THE WORDS OF A STRANGER

Over the years I have heard so many words of advice from my Parents,Uncles, Aunties and Teachers. But an advice from a total stranger has stuck with me. I was young and about 13years old when I was given this advice.

Source
I stood there lost in my thoughts, I could not summon up the courage to go back home. I was thinking how will my parents react to this. I wished the ground would open and swallow me.
It was getting late, it was about 7pm and I was not home. I was at the park sitting and thinking. I could hear the birds singing and see the trees dancing.

A tall, fair man walked up to me . I was afraid and I quickly stood up to run. The man called out to me "boy don't run, I saw you sitting there all day looking lost. So I came to talk to you". I was relieved when I heard that. I had been sitting under the tree at the park since 2pm.
The man asked why I wasn't home. I told him that my exams result was poor and I was afraid of what my parents would do to me, that's why I decided to come sit here. The man smiled and said "let me walk you home.
As we were walking down the street the man told me that when he was a child he wasn't the best in his class or his school but he later learnt a secret which helped him to become better. I was very curious and I wanted to know what this secret was. I wanted to improve academically. I wanted to be the best in my class and school. A thought crossed my mind and I asked the man a question "Sir is there a particular food one can eat to make the person brilliant?".The man laughed and I felt what I said made no sense.

We had gotten to my house and I told him thank you. The man said "now let me tell you the secret to my success". I replied him "Sir what is it?". He said "There is no substitute for hard-work". He then explained to me what he meant by that. He said I needed to study hard ; reading my book, getting involved in class activities and also doing some research on my own. The man said his good byes and left.

I entered the house and met my parents looking so worried, they yelled at me "why are you coming back home by this time ?". I told them everything that had happened . I was ready to be punished. But to my greatest surprise my parents didn't do that. They just said at least I learnt a vital life lesson that night.
My Dad then said that the man was right that "there is no substitute for hard-work".
This particular advise changed my life. It has helped me any where I go today. I also preach the same message anytime I'm to give a young person an advice.

Most people want to succeed in life but they are not ready to put in the work needed. In any sphere of life before one succeeds you must work hard, we all know that hard-work is one of the principles of success.
In as much it is important for us to work hard, we must also learn how to work smart. The world is dynamic in nature and we should always follow the positive changes we find in our careers or business.