The 10 Points That Drive Success: Master Them, Master Your Career

Prolog

The concept of success can be broadly divided into two categories: the successful and the not-so-successful. This clear dichotomy is evident across fields as varied as business, the professions, academia, sports, and personal life. Notably, those who achieve significant success are often far fewer in number compared to the many who do not reach similar heights. The list of successful individuals across different and diverse fields includes following illustrative names:

The less successful often find themselves restless, tempted to chalk up others' achievements to mere luck, missing the profound and often overlooked factors that truly fuel success. This article is a sincere endeavour to peel back the layers and uncover the essential reasons behind the extraordinary achievements of a select few (no matter their field or background). By shining a light on following core principles, it aims to inspire a deeper understanding and a renewed commitment to the pursuit of genuine accomplishment.

1. Purpose

The first recipe for attaining success is to clearly and unambiguously define the purpose because unless the purpose is defined rigidly, the question of success or failure does not arise. The purpose can be divided into following two types:

(a) Long-term purpose

The term "long-term" lacks a rigid definition, as its interpretation varies significantly depending on the context and purpose. What may be considered long-term in one scenario might be deemed short-term in another. For example, in the fast-paced world of T20 cricket or one-day internationals, a five-year period might be viewed as long-term. In contrast, for aspiring politicians aiming for roles in the Central Government, a timeframe of twenty to thirty years could be considered long-term. This flexibility in defining "long-term" underscores the importance of understanding the specific purposes and timelines associated with different pursuits.

(b) Short-term purpose

It is axiomatic that long-term objectives cannot be attained without setting and achieving short-term goals. Similar to the concept of "long-term," the definition of "short-term" varies depending on the context and the duration of the long-term purpose. For instance, if the long-term goal spans five years, the short-term objectives might be set for six months or one year. Conversely, if the long-term goal stretches over twenty to thirty years, the short-term milestones could be five or ten years. A crucial aspect is that short-term purposes must align with and support the long-term objectives, ensuring there is no contradiction between the two. This alignment is key to making steady progress toward achieving long-term goals. To illustrate, for a freshly qualified Chartered Accountant aiming to practice in the dynamic field of Goods and Services Tax (GST), a relevant short-term goal could be to gain practical experience by working under a seasoned GST professional for two to three years. This hands-on experience would provide valuable insights, technical expertise, and industry exposure, ultimately paving the way for achieving the long-term objective of establishing a successful practice in GST. By focusing on short-term goals that complement long-term aspirations, individuals can build a strong foundation for future success.

2. Planning

Effective planning is a vital component in the pursuit of success. Once both long-term and short-term goals are clearly defined, planning becomes essential in mapping out the sequence of steps required to achieve them. Thoughtful and strategic planning enables individuals to:

By fulfilling these functions, planning serves as the bridge between aspiration and achievement, ensuring that goals are not only set but also realized in a structured, purposeful, and efficient manner.

3. Passion

Passion is the driving force behind every remarkable achievement. It represents a relentless energy that invigorates both body and mind, propelling individuals towards their goals. While others may imitate your techniques or approach, passion is profoundly personal-impossible to duplicate. For instance, countless cricketers attempt to emulate Virat Kohli's batting style, yet none can match the intensity of his passion for the game. Following table showcases additional examples to illustrate the power of passion:

These examples showcase how passion is a deeply personal force that transcends skill alone, igniting extraordinary dedication, perseverance, and creativity, which ultimately leads to exceptional achievements. Thus, passion is an inner fire that leaves a lasting imprint on one's work; it cannot be fabricated or imitated. This is the secret ingredient that transforms good work into truly exceptional work, making passion an indispensable element of success.

4. Persistence

Achieving long-term goals requires unwavering persistence, as the journey is often fraught with difficulties, failures, and setbacks. Persistence is the quality of continuing steadfastly despite obstacles, and its value is encapsulated in the timeless idiom: "Winners never quit, quitters never win." Further, in the words of Hrithik Roshan "If you give up, it means you're setting a trap for yourself."

The importance of persistence is exemplified by the remarkable stories of two iconic figures from the field of science namely Thomas Edison and Stephen Hawking.

Edison's persistence is legendary. Despite facing over 1,000 failed attempts, he successfully invented the light bulb, famously remarking, "I have not failed. I've just found 10,000 ways that won't work." This unrelenting determination to learn from mistakes ultimately led to groundbreaking innovations that transformed the world.

Similarly, Stephen Hawking's life is a testament to persistence in the face of adversity. Diagnosed with a motor neuron disease at 21, Hawking defied medical expectations, living for over 50 years with the condition. Despite physical limitations, Hawking's passion for science drove him to produce pioneering work in cosmology and theoretical physics, inspiring millions worldwide. His persistence not only advanced our understanding of the universe but also demonstrated the human spirit's capacity to overcome seemingly insurmountable challenges.

These examples illustrate that persistence and perseverance are crucial in overcoming obstacles and achieving success. By embracing this mindset, individuals can unlock their full potential and make meaningful contributions in their respective fields.Thus, the only time to take the step towards change is now. Even if they're baby steps, we must start today itself.Persistence is important because one must make time to work on one's purposes.

