[W Forum] If You Have a Dream

Since childhood, I have been far from environments that believe in fortune-telling or superstitions. What are commonly called 'jinxes' may also feel like superstitions, but surprisingly, many people have their own big or small jinxes when you talk to them.

One common scene in our country, where education fever is high, is students sticking yeot (a traditional Korean sweet) on the exam room door, hoping to stick to prestigious universities. Also, they avoid eating seaweed soup because they believe they must not fail the exam.

These might seem like trivial stories to laugh off, but jinxes also play a role in moments worth betting one's life on. Even in the Olympics, where four years of effort are decided by a single competition, there are known jinxes.

In figure skating, there is a saying that "a skater wearing blue clothes sets a good record or wins a medal." This was proven by Tara Lipinski in 1998, Sarah Hughes in 2002, Shizuka Arakawa in 2006, and Kim Yuna in 2010, all of whom wore blue outfits and won gold medals.

But does wearing blue clothes guarantee that anyone can showcase their skills to the fullest? Not only in sports but also in American politics, there is a jinx that "a presidential candidate who likes golf gets elected," so should presidential candidates spend more time on golf than anything else?

Only you know best whether you did your best to achieve good results. You should not expect 'luck' to fill the remaining 30% when you only put in 70% effort instead of 100%.

When COVID-19 worsened and gyms were closed, I vowed, "Once this period passes, I will go to the gym every day without missing a single day." I exercised diligently for the first two weeks, but for various reasons, the frequency of my workouts has gradually decreased. Still, I dream of losing weight and having a toned body.

Even in golf, which I started for social reasons, I hope for good luck. I should have the skills not to bother those I go with and be able to have enough conversation while playing, but I am busy chasing golf balls that go in unexpected distances and directions, which is disappointing. On the way back, I vow, "I must practice hard," but eventually, I go out to the field praying that "this time, luck will be with me" at the next game.

If you want a healthy and good-looking body, you should not postpone today's exercise until tomorrow and go to sleep. You must head to the gym recalling your initial determination. To enjoy golf without bothering anyone and to have a pleasant round with others, you need to practice consistently so you can like golf. You should not just make schedules with vague hopes that you will do it someday, dress in clothes that are said to bring luck, or study jinxes while dreaming of a better tomorrow.

If you accumulate days of doing your best, you will surely get one step closer to achieving your dreams. I found an English phrase that I like and try not to forget it: 'Wish less, Work more.'

I vow to reduce the foolishness of sitting and only dreaming without putting in hard work.

Yoon Bowon, Sales Executive, Hana Financial Investment Club1WM Center

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.