I recently had the incredible opportunity to visit Hyundai in South Korea, and among the many inspiring stories I heard, one about the company's founder, Chung Ju-yung, left a lasting impression on me.
Chung Ju-yung once said, "The principle guiding my life is doing my earnest best until the final moment, with nothing more to add." This philosophy was shaped by an unusual but profound lesson he learned while working as a construction laborer in Inchon.
As Chung recounted in his autobiography, he used to sleep on a table in the workers' lodge. Bedbugs would climb onto his body, so he put the table legs in bowls of water to stop them. Remarkably, the bedbugs adapted by climbing the walls and dropping from the ceiling to reach him. This relentless pursuit by the bedbugs to achieve their goal—feeding—touched him deeply. Inspired by their tenacity, Chung vowed to "put his best efforts into his life, just like those bedbugs."
Here are my key takeaways from this story:
1. Persistence: The bedbugs' determination to reach their goal, despite obstacles, mirrors the persistence needed in achieving our own goals. Consistent effort, even in the face of setbacks, is crucial for success.
2. Ingenuity:The bedbugs' ability to find alternative routes when their primary path was blocked highlights the importance of creativity and problem-solving. When faced with challenges, finding innovative solutions is key.
3. Adaptability:Just as the bedbugs adapted their approach, we must be flexible and ready to adjust plans as circumstances change. Adaptability ensures we stay on track despite unexpected changes.
4. Attention to Detail:Chung’s strategy to place the table legs in bowls of water shows the importance of thorough planning and attention to detail. Anticipating and mitigating potential issues can prevent larger problems.
5. Relentless Effort:Chung’s takeaway from the bedbugs’ persistence underscores the value of putting forth your best effort until the very end. Maintaining high levels of effort and commitment throughout any endeavor is essential.
Chung Ju-yung’s story is a powerful reminder that persistence, ingenuity, adaptability, attention to detail, and relentless effort are essential traits for achieving success in any aspect of life.
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Internal Communications Expert | Employee Engagement @Hyundai Motor Europe
3wThank you so much for the warm welcome!