"如果你想像太阳一样闪耀，首先要像太阳一样燃烧。"

The main idea here is that achieving greatness or success requires hard work, persistence, and sometimes enduring hardship. It's about putting in the effort and going through challenges to come out on top—just like the sun has to burn intensely to shine so brightly.

This quote has been attributed to several influential figures, but it’s often associated with the scientist Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, a former President of India. He was known for his work in space research and his inspirational speeches aimed at young people. It’s possible that he said this to motivate others to understand that real success is not handed out easily; it comes from dedication and sometimes, enduring tough times.

Think about a long-distance runner training for a marathon. They don’t just wake up one day and decide to run 26.2 miles without any preparation. No, they train for months, running in all kinds of weather, pushing through the pain, soreness, and fatigue. They might even face injuries or setbacks, but they keep at it, eyes on the prize. On race day, when they finally cross that finish line, all that hard work pays off. They “shine” because they’ve “burned” through the tough training days.

So how can you apply this bit of wisdom to your own life? Start by recognizing that the goals you want to achieve will likely require some sacrifice and grit. Whether it’s excelling in your career, mastering a new skill, or even building strong relationships, you need to put in the effort. Don’t shy away from the hard parts; they’re what make the achievement worthwhile. Break your goals into manageable steps, and tackle them one by one. Expect hiccups and embrace them as part of the journey.

Imagine you want to become an accomplished guitarist. You can’t just pick up the instrument and expect to play like Jimi Hendrix right away. You’ll need to practice regularly, maybe even daily. Your fingers might hurt, and you might get frustrated when you can’t nail that complex chord progression. But if you keep at it, practice consistently, and maybe even take a few lessons, you’ll get better. Over time, your dedication will pay off, and you’ll be able to play those songs that once seemed impossible.

Here's a little story to put this into perspective. Think about Sarah. She dreamt of opening her own bakery. Sounds sweet, right? But it wasn’t just about baking cookies and cakes. She had to learn about business management, handle the early mornings and long hours, deal with suppliers, and sometimes even face slow business days. There were moments when she doubted herself, but she pushed through. She experimented with recipes late into the night, learned from her mistakes, and gradually built a loyal customer base. Today, her bakery is the go-to spot in her neighborhood. Sarah shines brightly now, but it’s because she burned through the grind first.

So when you’re feeling the heat, remember that it’s part of the process. Don’t get discouraged by the hard work or the setbacks; they’re shaping you. Just like the sun, your time to shine will come—if you’re willing to burn a little first.