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What does it take to go from being a struggling student to one of the richest people in the world? For Jack Ma, the founder of Alibaba, the answer lies in one word: persistence.
Photo: Getty Images
In this article, we’ll explore Ma’s inspiring journey, uncover the lessons we can learn from his failures and successes, and see how his story can motivate us to keep going, no matter how tough the road gets.
Who is Jack Ma?
Jack Ma is the co-founder of Alibaba, one of the world’s largest e-commerce platforms. Born in Hangzhou, China, Ma grew up in a modest family and faced numerous challenges on his path to success. Despite failing exams, being rejected from jobs, and encountering countless setbacks, he never gave up. Today, he’s a global icon of entrepreneurship and innovation.
The Early Struggles: A Story of Failure and Resilience
Ma’s journey is a testament to the power of persistence.
“I was born in a normal family and I'm not good at schooling,” he says. “Of course, I tried to study hard, but as a boy, you know, my school was not that good at that time.”
Ma faced rejection at every turn:
He failed his college entrance exams twice.
He was rejected from 30 jobs, including one at KFC where 23 out of 24 applicants were hired—he was the only one turned down.
He even applied to Harvard 10 times and was rejected every time.
But Ma didn’t let these failures define him.
“I never give up,” he says. “If you succeed, every mistake becomes legendary. If you fail, that's just garbage.”
The Turning Point: Discovering the Internet
Ma’s life changed when he discovered the internet during a trip to the United States in 1995. Seeing the potential of e-commerce, he returned to China and founded Alibaba in 1999.
At the time, China’s internet infrastructure was underdeveloped, and few people believed in the potential of online shopping. But Ma saw an opportunity to connect Chinese manufacturers with global buyers.
Despite initial skepticism, Alibaba grew rapidly, becoming a global powerhouse and transforming the way people do business.
Lessons from Jack Ma’s Journey
Ma’s story offers valuable lessons for anyone facing challenges or setbacks:
1. Failure is Just a Stepping Stone
Ma’s early failures didn’t stop him—they fueled his determination. As he puts it, “If you succeed, every mistake becomes legendary.”
2. Persistence Pays Off
Success rarely comes overnight. Ma’s journey is a reminder that persistence and hard work can overcome even the toughest obstacles.
3. Believe in Yourself
When no one else believed in him, Ma believed in himself. Self-confidence is key to achieving your dreams.
4. Embrace Your Uniqueness
Ma wasn’t a traditional success story, and that’s what made him stand out. Don’t be afraid to be different.
Real-World Examples of Persistence and Success
Ma’s story isn’t unique. Here are a few lesser-known examples of individuals who turned failure into success:
Example 1: Sara Blakely (Spanx)
Before becoming a billionaire, Blakely faced countless rejections and even sold fax machines door-to-door to make ends meet. Her persistence paid off when she invented Spanx, revolutionizing the shapewear industry.
Example 2: Jan Koum (WhatsApp)
Koum, an immigrant from Ukraine, struggled with poverty and dropped out of college. He taught himself programming and eventually co-founded WhatsApp, which was acquired by Facebook for $19 billion.
Example 3: Howard Schultz (Starbucks)
Schultz grew up in a poor neighborhood and was rejected from dozens of jobs before joining Starbucks as a marketing executive. He later bought the company and transformed it into a global coffee empire.
Why People Only Listen When You Succeed
Ma highlights a harsh truth: “Everybody has great stories. Everybody has a lot of mistakes. Everybody has a lot of problems. But very few people listen to you.”
It’s only when you succeed that people pay attention.
“One day when you become successful, people listen to you and say, Wow, you're great. I'm not that great.”
This observation reminds us to stay focused on our goals, even when others doubt us.
How to Apply Jack Ma’s Lessons to Your Life
Inspired by Ma’s journey? Here’s how you can apply his lessons to your own life:
1. Embrace Failure
See failure as an opportunity to learn and grow, not as a reason to give up.
2. Keep Going
No matter how many times you fall, get back up and keep moving forward.
3. Stay True to Your Vision
Believe in your ideas, even when others don’t.
4. Celebrate Small Wins
Success is a journey, not a destination. Celebrate every step forward.
The Bigger Picture: Your Mistakes Can Become Legendary
Jack Ma’s story is a powerful reminder that success isn’t about avoiding failure—it’s about how you respond to it. By embracing persistence, self-belief, and resilience, you can turn your mistakes into legendary achievements.
As Ma puts it, “If you succeed, every mistake becomes legendary.” So, keep going, keep dreaming, and keep believing in yourself.
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