Excellence is an art won by training and habituation. We do not act rightly because we have virtue or excellence, but we rather have those because we have acted rightly. We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act but a habit.
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Personal Bio
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As a natural born leader, I have had the pleasure and privilege of leading and inspiring some remarkable individuals in my lifetime. Currently I am a Co-Founder and the Operations Manager of the community organization Seed of Thought. I am also a youth worker, a university student and a keen adventurer with an interest in human rights and social justice, as well as educating and influencing our youth of today.
In the summer of 2009 at the age of 24, I returned from my first season of college soccer in the USA, where as a freshman, I was captain of the Northeastern State University Riverhawks. Feeling a slight imbalance in my body, I attended an appointment with my sports doctor, only to be diagnosed with 3 slipped discs in my lower back and a painful condition called Osteitis Pubis (OP). Unable to play soccer anymore, thus forfeiting my scholarship in the USA, I was left in a position of uncertainty, what to do now?
I have always been inquisitive and observant by nature and as such, I began to focus on the smaller things in life that mattered to me most including my family, friends and generally just being happy. In early 2010, I experienced what I am guessing was a momentary flash of depression. Much to my horror, my long term relationship to a girl I truly loved was on its last legs. I was finding it difficult to work and make ends meet while at the university, and I no longer had sport to use as a release. All in all, life just felt too hard.
On top of this, it seemed to me like society was at a crossroad and I knew I was not the only person that felt like this. Social media became a burden; it was as if the television stations had a wager on who could show the most devastating story of the day. People around me seemed so rushed, irritated and impatient, life felt hectic and it was as if the sun was rising and setting quicker than ever. I wanted so badly to be able to open my eyes each morning to a life full of color again, not black and white.
It took me a couple of days of solitude to face my internal demons and come out on top. During this time I made some tough decisions that resulted in almost immediate liberation. I was amazed at how a few small choices empowered me again with optimism and a rejuvenated drive to succeed, down a road I was passionate about – helping and inspiring people. If I am going to live in this world, I am going to do what I can to change my life and the lives of others around me in a positive manner. I will fit 26 hours in to every day if I have to, and I will do it all with a smile on my face.
A very close friend of mine once said to me “Al, while you work for me just do one thing, do what you say you are going to do”. These words have stuck with me ever since, and I now have the courage to tell people that I hope to change the world, or to discuss the outrageous projects my team and I at Seed of Thought are currently planning, or have recently completed. Why? Because I know I plan on following them through, and I am not afraid of being held accountable for my words or my actions.
Einstein once said, “There are only two ways to live your life. The first is as though nothing is a miracle. The second is as though everything is a miracle”.
For those of you out there who feel lost or helpless, those who may need inspiration or are just seeking to be coached and guided in to a happier, more fulfilling lifestyle, I hope you find some answers here. If not, reach out to me in person and I will give you everything I have got.
Be sure to check out my blog page and read about some of my adventures to date.
Thank you for your time, and as simple as it may sound, just “Be the best you can be”.
Yours truly,
Alex Petrou.
Mob: +61408 012 597 (Australia), +1 310 894 1856 (USA)