As the new year approaches and presents more opportunities to grow and conquer bigger ambitions, as we aim for great things and build our greatness, here are a few powerful reminders to help you stay on track and reach your ambitions relentlessly.
#1: Talent is Your Gift, Hard Work is Your Choice
Many individuals overestimate the talent they are blessed with and underestimate the hard work behind unleashing that talent to the world. Here is what I have learned. Your talent is like a spark, a gift you’re born with. Hard work is the fuel.
Now, imagine you are in a dark room. To remove darkness, having the spark is not enough, you need the fuel to eliminate the darkness. Right?
It’s the same when it comes to achieving great ambitions. Talent alone is not enough, you have to choose to work hard and put in the effort every single day. Talented people often struggle not because they lack potential, but because they fail to work hard and to put in the necessary work. They fail to make that choice.
We all know Sachin Tendulkar as one of the greatest cricketers of all time. Sachin’s talent was evident from a young age, but it was his relentless dedication to practice that made him a cricketing legend. He would spend hours perfecting his technique, often practicing with a wet tennis ball to improve his defense. Tendulkar’s ability to consistently perform under pressure was a result of his hard work and discipline, not just raw talent.
This year, let your talent shine, and choose to work hard every single day.
#2: Don’t Be The Smartest, Be Relentless
This one statement shifted my perspective about failure – “Most people don’t fail, they just give up too soon.”
Success belongs to the smartest or the most talented is an illusion. It doesn’t. It belongs to those who persist when things get tough. The ability to keep going, to endure setbacks, is often the difference between those who achieve their dreams and those who don’t. In simple, being relentless is what counts.
Think about Dhirubhai Ambani, the founder of Reliance Industries. Mr. Ambani’s journey began as a clerk in Yemen. His vision was to build one of India’s largest business empires, but then he faced numerous challenges. Despite all the obstacles and failures, Mr. Ambani never gave up. His relentlessness led Reliance to become one of the largest conglomerates in India, He demonstrated that in the long run being relentless is what matters.
This year, before you give up on your dreams and ambitions ask, “Am I giving up too soon?”
#3: The Silent Force Behind Dreams
If you think luck, connections, or even extraordinary intelligence will make your dreams come true. Then let me give you a spoiler, they won’t. Your dream demands discipline. That’s it – nothing more, nothing less.
Discipline is the quiet, consistent effort that pushes you forward, even on the days you don’t feel like it. It’s the invisible bridge between dreams and reality.
I often share the life of P.V. Sindhu, India’s badminton star and Olympic medalist. When she arrived after winning the Olympic medal, she was given a warm welcome, and 1000s of people queued in to see and wish her but not many knew how discipline won her the medal.
Sindhu’s rigorous training regime often involved waking up at 4 AM and practicing for long hours under the guidance of her coach. This unwavering commitment to discipline helped her secure multiple international titles and brought glory to India on the global stage. Sindhu’s story highlights how talent alone is not enough – disciplined effort is what ultimately leads to greatness.
Discipline isn’t glamorous. It’s waking up early, practicing when no one is watching, and sacrificing short-term pleasure for long-term goals. It’s easy to admire the results of discipline, but few recognize the relentless work that goes into achieving them.
This year, commit to being disciplined not motivated.
#4: The Climb is Where Growth Happens
Everyone wants the view from the top. The sense of accomplishment, the rewards, and the recognition. But not everyone is willing to make the climb. It’s the climb – the hard work, the early mornings, the late nights – that shapes you. Dreaming alone won’t get you there. You have to take action. Be a doer, not just a dreamer.
Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, India’s former President and renowned scientist. Coming from a modest background in Rameswaram, Kalam faced several hardships during his educational journey. His passion for science and relentless hard work led him to become a key figure in India’s space and missile programs. Dr. Kalam’s life is a reminder that the climb – filled with challenges and perseverance – is essential for growth and achievement.
Growth happens during the climb. The struggle forces you to learn, adapt, and evolve. It teaches resilience, patience, and problem-solving – qualities essential for long-term success.
The life of India’s legendary athlete, Milkha Singh from being an orphan during Partition to becoming an Olympic sprinter or M.S. Dhoni’s story of rising from being a ticket collector to one of India’s most successful cricket captains inspires us to believe that talent opens the door, but hard work, persistence, and discipline ensure you walk through it.
As I conclude, here is what I wish to say – Greatness isn’t a mystery. It’s a recipe made from simple ingredients:
- Dreaming big
- Fueling Your talent with consistent choices
- Being Relentless
- Staying disciplined
Choose to climb. Choose to work hard. And let your dreams lead you to greatness.
Start today. Take that first step. And keep climbing.