By Roshan Ratnam Murugappan
What if the opportunity that changed your life was one you almost didn’t apply for?
For many young people, opportunities often come with a little voice in the back of their minds, saying ‘I’m probably not good enough,’ or ‘Someone else will be better than me.’
Whether it’s applying for a leadership position, joining a sports team, volunteering or signing up for a new program, self-doubt can often stop us before we’ve even begun.
But what if success isn’t about being the most talented? What if it simply starts with having the courage to say ‘yes’ and working towards something you feel passionate about, regardless of the outcome?
Earlier this year, my school presented us with the chance to apply for the Monash Scholars program – an initiative giving high-achieving secondary students across Victoria the opportunity to engage with Monash University and build connections while learning about university life. I was too scared to even open the application form, knowing there were a multitude of other people with a stronger array of extracurriculars that were applying; I was certain I wouldn’t receive an offer.
I’d heard that voice before. I’d listened to it too many times – passing on leadership opportunities at school because I assumed someone else would be a better fit. But this time, the thought of looking back and wondering ‘what if I had tried?’ kept me up at night. So I applied anyway. After two rounds of applications I was selected by Monash, and given the opportunity to join the Monash Scholars program. I was one of the three students who received the offer.
Looking back, I realised that the achievement was not only receiving the offer, but having the courage to take the opportunity and submit the application. Even if the outcome had gone differently, I’d have had no regrets, because the ‘what if?’ would never have had the chance to settle in.
Brian Tracy, a renowned motivational public speaker and self-development author, called action ‘the key to success’. Despite being a simple idea, it holds up in practice. It often takes that first uncomfortable step to put you on the path for success; without self-motivated action, success is difficult to achieve.
My experience has shown me that success doesn’t always begin with confidence; it begins with courage. While we can’t control every outcome, we can choose to take the opportunity. Every application, interview, or new challenge is a chance to grow, develop new skills, and discover passions we never knew we had.
So, the next time that little voice tells you you’re not good enough, don’t let it make the decision for you. Say yes, take the chance, and remember that the opportunities that shape our future often begin with a single moment of courage.
