A few years ago, we were all consumed with the story of Thamsanqa Jantjie, the sign language interpreter who was seen on the world stage during Nelson Mandela’s memorial service, next to important world leaders, translating their speeches into a bogus version of sign language.
I know the world was appalled and angry, particularly those who are hearing impaired, but I actually fond the guy somewhat inspiring.
Nobody really knows how he did it or why he did it, but Jantjie managed to somehow get himself out in front of the world and for the longest time, nobody even realized he was a fake. Almost a bit like the African version of Forrest Gump.
Right now, many of you are happy with our personal and/or professional development progress. Many more are probably disappointed. For those who are disappointed, there are probably a whole lot of “shoulda, coulda, woulda” excuses in their heads. Jantjie can say with much certainty that for whatever reason he did it, HE actually got up the nerve to do something. His 15 minutes of fame are long over, but in one afternoon, he inspired a world to wonder how he was able to fake his way into the television sets of people around the world.
Every day is a fresh start for all of us. Maybe it’s time to look at that obstacle that’s been in your way and take some drastic action to overcome it. It might take some courage or even the audacity of Thamsanqa Jantjie, but at least you’ll know by the end of the year that you left it all on the field.
