10,000 Days of Chasing My Dreams | Short Film

Summary

Howard Shu, a two-time Olympian, reflects on his journey from a passionate badminton player to an Olympian and beyond. Raised in a traditional Chinese family, he was driven by the dream of pursuing sports, even when the odds were against him. Despite challenges in the U.S. where badminton isn’t a major sport, Howard pursued his Olympic dream while balancing a corporate career. His story is about chasing dreams, defying expectations, and finding fulfillment beyond wins. As he prepares for his last Olympic match, Howard shares the importance of perseverance, faith, and chasing what sets your heart on fire.

Takeaways

• 😀 Howard Shu, a two-time Olympian for Team USA, reflects on his journey toward representing his country in badminton.
• 😀 From a young age, Howard's obsession with sports was fostered by his parents, who immigrated to the US and aimed to give him opportunities they never had.
• 😀 Badminton was introduced to Howard by his father in the summer of '98, and although it didn't come naturally, he quickly became hooked and determined to succeed.
• 😀 Despite an early loss in his first tournament, Howard's competitive spirit was ignited, and he soon became the top-ranked junior in the US.
• 😀 Howard pursued a degree at UCLA on an academic scholarship while continuing to play badminton at a high level, balancing his education and sports dreams.
• 😀 After graduation, Howard faced a tough decision: pursue a career in management consulting or chase his Olympic dreams. He chose to give his dreams one more shot.
• 😀 Howard immersed himself in rigorous training to improve daily, pushing through expectations and pressure, and ultimately earned his place as an Olympian.
• 😀 While his Olympic success was a dream come true, Howard recognized the importance of building a career outside of sports, returning to consulting and questioning the idea of having to choose between both paths.
• 😀 Howard trailblazed a unique career path by convincing his consulting firm to allow him to compete while working, blending both careers in a groundbreaking way.
• 😀 Reflecting on his journey, Howard learned that success isn’t just about medals, but about fulfillment, happiness, and defying expectations. His journey has been about daring to dream big and finishing on his own terms.

Q & A

What motivated Howard Shu to pursue badminton in the first place?

Howard Shu's motivation to pursue badminton came from his deep passion for sports, which was instilled by his parents. His father introduced him to badminton in 1998, and it felt unique and special to him, sparking a fire inside to improve despite early challenges.

How did Howard's background influence his career decisions?

Coming from a traditional Chinese immigrant family, Howard's parents emphasized the importance of academics and securing a stable future. Their sacrifices and desire to provide opportunities they never had led Howard to pursue both academic and athletic goals, balancing both in his career.

Why did Howard Shu initially choose to attend UCLA?

Howard chose UCLA on an academic scholarship, recognizing that badminton in the US wasn't financially viable. He pursued a degree in business economics while continuing to train and play badminton at a competitive level.

What was the dilemma Howard faced after graduating from UCLA?

After graduating, Howard was faced with a tough decision: continue pursuing his Olympic dreams in badminton or take a corporate job that would provide financial stability. He ultimately decided to chase his Olympic aspirations.

What role did Howard Shu's training play in his Olympic success?

Howard's dedication to training played a crucial role in his Olympic success. He focused on becoming 1% better every day, pushing through the pressures and expectations to eventually earn a spot on the U.S. Olympic team, which he called a dream come true.

How did Howard balance his career in consulting and his pursuit of badminton?

Howard found a way to balance both careers by convincing the consulting firm to allow him to compete while working. This allowed him to trailblaze a path that gave him control over both his corporate and athletic careers.

What realization did Howard have about success after years of competition?

After years of chasing Olympic dreams, Howard realized that true success isn't just about wins and losses but about fulfillment and happiness. He found success in pushing his limits and achieving personal growth beyond the court.

How did Howard Shu define the final stage of his badminton career?

In the final stage of his badminton career, Howard described it as more meaningful than any medal he had won. It was about daring to dream big, defying the odds, and finishing on his own terms, while sharing the journey with those who supported him.

What advice does Howard Shu offer to young athletes dreaming of the Olympics?

Howard advises young athletes to have faith in the process, be patient, and trust that dreams do come true. He emphasizes that success doesn't happen overnight and that persistence is key.

What does Howard Shu believe the sport of badminton gave him?

Howard believes badminton gave him much more than he ever expected. It provided him with opportunities, experiences, and memories that enriched his life beyond his achievements, including a sense of gratitude for everything he gained.