3 Lessons You Can Learn From Richard Branson

If someone offers you an amazing opportunity, and you are not sure you can do it, say yes. Then learn to do it later. - Richard Branson

Richard Branson was a shy kid and his mother hated it. She would constantly remind him that being shy was being selfish. But Richard refused to listen. After years of trying to get him out of his shell, she did something drastic by the time Richard Branson became 6 years old.

After they had gone shopping at the store in a nearby village, she stopped the car at around 3 miles from their house. She let Richard out and told him that he would have to get home by himself. He would have to ask strangers for directions. It eventually took hours, but Richard Branson noted that this single action of his mother worked a great deal. So who is Richard Branson?

Richard Branson is a billionaire, who has founded over 500 companies under the Virgin Brand. Some companies he owns include Virgin Air and Virgin Atlantic and a space rocket company. In 2021, he became the first non-astronaut to go to space. He has had to overcome both Dyslexia and shyness to reach the zenith of his life. Here are three important lessons to learn from the billionaire.

Your Age Doesn’t Matter

A lot of people wait till they are a certain age before they attempt some projects. If there is one thing Richard has consistently taught is that age should never be a hindrance to anyone. Richard tasted success first as the publisher of a student magazine at the age of 16. But that’s not just him. There are other young people who have tasted entrepreneurial success at younger ages. A classic example is Mark Cuban. You can find the article here. Whether you are young or old, once you can conceive a dream and passion, you can achieve it.

Don’t Let Going to School or Not Going To School Reduce Your Self-Belief

Richard had dyslexia (inability to read) as a kid. Going to school was a troubling experience for him. While he later overcame this problem, he didn't let it hinder him. Whether you are going to the best school or not, do not let it hinder your creative drive. On the other hand, going to school can pose its own challenge that stops you from accomplishing great things. There are many problems with traditional schooling, but that is not the topic of this article. Just make sure to not use schooling as a reason to hinder your potential.

Don’t Be Afraid to Fail

Richard Branson has encountered many failures in life as a business person, but that has not stopped him. Richard’s first business venture at the age of 16 didn't make so much money. That was a failure. Virgin Atlantic almost crashed before it started. Virgin Cola folded after a few years. His trip around the world almost killed him. These are a few of the failures that Richard Branson experienced. However, he has not let any one of them hinder him. Failures are sure in life, but what determines how far we go is what we do with the failure we experience.

Conclusion

Richard Branson is an inspirational individual. He has never stopped inspiring people. At nearly 70 years of age, he continues to defy the odds and make a mark in today’s world. One of his core beliefs is that you shouldn't do anything that does not make other people’s lives better. Our question to you today is this: What will you do with the great potential you have?