Consistency and long-term weren’t just words but a way of life for someone like Ray Ewry. Born on 14 October 1873, Ray was orphaned when he was just five years old. Worst still, he contracted polio when he was seven years old and was told by the doctor that he would never walk again and spend the rest of his life in a wheelchair! There was but just one hope – leg exercises, according to another doctor.

Ray Ewry started exercising and training to be able to walk again. And he would do that consistently for years. The leg exercises not only resulted in Ray walking normally but also helped him become the greatest Olympian ever! Consistent efforts over years had transformed Ray from a crippled boy to a 6 foot 3 inches tall man with legs of steel.

According to Olympic.org, Ray won eight Olympic gold medals in 1900, 1904 and 1908, yet he is almost unknown today because his unprecedented feats were performed in events that are no longer held: the standing high jump, the standing long jump and the standing triple jump. Ray’s story is probably one of the best stories you will hear of grit, determination and hard work. The boy who wouldn’t be able to walk had jumped into history books!

Like Ray, we too can achieve our goals including financial ones. We have to follow the same principles – consistently investing over a long period of time. Investing small amounts in SIPs of mutual funds will not only help us in walking towards our goals but might also help in jumping over difficulties.

Information contained in this article is not a complete representation of every material fact and is for informational purposes only. The recipient is advised to consult its advisor/ tax consultant prior to arriving at any investment decision.