It used to be that when a Jamaican travelled overseas that people would most readily identify our country with the iconic music legend, Bob Marley. However, that reality is fast changing, because of one iconic sporting athlete by the name of Usain Bolt. When I was in Zambia and Nambia four years ago, it was Bolt that the children and people used to make a connection with my country. Now you may wonder where I am going with this as it relates to personal transformation.

Well, I will tell you. I am going to use Bolt as a symbol of personal transformation and perhaps not for the reasons you might think. Although he has transformed the way we think about Track and Field forever, I am more fascinated and inspired by Bolt’s personal transformation, which has taught me some vital lessons. We know Bolt as a super-confident, fun loving world-class athlete, who handles popularity and the stage with great ease. He is quite comfortable on the big stage. But did you know it was not always like that for him?

In the documentary the Fastest Man Alive, we meet a boy from Sherwood Content in Trelawny, Jamaica, who was terrified of his second big meet in 2002. He battled self-doubt and fear. In fact he cried, telling his parents that he did not think he could race against the big guys and win. However, with some encouragement from his mother and grandmother, he went to Kingston, competed and won. He became the World Junior Champion! It was the birth of the lightning Bolt. Bolt says that, that moment was and will always be his favourite moment in his career. In that moment he was able to thrive based on the faith others had in him.

Now fast forward to 2016 when many were touting Justin Gaitlin to beat Usain Bolt. It was a different attitude. Although Bolt was not in the best shape of his life, he believed despite the odds and the doubts of others that he was unbeatable. And so it was! He had completely transformed. He had complete self-belief!

Friends, as you can see, personal transformation is possible! I believe that You, too, can be transformed. You can overcome your personal challenges such as limiting beliefs, fear, doubt, poor self-image and lack of confidence to become something more, even to the point of being unrecognizable.

Usain Bolt today is a picture of transformation. The person he is today is nothing like he was at age 15.

Friends, transformation is possible and it starts with a belief that it is possible! That’s our key for today. Stay tuned tomorrow for part 2 of our 7 part series on Keys to Personal Transformation.