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Stay Hungry

The Power of Never Settling for Less Than You Can Be

By Qaseem AhmadzaiPublished 8 months ago 3 min read

Start writing...Stay Hungry

Short story:
The Boy with the Torn Shoes

There once was a boy named Amir who lived in a small village. His family didn’t have much, and the only shoes he owned were old and full of holes. Every day, he walked five kilometers to school, even when it rained. Instead of complaining, he just walked faster.

One day, Amir’s teacher asked the class, “What do you want to be when you grow up?” Most kids said things like “doctor,” “pilot,” or “football player.” But Amir stood up and said, “I want to own the biggest company in the country.” Everyone laughed.

But Amir didn’t stop dreaming. He didn’t want food—he wanted knowledge. He wanted a better future. He studied under streetlights at night because there was no electricity at home. He borrowed old books, listened to his teachers carefully, and worked at the market on weekends to support his family.

Years passed. Amir finished school with top marks. He went to college, worked hard, and later started his own tech company. That company helped millions of people. He even gave scholarships to kids from his village.

When someone asked him how he did it, Amir smiled and said, “I never stopped being hungry.”


What Does "Stay Hungry" Mean?

“Stay hungry” isn’t about being hungry for food. It’s about always wanting to grow. It means never giving up, even after reaching your goals. It’s about wanting to keep learning, improving, and becoming better every day.

People who stay hungry don’t settle. They don’t think, “I’ve done enough.” Instead, they ask, “What more can I do?”


1. Keep the Right Mindset

Never Settle

Successful people never stop growing. Even after achieving one goal, they set a new one. They believe there’s always more to learn, more to try, and more to give.

Try this:

Set goals that challenge you.

Ask yourself every week: What did I learn? What can I do better?

Learn from books, videos, mentors, or even from your mistakes.



2. Be Disciplined, Not Just Motivated

Hunger Stays When Motivation Fades

Motivation is like a spark—it comes and goes. But hunger is like a fire—it keeps burning. Hunger pushes you to wake up early, stay focused, and work hard even when you don’t feel like it.

Try this:

Build small daily habits like reading, practicing, or writing.

Don’t wait to “feel ready.” Just start.

When you fail, don’t quit. Learn from it and keep going.



3. Always Stay Curious

Keep Asking, Keep Learning

Curious people are always learning. They never say, “I know enough.” They ask questions, try new things, and explore different ideas.

Try this:

Ask “why” and “how” about the things around you.

Try something new—take a course, read a different type of book, or learn a new skill.

Learn outside your main area of interest—it helps you think in new ways.



4. Choose Your Circle Wisely

Surround Yourself with Hungry People

The people you spend time with affect how you think. If you’re around people who are lazy or negative, their mindset can rub off on you. But if you’re around driven, positive people, their energy will push you forward.

Try this:

Find people who inspire and challenge you.

Avoid those who bring you down or make you doubt yourself.

Join groups, clubs, or online communities where people are working hard to grow.


5. Use Hunger to Make a Difference

Grow to Help Others

When you stay hungry, it’s not just for your own success. Like Amir, your growth can help others too. Your story can inspire someone. Your success can create opportunities for those who come after you.

Think about this:

How can you share what you’ve learned?

Who can you help with your skills or experiences?

What kind of impact do you want to leave behind?


Final Words

You don’t need to be the smartest or the most talented to succeed. What really matters is your hunger—your inner drive to keep going, keep learning, and keep growing.

So no matter where you are in life or what your background is, remember this:
Stay humble. Stay focused. Stay strong. And most importantly, stay hungry.

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About the Creator

Qaseem Ahmadzai

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