By Jenna Hadden
I recently had the incredible opportunity to meet Eric Thomas, the renowned motivational speaker and author, during his visit to London. Known for his dynamic energy and relentless drive, Eric has inspired millions with his words, and his story “As Bad As You Want to Breathe” has been particularly impactful in my own life. Meeting him in person to discuss winning attitudes for business was not only a dream come true but also a turning point in my mindset towards success.
A Story That Changed My Perspective
The story “As Bad As You Want to Breathe” first came into my life at a time when I was feeling particularly lost in my career. I had reached a plateau, and while I was going through the motions, I wasn’t truly thriving. When I first heard Eric Thomas recount the tale of the young man who sought success from a guru, it struck a chord deep within me.
To briefly recount the story: a young man, eager for success, approached a guru for guidance. The guru took him to the ocean and submerged him underwater, holding him there until he was desperate for air. When the young man finally came up, gasping for breath, the guru explained that success must be pursued with the same intensity and necessity as breathing.
This simple yet profound lesson shifted something within me. I realised that my approach to success had been far too passive. I was waiting for opportunities rather than chasing them with the urgency they required. The story taught me that if I wanted to achieve my goals, I needed to want them as badly as I wanted to breathe—nothing less would suffice.
The Meeting in London
Meeting Eric Thomas in London was an experience I will never forget. We discussed the story that had such a profound impact on my life, and I had the chance to delve deeper into the mindset that drives his success.
Eric emphasised the importance of clarity in one’s goals. “You have to know what you want and why you want it,” he told me. “When your ‘why’ is strong enough, your ‘how’ will take care of itself.” He explained that many people fail to reach their potential because they lack a clear vision of what they truly want. Without that clarity, it’s impossible to develop the kind of determination that makes success inevitable.
Practical Takeaways for Business Success
During our conversation, Eric shared some practical advice that I believe can benefit anyone striving for success, particularly in the business world.
Define Your Goals with Precision: It’s not enough to have vague aspirations. You need to be specific about what you want to achieve. Write down your goals in detail, and revisit them regularly to keep them at the forefront of your mind.
Develop an Unshakeable ‘Why’: Your motivation needs to come from a place that’s deeply personal. Whether it’s providing for your family, leaving a legacy, or proving something to yourself, your ‘why’ should be powerful enough to keep you going when the going gets tough.
Create a Sense of Urgency: Just as the young man in the story needed air, you need to create a sense of urgency around your goals. Break them down into daily, weekly, and monthly tasks that you must complete. Hold yourself accountable, and don’t allow procrastination to creep in.
Surround Yourself with Success: Eric stressed the importance of surrounding yourself with people who uplift and inspire you. In business, this might mean seeking out mentors, networking with like-minded individuals, or simply spending more time with those who encourage your growth.
Embrace the Process: Success doesn’t happen overnight. It requires consistent effort, and there will be setbacks along the way. Embrace the process, and don’t be discouraged by challenges. Every obstacle is an opportunity to learn and grow stronger.
Final Thoughts
My meeting with Eric Thomas reinforced the lessons I had learned from his story and gave me new insights into what it takes to succeed in business and in life. The conversation was a powerful reminder that success is not just about talent or luck—it’s about the intensity of your desire and your willingness to work for it.
As I left our meeting, I felt a renewed sense of purpose and determination. I knew that I needed to take the advice to heart and apply it in my daily life, not just in theory but in practice. For anyone reading this, I encourage you to reflect on your own goals and ask yourself: do you want success as badly as you want to breathe? If the answer is yes, then it’s time to start acting like it.
Remember, the difference between those who succeed and those who don’t often comes down to one thing: how badly you want it. Make your success as essential as breathing, and you’ll find that nothing can stand in your way.
Jenna Hadden 