On achievements, humility & nature

“I’m a little bit shy to say that I got my first article finally published”

Sherif humbly said while we walked through our picturesque local park. He grew silent as we strolled past a few fruiting apple trees ??, so I hurriedly replied to fill the silence: “Welcome to the world of authors, you, my friend, are now an authority.” (#ego I know)

He was un-phased by what I said and instead had a look of sincere humility on his face. I was puzzled by his attitude ?? because I vividly remember my own reaction when my first article got published. I was running around the building high-fiving ???? everyone in the department as if we had just won the World Cup. ?? 

Sherif had just published his research in NATURE; one of the most prestigious journals in the world (and hardest to get accepted to). Out of the 10,000 unique & high-quality research works Nature received in 2017, 92% got REJECTED ???♂?. Getting through their strict reviewing process, thus grants you instant acknowledgment in the scientific world. Nature is like Hollywood BUT for academics ??!

Yet, what is more important in this story is how Sherif took this achievement with humility rather than grandiosity. (No running high-fives ??) He reminded me of the apple trees around us! For when a tree is laden with apples, it bends down. But when a tree has no apples to offer, it remains erect. (#insight)

Our day was concluded with a highly competitive mini-golf tournament ?? and YES you can easily guess who won. Out of the 5 of us amateurs playing, I would say Sherif had a 92% chance to lose AND he royally lost the whole tournament ??!

However, that did not change anything. His humility remained all the same. Regardless of a win or a loss, in professional endeavors or mini-golf tournaments! It’s a mindset.

Congratulations Sherif and wish you better luck at mini-golf ?????♂?!

Click here to check out Sherif's Article (Open Access)