How Lee Kuan Yew’s Life Teaches Us that Greatness Takes Time

Tejaswini Pagadala
2 min readSep 12, 2023

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As I reflect on the journey of great leaders who have left a lasting legacy, one name that stands out is of Singapore’s Founding Father & former Prime Minister, Lee Kuan Yew. His remarkable life story serves as a powerful reminder that greatness is not achieved overnight but through unwavering dedication and relentless hard work.

Lee Kuan Yew’s path to greatness began in the early 1950s when he co-founded the People’s Action Party (PAP) in Singapore, a tiny island nation with limited resources and immense challenges. His dream was to transform Singapore from a struggling colony into a thriving nation, and this vision required immense patience and perseverance.

I can’t help but draw parallels between his journey and the many moments in my life when I faced daunting obstacles on my own path to success.

It is tempting to look for shortcuts or quick fixes, but Lee Kuan Yew’s life reflects that the most meaningful achievements are often the result of years of dedication.

In the face of adversity and skepticism, Lee Kuan Yew worked tirelessly to build a strong and corruption-free government, invest in education, and attract foreign investments. He knew that true greatness would only come from sustained effort and an unwavering commitment to his vision.

As I navigate my own professional journey, I’m inspired by Lee Kuan Yew’s resilience. There were undoubtedly times when he faced setbacks and moments of doubt, yet he pressed forward, always keeping his long-term goals in sight. Ultimately, his hard work paid off.

Singapore transformed into a global economic powerhouse and a beacon of stability and prosperity in Southeast Asia. Its a testament to the fact that greatness is not a destination; it’s a journey. And that journey requires time, effort, and an unyielding belief in one’s vision.

So, as we strive for greatness in our careers and lives, let’s remember how Lee Kuan Yew transformed Singapore through his vision & hardwork. Learn to embrace the challenges, setbacks, and long hours as opportunities for growth and development.

Greatness may not happen overnight, but with perseverance and hard work, we can achieve our goals and leave a lasting legacy of our own.

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