Greetings
My husband John and I just returned from a beautiful cruise in the western Caribbean. On this trip we visited some beautiful locations that had pristine, crystal blue waters. I was especially amazed with the people of a small area of Mexico- called Costa Maya.
Costa Maya is the name of the pier- the town/ village has no official name. So the people have started to call their "town" Costa Maya. This small village is made up of farmers, craftsmen, fisherman, and entrepreneurs. A jungle surrounds the entire area of Costa Maya. A few of the cruise ships have started to dock there because of the beautiful aqua blue waters. The people in the village have learned that there is money to be made from the tourists that visit their area.
The market place is two blocks long. In this area you will find an assortment of huts lining both sides of the road. The road is a well worn dirt path- and no vehicles are allowed. The thatched roof huts offer a variety of entrepreneurial efforts. Some huts will sell local crafts, others tropical drinks, silver jewelry or souvenirs. You can even rent a boat.
These people have the spirit of success. Their huts are simplistic, ruff looking, and unsophisticated. Their dress is very casual, and they welcome you with a big warm grin. While they are eager to have you buy something they are also eager to learn from you. They ask lots of questions, and want you to correct their English pronunciation of words.
The entrepreneurs of this area are creative, enthusiastic, warm and friendly. For example if you want to quench your thirst you can visit one of the bar huts. The owners of these "bars" have set up a variety of ways the traveler may enjoy their tropical drink. You can sip your drink while lying in a hammock, sitting in an adult size swing that seats one or two people. You can even sip your drink while receiving a massage from a local beauty. Of course there are the traditional tables with umbrellas that you can sit under while looking out onto the beautiful waters of the area.
If you want a souvenir one hut owner has a big sign on his hut "Local Wo-Mart." When you approach his hut he eagerly runs out to greet you that he has the finest crafts in town and his Wo-Mart is the only one in town.
The people of the area are very poor according to our standards. We were told that one US Dollar will feed a person for a week. In this town we did not see one person begging for a handout- everyone had some entrepreneurial idea to try and entice you to buy something. Hair braiding, buying beaded necklaces, silver jewelery, a beach massage, sip a tropical drink while sitting in a tree swing. or hammock.
There are lessons to be learned from the people of Costa Maya. First, they believe in their success. Second, they are willing to learn. Third - persistence. If we want to be successful in life we first have to believe we can. Success begins in the heart. Second be willing to learn. The entrepreneurs of Costa Maya asked questions and lots of them. They were willing to learn. What are you looking for? What would make my "store" better? Did I pronounce that right? Lastly, these people never gave up. These entrepreneurs were always trying or looking for a new idea or angle to make their hut more appealing.
Too many times I see people who want to be successful however their belief isn't heartfelt. They lack the passion to do what it takes to be successful . They aren't willing to learn from others, or quickly give up their dream. The people of Costa Maya have very little in tangible goods, however the the spirit of success abounds.
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Stop Spinning and Start Winning,
Deanne DeMarco
