You Cannot Climb The Ladder Of Success With Your Hands In Pockets

The First Step on the Ladder of Success

Success is never an accident. It is not something that appears in a person's life simply because of good fortune, favourable circumstances, or family background. The ladder of success stands in front of everyone, but it demands that you take your hands out of your pockets, roll up your sleeves and climb with sustained effort, perseverance and unwavering determination.

The title of this article carries a powerful message: if you want to climb the ladder of success, you must be willing to work for it. Keeping both hands in your pockets symbolises comfort, inaction, excuses and the expectation that success will arrive without any personal effort. In reality, success in any field-whether it is sports, music, literature, business or the professional world-is built on a foundation of constant, dedicated and intelligent hard work.

The universal rules of success

Success functions under the same strict, universal rules in every field. It does not bend for age, complexion, gender, social status or financial position; it bends only for effort and continuous effort. Success has an impersonal, almost mechanical character: it does not ask who you are; it only asks what you are willing to do, day after day, for your goal. It does not grant concessions for background or circumstances, but it always rewards discipline, persistence and hard work.

History is full of people who rose from poverty, obscurity or social disadvantage simply because they refused to stop trying. Age is not decisive: some succeed in youth, others in late life, but in both cases, effort is the common factor. Social or financial status is not decisive: many world leaders, entrepreneurs and artists began with almost nothing, but built everything through relentless work. External features like complexion or appearance are not decisive: individuals once rejected for their looks or voice later became iconic in their fields through perseverance. Circumstances may influence the starting point, but they never decide the finishing line.

Swami Vivekananda's famous call- "Arise, awake and stop not till the goal is reached"-perfectly captures the inner spirit required for success. "Arise" means shake off laziness, self-pity and excuses. "Awake" means becoming fully conscious of your potential and your responsibility. "Stop not" means refuse to be discouraged by delay, difficulty or defeat. This message reinforces that continuity of effort is not optional; it is the very backbone of achievement. On this path, one more principle is essential: a serious aspirant should not pay undue attention to criticism and gossip. If there is a grain of truth in criticism, it can be quietly used as feedback for improvement; if it is baseless or malicious, it should be ignored so that time, energy and focus remain invested in the goal, not in arguments.

The real meaning of success

Success is not just about reaching a destination; it is about the journey of becoming a better version of yourself through discipline, sacrifice and resilience. Every achievement that the world celebrates today has behind it countless hours of unseen effort, innumerable moments of self-doubt and myriad occasions when the person could have given up but chose to continue.

The ladder of success has many rungs. Some are easy to climb, some are difficult, and some require you to pause, rebuild your strength and try again. But one thing is sure: no one can climb it without using their hands, their mind and their willpower. Those who keep their hands in their pockets-mentally or physically-remain on the ground, often blaming fate, circumstances, or others.

TRUE STORIES OF GREAT ACHIEVERS FROM DIFFERENT WALKS OF LIFE

INTERNATIONAL ACHIEVERS

(A) Michael Jordan: cut from his high school team

Michael Jordan is universally regarded as one of the greatest basketball players of all time. Yet, very few people know that he was once cut from his high school basketball team because the coach felt he was not good enough. This rejection could have ended his basketball dreams, but instead, it became the fuel for his determination.

Jordan later reflected on his journey, saying he had missed thousands of shots, lost hundreds of games, and failed repeatedly in crucial moments-and that this is precisely why he succeeded. This honesty about failure reveals a profound truth: success is built not on perfection, but on persistence. Each missed shot was not a reason to quit, but a reason to practice more intelligently.

Jordan did not keep his hands in his pockets after being rejected. He practised harder, woke up earlier, stayed late in the gym and transformed himself from a rejected teenager into a global icon. His work ethic became legendary, and his willingness to fail repeatedly without fear made him unstoppable. The world eventually saw his championships, but the real foundation of his success lay in the lonely hours of practice that nobody applauded.

(B) Stan Smith: Too clumsy to be a ball boy

Stan Smith, the legendary tennis champion, was once rejected from being a ball boy at a Davis Cup match because organisers felt he was too clumsy and uncoordinated. Imagine being told you are not even good enough to pick up tennis balls, let alone play the game professionally.

But Stan Smith refused to accept this judgment as his final identity. He worked on his skills, improved his coordination and eventually won Wimbledon, the U.S. Open and multiple Davis Cup titles. His story teaches that other people's opinions about your abilities are not your destiny-your own efforts are. The same universal rule of success applied to him: continuous effort, not initial approval, decided his level.

(C) The Beatles: told guitar music is on the way out

The Beatles are among the most commercially successful and critically acclaimed bands in history. Their music has influenced generations and continues to be celebrated worldwide. Yet, when they were starting, a recording company rejected them with the comment: "We don't like their sound, and guitar music is on the way out."

The world could easily have been deprived of The Beatles' music if they had taken that one verdict as final. Instead, they continued to refine their craft, performed in small clubs, faced criticism and kept believing in their music. Their persistence paid off, and they became a cultural phenomenon that redefined popular music. What looked like "failure" in one office became a stepping stone to global success.