5. Positive Attitude

A positive attitude is the very cornerstone of success. It is the unstoppable force that drives us forward, lighting the path toward our dreams and empowering us to conquer any obstacle that stands in our way. When we choose to see the world through the lens of optimism, we unlock the boundless potential within ourselves. This mindset transforms challenges into opportunities, setbacks into stepping stones, and pushes us to rise higher than we ever imagined possible. Embracing positivity not only fuels our journey toward achievement but also nurtures a deep sense of joy, resilience, and fulfilment that elevates every aspect of our lives. Following are some inspiring quotes from celebrities that emphasize the importance of maintaining a positive attitude:

By internalizing the above quotes and adopting a positive attitude, one can navigate life's challenges with confidence, resilience, and determination.

6. Practice

Achieving perfection in any field is a journey fuelled by unwavering dedication and relentless practice. Whether one aspires to shine in playback singing, excel in sports like cricket or badminton, or master classical music and dance, there is no substitute for consistent, focused effort. The legendary Ustad Bismillah Khan (21.03.1916-21.08.2006) is a shining example of practice. His success was born from an unshakeable commitment to daily practice spanning many years. He reminds us that true mastery has no shortcuts; it is earned through perseverance and passion.

Every hour spent in practice sharpens one's skills, strengthens one's endurance, and ignites one's creativity. It builds one's confidence and refines one's performance, allowing one to overcome mistakes and grow stronger each day. More than anything, it challenges an individual to push beyond his/her limits and transform weaknesses into strengths. With each step forward on this path, an individual moves closer to greatness.

7. Punctuality

Punctuality is more than just a habit. In fact, it is a mark of discipline, respect, and commitment that paves the way to success. Every time one arrives on time or meets a deadline, one sends a clear message: I am reliable, I value my word, and I respect your time. This simple act builds trust, strengthens relationships, and sets the foundation for both short-term wins and long-term achievements.

Being punctual allows one to make the most of every moment, harnessing time as one's greatest resource. It shields an individual from the chaos of last-minute rushes, lowers stress, and gives the concerned person the clarity to perform at his/her best.

Legends like Amitabh Bachchan and Akshay Kumar embody this principle-they have earned admiration not only for their talent but also for their unwavering commitment to punctuality. Their consistent respect for time has become a cornerstone of their success and public goodwill.

8. Physical fitness

Physical fitness plays a crucial role in achieving both long-term and short-term goals across all areas of life. In today's fast-paced world, where convenience and technology dominate our routines, prioritizing physical well-being has never been more important. Unfortunately, the growing reliance on motor vehicles, home-delivery services, and elevators has drastically reduced daily physical activity. As a result, urban areas are seeing a surge in obesity rates, especially among young professionals. A sedentary lifestyle not only lowers our energy levels but also weakens our ability to fight disease and maintain overall health.

Starting the day with a morning walk or practicing yoga can be transformative. These simple yet powerful habits keep the body active, the mind fresh, and focus sharp. A morning walk is a gentle yet revitalizing way to kickstart the day-stimulating blood circulation, enhancing mood, and boosting energy levels. Yoga, on the other hand, offers a holistic approach to wellness by blending physical postures (asanas), breathing techniques (pranayama), and meditation-nurturing both body and mind.

Virat Kohli's unwavering commitment to fitness stands as a powerful example. His disciplined lifestyle, anchored in a strict workout regimen and a healthy diet, has enabled him to maintain peak condition and consistently perform at the highest level in his sport.

Incorporating morning walks and yoga into one's daily routine is not just about exercise. It's about investing in oneself. By embracing these practices, one can unlock the countless benefits of physical fitness, cultivate resilience, and live with the same energy, focus, and vitality that fuel champions like Virat Kohli.

9. Parent's blessings and many-fold sacrifices

There's no substitute for the love, blessings, and sacrifices of parents. They selflessly support their children, providing unwavering encouragement and guidance that often leads to remarkable achievements. When children succeed in their endeavors, it brings immense joy to their parents. Following is the illustrative list of famous cricketers who have publicly acknowledged the significant role of their respective parents:

Besides, Amitabh Bachchanhas indeed paid heartfelt tributes to his father, Harivansh Rai Bachchan, a renowned poet and writer. Amitabh Bachchan's quote "One Hari Vansh Roy Bachchan can make many Amitabh Bachchans but thousands of Amitabh Bachchan cannot think of making one Hari Vansh Roy Bachchan," make it clear that Amitabh holds immense respect for his father's legacy. Incidentally, Harivansh Rai Bachchan was a leading figure in the Chhayavaad literary movement, known for his lyrical and rebellious style. His poetry, such as "Madhushala" and "Agneepath," continues to inspire millions and has been featured in various films and TV shows.

10. Prayers

At the end of day, all of us of human beings and thus have human limitations. It is, therefore, not a surprise that all successful individuals including many renowned scientists have demonstrated a deep faith in God, showcasing that science and spirituality can coexist harmoniously. Following is the illustrative list of such famous scientists:

Thus, the above demonstrative scientists, among many others, have found that their faith and scientific pursuits complement each other, often inspiring new discoveries and a deeper understanding of the world.

Parting comments

Long-term success is like a jealous mistress, demanding wholehearted attention and unwavering effort. It cannot, by any stretch of the imagination, be taken for granted. The examples of successful individuals, drawn from a wide spectrum of fields, illustrate that success is neither the product of mere luck nor a happy accident. Those who have yet to achieve comparable success must recognize the true factors behind attaining and sustaining it-and strive to emulate the habits and mindset of these accomplished individuals in both letter and spirit.