One Step Makes a Diffrence | Mohamed Mostafa | TEDxManaratAlFaroukSchool

The speaker shares a personal journey of overcoming challenges and finding success through perseverance, faith, and a willingness to step outside their comfort zone. Growing up in a middle-class family, the speaker always felt a desire for change and actively sought work from a young age, starting in the perfume and clothing industries, then moving into sales and marketing. This early drive continued through middle and high school, where they explored roles in marketing and casting. Despite pursuing a path that led to market research, the speaker found it unfulfilling. This feeling persisted through university and even after military service, where the harsh realities of life became apparent. Needing stability, they decided to take a digital marketing course, which initially led them to consider real estate. However, before diving into a new venture, they opted for a vacation. What was intended as a short break turned into a five-month journey of self-discovery. Arriving somewhere new, initially feeling confused, the speaker took a job at a camp in reception. It was during this time that their passion for making iced coffee emerged. Initially making it for themselves, friends at the camp soon requested it, followed by guests. The camp owner recognized the potential and offered the speaker a percentage to sell iced coffee alongside their reception duties. This opportunity led to intense work, with the speaker dedicating 40 consecutive days without a day off. The strain became evident when they couldn't wake up one morning, leading to a cancellation of their payment. This prompted a decision to think outside the box, leading to the purchase of an icebox to sell coffee independently. The regular sales were noticed by their manager, who presented an ultimatum: choose between the reception job or selling iced coffee. Despite their commitment to the reception role, the manager was not amenable to the dual work. Feeling a divine nudge to overcome fears, the speaker decided to pursue the iced coffee venture fully. They branded their icebox with "Iced Coffee Black Night Rung Set Love" and ventured to the promenade in Dahab to sell. The initial attempt was met with disappointment as the police intervened, deeming the activity unauthorized. Feeling discouraged, the speaker reflected on the experience, believing a greater effort was needed. Undeterred, they began selling in less conspicuous locations, walking through empty streets to avoid authorities. The first day yielded only two cups sold, followed by a gradual increase to seven cups over the next few days. Realizing the need for a more populated area, they moved to Lagoon in Dahab, a beach location lacking services. Within an hour, they sold everything they had, experiencing immense happiness and a sense of accomplishment. This success led to people taking pictures and recommending their product. However, the owner of the coffee shop where they were initially selling insisted on a choice between working there or continuing their independent venture. The speaker sought a more suitable location and found someone willing to host their business. Tragically, this arrangement proved to be a scam; the shop was shut down, and the individual disappeared with their belongings. Feeling lost and seeking divine guidance, the speaker took another vacation to clear their head. Upon returning, they faced significant difficulty finding accommodation due to the holiday season. Feeling discouraged and lost, they turned to prayer, expressing their efforts and faith in God's help. A pivotal moment occurred when a friend from America, who was leaving Dahab, offered their 15-day remaining lease. The speaker perceived this as a divine answer, providing them with a place to stay. This led to renting a studio apartment, acquiring essential equipment like a refrigerator and blender, and gaining more freedom to expand their business. The business began to thrive, with the speaker's brother joining them. However, this period of stability was interrupted when the brother left for military service, leaving the speaker feeling alone again. They then enlisted a long-time friend to work with them, and the business continued to grow, gaining more recognition. Family visits, while welcome, caused issues with their landlord, leading to rent increases. Despite these challenges, the speaker eventually purchased a house in Zahab, a significant achievement considering their previous uncertainty about where they would sleep. Their brother returned after completing military service, and with the friend, the business expanded further. The speaker reflects on the constant presence of obstacles in life, emphasizing the importance of moving forward and letting go of fears, which are often mere illusions. They developed a practice of writing inspiring messages on each cup of juice or coffee sold, aiming to bring joy and leave a positive impression beyond just the transaction. A significant setback occurred when the friend they had brought into the business, after two years of working together, betrayed them by implementing the speaker's ideas independently. This betrayal was deeply discouraging, but their faith in God remained strong, believing that something better would follow. This period fostered resilience, and the speaker began to develop a "two-figure mentality" for handling shocks and problems, preparing themselves psychologically. On the very day of the betrayal, while praying for guidance, a famous actress was seen on television speaking about the speaker's success story, reinforcing their belief that God answers their prayers. This experience solidified their understanding that divine intervention is often a response to their own steps and actions. The speaker acknowledges their fear in public speaking but emphasizes the potential impact of a single word or action. Looking ahead, the speaker expresses confidence in their established foundation, with their home and family working together. They aspire to open a gold shop and expand branches globally. The recent creation of business content has been met with international acclaim, validating their sales methods. They reiterate that success is not about feelings but about action, and that overcoming fear is crucial. Despite initial skepticism from friends who thought selling iced coffee was a strange pursuit, they are now proud of the speaker's achievements. The speaker concludes by emphasizing that there is no shortcut to success; it requires consistent daily effort, overcoming fears, and increasing faith in God. They believe that what is coming is better, even without knowing the specifics, and that taking action is paramount. The entire journey, they stress, is a mental battle, where one defines themselves as a failure or chooses to move forward despite fear. The speaker expresses gratitude for the audience's time and for those who have supported them, ending with a hopeful outlook for the future.