This line has been popularised by the famous Austrian immigrant to the USA, Arnold Schwarzenegger. But it is more than just a line out of one of his hit movies saying goodbye to the bad guys. It seems to be a mantra (and a reflection of his mindset) for how many times he can rise up against his critics and re-invent himself in a country that he has adopted.
A Mr. Universe title holder, box office super hero, multi-millionaire real estate tycoon, husband to a Kennedy and now Governor of "Kahl-leee-fohr-nya", he is also the subject of a 302 page book titled "Why Arnold Matters: The Rise of a Cultural Icon." I mention this because it got me thinking how all of us have no excuses for being in a new country and not making it totally our own and creating a life that brings joy and prosperity to us. The book credits him for having a major effect on he American psyche, their vocabulary and their lifestyles and values going forward… all this from a man who barely speaks the language!
There are countless immigrants who are, in their own way, having a real impact on the business and communities that they work and live in.
When John Anderson, the founder of the singles Tour Company Contiki, decided to launch his business (as a Kiwi immigrant living in London), he made a decision. He had no excuses. He started with nothing but a "little red microbus" and the equivalent of $75 and his commitment to make it work. His life story shows how it hasn’t always been easy, and he succeeded, and failed in massive proportions.
He also made a decision to write a book, set up a website to reach staff and customers of Contiki so that he could research it properly with real Contiki people. Decades later, after losing it all, he is re-inventing his dream, by creating another Tour Company aimed at the 35 plus market. It seems that you cannot hold a good person back. He has bounced back despite what must have been major setbacks when he lost his businesses through the sharemarket crash.
Closer to home, Boet Zaayman, a successful South African businessman, NZ Country Director of Nandos and a good friend of mine has just got a well deserved "phone call of a life-time." He has been given a huge job offer to grow KFC in Malaysia. In fact he got two huge job offers in the space of a week. No one wanted to look at his CV even. This after giving his all to Nandos New Zealand for many years. Much like Arnold though "I’ll be back" rolls off the tip of his tongue as he loves New Zealand and attributes his time here as part of his success.
One of the secrets to Arnold, John and Boet’s success lies in living authentically, with purpose and never giving up.
Part of the recipe is also to (when the time is right for you) make a stand, draw a line in the sand and start doing what you have always wanted to do. Stop making excuses. Make the decision. Act on it.
Creating action every single day towards a set of exciting goals, many times in the face of criticism and scepticism from others is difficult, but not impossible.
A lot of new Kiwi’s or new USA, UK or South African citizens have a tendency (after the honeymoon period) to make excuses like, my accent is not right, I don’t have enough money, I have no history in NZ, no contacts etc. The bottom line is this: Sometimes it takes longer than you originally anticipated to get some wins on the board, other times it snowballs and happens BIG TIME. Either way, you have got to make a decision and commit to it and say Hasta la Vista, Baby to excuses.
Put some muscle into that attitude!