New From Zero to Global: 5 Life Lessons That Can Change Your Future Blog Post

From Zero to Global: 5 Life Lessons That Can Change Your Future

“You don’t need to come from privilege to rise. You just need a reason, a vision—and a heart that refuses to quit.”

Introduction:

When people ask me how I went from a poor village in China to becoming a businesswoman, international speaker, and author in America, I often smile and say, “It didn’t start with money. It started with love.”

Because that’s the truth.

At sixteen, I had no savings, no connections, and no plan. I didn’t even have enough money for a bus ticket to leave my village. But I had something else—something more powerful than wealth.

I had a village that believed in me.

The people who barely had enough for themselves came together and donated five yuan, ten yuan, placing what little they had into my mother’s hands so I could leave. I didn’t know at the time that this was a gift from them—it wasn’t until years later that my mother told me.

That day, my journey didn’t begin with a suitcase or a roadmap.
It began with a silent promise: I will not waste this chance. I will rise.

Now, decades later, I want to share the five biggest lessons I learned on my path from zero to global—lessons that will help you turn your own struggle into strength, your past into purpose, and your dream into reality. 1. Where You Start Doesn’t Define Where You’ll End

I grew up in a mud-brick house with a leaking roof. When it rained, my mother had to put out bowls to catch the water.

But that was just the beginning—not the destination.

Where you come from may shape you, but it does not have the right to limit you.

Start where you are. Use what you have. Believe in who you’re becoming.

1. Where You Start Doesn’t Define Where You’ll End

I grew up in a mud-brick house with a leaking roof. When it rained, my mother had to put out bowls to catch the water.

But that was just the beginning—not the destination.

Where you come from may shape you, but it does not have the right to limit you.

Start where you are. Use what you have. Believe in who you’re becoming.

2. The Right People Will See Your Worth Before You Do

When my village gave me that money, I didn’t feel worthy. I didn’t believe I was smart enough, strong enough, or special enough.

But they believed in me.

Sometimes, your destiny will be seen by others before you can see it for yourself. And that’s okay.

Honor those people. Listen to their faith. Let their belief borrow you courage until you build your own.

And remember—one day, you will be that person for someone else.

3. Pain Is Not the End—It’s the Path

I’ve experienced hunger, heartbreak, divorce, betrayal, and silence.
I’ve started over more times than I can count.
I’ve worked in salons cleaning floors, cried in cars between clients, and questioned myself in languages I hadn’t yet learned to speak.

But every moment of pain taught me something.

Every breakdown carried the seed of a breakthrough.

If you’re hurting now—don’t run from it.
Learn from it. Let it sharpen you. Let it make you unstoppable.

Your pain is not punishment. It is preparation.

4. Dreams Need Discipline More Than They Need Luck

Many people think success comes from luck or talent. But I know better.

It came from showing up when no one clapped.
It came from studying when I was tired.
From posting when no one responded.
From learning when I had no money and building when I had no guide.

Your dream does not need to be perfect. It needs to be practiced.

Discipline is love in action—love for your future self.

5. When You Rise, Rise With Purpose

Today, I have spoken on stages across the world. I run a business I built from scratch. I’ve trained students and helped women launch their dreams.

But I didn’t write my book From Zero to Global to talk about success. I wrote it to honor where it all started—and to pass the light forward.

Because the truth is, we don’t rise just for ourselves.

We rise to reach back. To lift. To remind others that they, too, are worthy of more.

The greatest joy is not just becoming free—but helping others become free too.

This Is What I Want You to Remember

You don’t need to be born into wealth to build something meaningful.
You don’t need a perfect plan—you need a powerful reason.
You don’t need to wait for permission—you can start with a whisper of belief.

Wherever you are in your journey, I want you to know:

You are not too late.
You are not too small.
You are not your past.

You are rising. And the world is waiting for your voice.

So take the next step.

Tell your story.
Share your truth.
Build your vision.
And rise with love, from zero—to global.

Ready to begin your own journey?

Order your copy of From Zero to Global today:
https://zhentaoenterprises.com/books

Let this book be your mirror, your guide, and your first "yes"—the one you give to yourself.

Because if I can do it, so can you.
And I’ll be cheering you on every step of the way.

Want more tools, inspiration, and resources to help you rise?
Click here to explore more: https://zhentaoenterprises.com

Whether you're growing a business, healing from your past, or stepping into your power—this is where your next chapter begins.