(D) Lady Gaga: Dropped after three months

Lady Gaga, who went on to sell millions of records and become a global pop icon, was once dropped by a major music label after just three months because her demo was considered unacceptable. That decision could have finished her career before it started. However, she did not allow that rejection to define her. She continued to write, perform and develop her unique artistic identity. Today, she is not just a singer, but also a successful actress and a cultural trendsetter. Her journey shows that the universal rules of success are not suspended in the entertainment industry; they operate there as strictly as anywhere else. Talent is essential, but relentless work and resilience are decisive.

(E)J.K. Rowling: twelve rejections before Harry Potter

J.K. Rowling, the creator of the Harry Potter series, is now one of the most successful authors in history. But before this success, she experienced deep hardship and repeated rejection. As a single mother with limited income, she wrote her novel in cafés because she could not afford to heat her home adequately. She was coping with personal loss, emotional struggle and financial scarcity.

After completing the first Harry Potter manuscript, she sent it to publisher after publisher. One rejection came, then another, and then another. Twelve publishers turned her down with various reasons: too long, not marketable, children's fantasy is risky, and so on. Many writers would have accepted this as a final verdict.

Rowling, however, believed in her story. She continued submitting until one publisher finally agreed to print a small first edition. Even then, she was advised not to expect much and to keep her day job. Yet, the book connected deeply with readers, and the series became a global phenomenon. Rowling later reflected that hitting "rock bottom" became the solid foundation on which she rebuilt her life.

Her journey demonstrates that success does not depend on a person's current bank balance or social status. It depends on how firmly the person continues to walk toward the goal despite difficulties.

(F) Colonel Harland Sanders: rejected 1,009 times

Colonel Harland Sanders, founder of Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC), is a classic example of success achieved late in life through persistence. He had a difficult early life: his father died when he was young, he dropped out of school and he tried many jobs and ventures, most of which failed or were cut short by circumstances beyond his control.

At around 65 years of age, when many people retire, his small restaurant business collapsed after a new highway diverted traffic away. He received a modest Social Security cheque and could have chosen to live quietly on it. Instead, he decided to travel across the country with his secret fried chicken recipe, going from restaurant to restaurant, offering it on a partnership basis.

He was reportedly rejected over a thousand times before one restaurant owner agreed to try his recipe. From this seemingly insignificant breakthrough, a massive franchise network grew. Sanders proved that success does not retire at 60 and does not demand a young face; it requires persistent effort, innovation and refusal to accept defeat as final.

INDIAN ACHIEVERS

(G) Ratan Tata: starting from the shop floor

Ratan Tata, one of India's most respected industrial leaders, is often remembered today for his calm dignity, integrity, visionary leadership and philanthropic nature. Yet his journey within the Tata Group was not one of automatic privilege. After his education, he joined Tata Steel and was sent to work on the shop floor in Jamshedpur, where he performed manual tasks and experienced the ground realities of industrial work.

He was rotated through various departments, sometimes in roles that seemed below his qualifications. There were phases when he felt sidelined and even considered leaving. However, he decided to stay and prove himself through performance rather than complain about postings. His first major leadership test came when he was given charge of a struggling company in the group, which he tried to revive under challenging conditions.

When he eventually became Chairman of Tata Sons, he faced scepticism from older colleagues who doubted his capabilities and resisted his attempts to modernise and unify the group under the Tata brand. He took bold decisions-such as global acquisitions and ambitious product innovations-that carried huge risk and attracted criticism when initial results were not encouraging. Instead of retreating, he refined strategies, learned from setbacks and stayed committed to long-term value.

Over time, under his leadership, the Tata Group expanded dramatically in scale and international presence. His story shows that even in a reputed business family, success is not inherited; it is earned through years of continuous effort, a willingness to face failure, and the courage to take responsibility.

(H)Amitabh Bachchan: rejected for his voice and looks

Amitabh Bachchan, the legendary Indian actor known as the "Shahenshah of Bollywood," faced brutal rejection in his early days. His deep baritone voice, which is now considered one of his greatest assets, was once rejected by a broadcasting organisation as "unsuitable" for radio. When he tried to enter films, a leading director reportedly dismissed him after an audition as a waste of time and effort.

Early in his career, he delivered a string of flop films and struggled to find a foothold in the industry. He lived in difficult conditions, facing not only financial stress but also the humiliation of repeated failure. Yet he never gave up on his dream of acting. His breakthrough came with a film that changed his image and career, after which he became one of the most celebrated actors in Indian cinema.

His story is a powerful example of how physique, complexion, voice, and early failure do not control the outcome. What controlled the outcome was his decision to continue working, improving and waiting for the right opportunity.

(I) Narendra Modi: from tea seller to Prime Minister, and still working

The story of Narendra Modi is a striking example of how continuous effort can lift a person from a modest childhood to the highest public office. Born in a small town in Gujarat, he assisted his father at a tea stall on a railway platform in his early years. The family lived simply, and he developed a habit of hard work and discipline from childhood.

