Starting Small, Growing Big Life Lessons from Mr. Dias (A dairy farmer)

As the new year begins, I find myself reflecting on a conversation I recently had with a self-grown businessman, Mr. Dias, during a deeply emotional moment, his beloved wife’s funeral. Despite the grief surrounding him, he shared invaluable lessons about life, growth, and resilience that have stayed with me ever since.

Humble Beginnings, Tireless Effort

Mr. Dias’s journey began with the simplest of starts. As a child, he worked in his family’s small tea shop after school, learning the ABCs of running a business. From stocking shelves to serving customers, these early lessons in responsibility and entrepreneurship laid the foundation for his future success.

Later, he dedicated himself to his dairy farm, doing every job by himself caring for the cows, managing the farm, and delivering fresh milk miles away on his bicycle. His commitment and tireless effort taught him the value of persistence and hard work, no matter how small the task. Years later, his time working in Italy for two decades further shaped his perspective, teaching him to take on any responsibility with diligence and pride.

Today, Mr. Dias is a proud owner of a dairy farm with over 100 cows, supplying dairy products to his community. Yet, his journey began with just two or three cows, a powerful reminder that success often starts with the smallest steps.

As he put it,

“Start small without waiting to make big moves. Small steps can take you a long way.”

The Courage to Do What It Takes

Mr. Dias spoke passionately about the importance of being bold and unafraid to take on any ethical work for growth. He mentioned that starting small often means taking risks and making unconventional choices, like running a roadside stall or starting with minimal resources.

“It’s not about impressing others,” he said, “but about staying true to your path and believing in yourself.”

This philosophy of resilience and humility ties back to the very first article in TrueNorth Lessons, "Humility and Simplicity: A Tree's Lesson for Life." Like the tree in that story, Mr. Dias’s achievements are rooted in staying grounded, working hard, and growing steadily.

Experience Over Titles

Mr. Dias admitted that he doesn’t hold any formal qualifications or degrees, a fact he sometimes sees as a shortcoming. Yet, as I listened to his story, it became clear that his wealth of experience and knowledge far outweighs any title or certificate. His journey is a testament to the idea that true value lies not in credentials, but in how you apply yourself and the impact you make. And he is doing one of the greatest jobs in this world, farming that helps the humanity move forward. That was my belief.

Lessons to Carry Forward

While mourning the loss of his beloved wife, Mr. Dias imparted some of the most meaningful lessons for the year ahead:

• Start small, but dream big.
• Be bold, take risks, and stay true to your values.
• Don’t let others’ opinions deter you from your path.
• Do things right, and success will follow.

As we step into 2025, Mr. Dias’s story serves as a reminder that greatness isn’t born overnight, it’s built through humility, perseverance, and a willingness to embrace small beginnings. His life echoes the timeless message that true growth comes from within, and that every small step can lead to extraordinary outcomes.

Let this year be one of small steps and bold moves, of doing what’s right and believing in your potential. Here’s to starting 2025 with the wisdom of those who inspire us to grow.

Have a great week ahead :)