams at school the following morning. And today she sent me a message that she is attending cheerleading practice with her school team till 8PM already.

Lesson learnt

This got me thinking on how tenacious I am with my goals. I realised I am way behind my daughter in that respect. She has just re-inspired me to keep pushing for my dreams in spite of the curve balls that are thrown my way.

Interestingly during the Cape Town trip I utilized some online businesses like AirBnb to get accommodation which was quite affordable and brilliant for the first night as my friend stays far from the USA Embassy. I also used product comparisons for flight tickets and car hire to get the best deals. It had me thinking about my neglected online business.