As a young man, he travelled and sought spiritual direction before returning and gradually immersing himself in organisational work. He started with small, ordinary tasks-making tea, cleaning, arranging logistics-for a social organisation. Through dedication, reliability and willingness to do humble work, he rose through the ranks and was given greater responsibilities.

In political life, he demonstrated organisational ability and strategic thinking, eventually becoming Gujarat's Chief Minister. A strong focus on infrastructure, governance and economic development marked his tenure there. Later, he was elected as the Prime Minister of India.

What is remarkable in the context of this article is not only that he reached this position, but that he has continued to work tirelessly even after reaching it. Accounts of his routine often mention very long working hours, close monitoring of programmes and constant travel for public engagements and international diplomacy. He has driven multiple nationwide initiatives in cleanliness, financial inclusion, digital transformation, manufacturing, self-reliance and infrastructure.

This continuity of effort, even after attaining high office, underlines the central theme: success is not a chair to rest on; it is a staircase that invites further climbing. A person who truly understands success does not slow down after recognition; if anything, the sense of responsibility makes him work even harder.

The role of self-confidence

Self-confidence is the inner voice that says, "I can move one more step," even when external circumstances say, "Stop, this is enough." It is not arrogance or overestimation of one's abilities; it is a quiet belief in one's potential and in the value of sincere effort. Every successful person mentioned here had self-confidence that survived rejection and criticism. Michael Jordan believed in his capacity to improve after being cut from the team. J.K. Rowling believed in her story after receiving rejection letters. Amitabh Bachchan believed in his acting when his voice and appearance were criticised. Ratan Tata stood by his vision even when his decisions were doubted. Narendra Modi believed in his mission even when his background invited condescension from some quarters.

Self-confidence does not guarantee that you will never fail; it ensures that failure will not permanently stop you. It gives the courage to start again, adjust your methods and walk forward when others think you should sit down.

Failure as a stepping stone

Failure is not the opposite of success; it is often a workshop where success is quietly manufactured. Each failure contains valuable information: what went wrong, which assumption was incorrect, which skill is missing, and which strategy needs revision.

When Jordan missed crucial shots, he learned to train more precisely. When Rowling faced rejection, she refined her pitch and persisted with her manuscript. When Colonel Sanders was repeatedly turned away, he refined his offer and kept searching for the right partner. When Ratan Tata faced product setbacks or strategic criticism, he treated them as lessons rather than final verdicts. When Modi faced electoral or political obstacles, he treated them as opportunities to rethink and re-energise his efforts.

The intelligent approach to failure includes three steps:

(a) Analyse the situation without emotional panic or blame.

(b) Identify the gaps-in knowledge, preparation, timing or execution.

(c) Take the next step with better preparation and sharper understanding.

In this way, each failure becomes a stepping stone instead of a stumbling block. The key is to keep moving; a person who stops walking converts a stone into an obstacle, while a person who keeps walking converts the same stone into a step.

Ignore criticism, focus on the goal

On any serious path, criticism is unavoidable. Some will doubt your abilities, some will dislike your methods, and some will criticise simply because your progress reminds them of their own inaction. If you stop at every voice that shouts from the side, you will never complete the journey.

A wise approach to criticism has two parts:

(i) If criticism contains truth, accept it humbly, correct yourself and grow. This turns critics into your unpaid teachers.

(ii) If criticism is baseless, malicious or simply an expression of jealousy, ignore it and move forward with even greater focus.

Paying too much attention to negative voices is like trying to climb a ladder while constantly looking over your shoulder. You lose balance, waste time and may even fall. Keeping your eyes on the goal and your hands firmly on the rungs of effort is the only reliable way upward.

Taking your hands out of your pockets

To "take your hands out of pockets" in life means:

(a) Take responsibility instead of offering excuses.

(b) Work consistently instead of relying on sudden bursts of enthusiasm.

(c) Upgrade your skills, knowledge and attitude regularly.

(d) Embrace discomfort, sacrifice and hard work as part of the journey.

(e) Persist after success as seriously as you persisted before success.

The ladder of success is available to everyone, but it respects only those who are willing to climb it with effort, perseverance and courage. No amount of talent, education, privilege or favourable circumstances can replace the power of persistent, intelligent hard work.

Whether you are a student, a professional, an artist, an entrepreneur or a public servant, the principles remain the same:

(a) Work hard every day toward your goal.

(b) Believe in yourself even when others doubt you.

(c) Treat failure as feedback, not as a final judgment.

(d) Do not let criticism distract you from your path.

(e) Remember that success demands continuous effort, not just one-time achievement.

The examples of Michael Jordan, J.K. Rowling, Amitabh Bachchan, Colonel Sanders, Ratan Tata and Narendra Modi show that age, background, complexion, gender, social status and financial position cannot stop a person whose hands are firmly on the ladder and whose eyes are fixed on the goal. Your own success story is waiting to be written. The ladder is in front of you. The only question is: will you keep your hands in your pockets, or will you place them on the rungs and start climbing-step by determined step?