David Aondofa popularly known as “Big dreams” is a shoe maker who was crippled from childhood.
His touching story is an inspiration to many people all over the world. Despite suffering the fate of losing his legs, he channeled the pain he must have felt into shoemaking and created a business venture. This story that broke the internet on release also got featured and showcased to the crowd at the 1st Benue Youth Entrepreneurship Summit (BYES), making him one of the most sought after shoemakers in Nigeria.
What I keep asking myself and I bet you might be as well is “What’s stopping me from actualizing my big dreams?”
A lazy man will give excuses for his inability to make a name for himself but a hard working man will seize every opportunity regardless of his health predicament or physical condition.
Ever wondered why the Hausas are dispersed all over the country? It’s simple you see, their drive to make ends meet and survival, and their never say die nature gives them the competitive advantage. Little things can yield greater values and results. When you work you give yourself the privilege to learn and expand. The Quran teaches something similar;
“Man will not get anything unless he works hard” (Surah al-najm, 53:39)
While the Bible teaches that “In all toil there is profit, but mere talk tends only to poverty” (Proverbs 14:23 NIV)
Hard work is undoubtedly one of the key considerations in achieving success and living the dream. In every area of life, whether you’re an educationist or a farmer in the field, putting in your utmost will yield reward. An optimum combination of hard work and smart work will set you apart from your pairs and put you on track to achieving your dream.
David’s story teaches me that even in the face of disability and a future that seems bleak, one can rise above it all and create something bigger than mere dreams. The story reinvigorates me and just thinking about it feels like a nudge to get up and get going. David has no legs and he makes shoes for a living, what’s your excuse?
