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I am sure everyone faces challenges in his/her life. These may be different from mine. It would be difficult for anyone to overcome these challenges without perseverance. Success is rarely achieved without hard work. I studied hard during my school years and I still spend several hours a day with my distant education courses. Many thought that I would not have continued but I believe in possibilities and hard work. In my current career as a motivational speaker, I spend hours preparing my script. If I do not script my speeches, everything will be jumbled up in my brain. So I spend time and energy to ensure that it is done properly. Then I have to practice the presentation over and over. If I do not persevere, I will not succeed.

I did not choose to be disabled. Anyone can become disabled at any time. A disability may cause a person to look different on the outside. But inside, that person is the same. Those with disabilities have feelings just like any normal person. The unfortunate thing is that I have to dig deep within me to draw out the winner within me to deal with the pain that is inflicted on me when I am made fun of, stared at, laughed at and isolated.

I continue to depend on life support systems to survive. I am aware that the odds are still against me. Yet I draw strength from that winner within me to try to make the world a better place for everyone especially those with disabilities.

When I speak to those in the corporate world I remind them that all their employees have winners within them and if they have not surfaced they should attempt to tap into that inner resource and draw it out. I encourage them to recognize the abilities of every employee in their institution. Even with all the differences, each individual has strengths. Each person is different in looks, heritage, features, color, sexual orientation and background but each has different abilities. When employers make judgments, they fall into the trap of stereotyping. Diversity goes beyond race and skin. Every employer must make a conscious effort, persevere in their mission and bring out the winners in all their employees.

Employers must also foster patience. If those around me did not practise patience, I shudder to think what would have become of me. Patience is often required to resolve life?s challenges. It is a quality that is very hard to develop. It requires continuous work and I can say that the rewards are quite often surprising. Many times things do not go as expected and it is very easy to become uptight and chide the employee. If those in authority at work know that no one makes deliberate mistakes, then they would be more patient and understanding. Again, they may have to dig deep to find that ability to be patient.

I am constantly reminded that my life is not determined by what happens to me. I am told it is more important to find the winner within me and react positively to every situation. Misfortunes will surely present themselves but I find the resources I need to help me overcome that misfortune. Employers must encourage their employees to do the same and that constant reminder will help them to dig deep to find the winner within and contribute to the success of their institution.

(Originally published at GoArticles and reprinted with permission from the author, Azeem Kayum).

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Azeem Kayum is author of Wrestling with the Goddess. Though affected from birth by a rare neurological disorder, he perseveres and speaks about his experiences and struggles to motivate students and corporations alike. He has demonstrated his true mettle by sharing these experiences in his compelling autobiography. Visit: Azeem Kayum.

Tags: autobiography, disability, disabled, goals, inspiration, obstacles, overcoming, success