LAST Tuesday morning, Malaysians woke up to one of the most exciting news in recent times. Faiz Subri, a relatively unknown local football player suddenly became a big star, not just in Malaysia but also the world.
He was nominated and subsequently won the prestigious Fifa Puskas Award, joining the ranks of well-known players such as Cristiano Ronaldo, Neymar, Zlatan Ibrahimovic and many others. The award was given to the most beautiful and unique goal as voted by football fans around the world.
It was a huge achievement, a once-in-a-lifetime event. It puts Faiz as the best in the world, albeit temporarily. Indeed, he had reminded us that Malaysians too can become the best in the world if we take chances and seize the moment.
As a parent, I feel very inspired by such achievements because it gives great hope to my children as well. I hope you feel the same way too. However, such success won’t happen automatically or magically.
What we saw on television and social media was how unique and beautiful his goal was. What we didn’t see was how many times he practised the kick or how many times he failed to do it.
We also didn’t see how determined he was despite the setbacks.
All these are great qualities to instill in our kids. Now we have one more role model to show them that success can come if they put their heart and soul into it. Show them the videos of Faiz’s goal as well as the competition announcement. Let them understand and soak in the fact that Faiz is also just another Malaysian, exposed to the same challenges and issues we all face. The only difference is that he was determined to make a difference. Those kind of goals don’t happen by chance.
If you need more proof and role models, look no further than Datuk Lee Chong Wei and Datuk Nicol David. Both have proven time and again that with hard work, perseverance, seizing the moment and taking those chances can propel the right people to the highest place
Can you envision your child up there? It begins with a vision. It doesn’t matter what field they want to excel in. Be it sports, academics or even business, with the right ingredients and nurturing, they can also claim their spot among the best in the world.
May we create more Faiz Subris in the future!
** Zaid Mohamad coaches and trains parents to experience happier homes and more productive workplaces.
Reach him at zaid@smartparents.com.my
** The article above is brought to you by AmMetLife Insurance Berhad