PensivePangs
Parents always want their kids to excel and win in every walk of life. They wish their children be the best in every activity and win accolades. Every award makes us climb one step higher on the ladder of success, inching towards the pinnacle of fame and accomplishment. But is winning the definition of success?
The mountain of success has a tall summit, and very few people are able to climb the steep slope. “It is often lonely at the top." True learning is not in the ability to reach the peak. The trials and tribulations of the journey teach us far more than standing tall at the top.
We usually want to provide a protective shell for our kids and keep them safe from all harm and hardships. However, when kids learn to fail and face dejection, that marks the beginning of their growing up into mature youth and getting prepared to face the “real” world. Rather than craving for their success, it would be prudent to allow kids to falter and let failure hit where it hurts. As Henry Ford said, “Failure is the opportunity to begin again, only more intelligently." Once you reach the bottom, there is only one way to go - upwards. Having experienced failure in the stride, one can better appreciate the fruits of success. Note that this is not to take away credit from winners. Extraordinary talent must always be appropriately rewarded. Success is important as a validation of hard work and a motivation to improve. However, failure in the path would only sweeten the taste of success.
You may have heard the biblical story of “David and Goliath”, where a young and timid David defeats a giant Goliath. In our life, we always want a “David” to win. It represents hope that an ordinary person can achieve greatness with diligent effort and determination. Hardships in life are like spices in Indian food, it hits you hard in the beginning, but later you always yearn for more. 🙂
In one of the folk tales of Akbar and Birbal, the Emperor Akbar once asked the wise minister Birbal, “Pray tell me, what is the true taste of success?” Birbal, the savant, pondered for a moment, contemplating on what the Emperor wants to listen. He then replied with these words of worldly prudence, “Your Highness, the true taste of success is neither sweet nor bitter, it is as salty as sweat. For true success can only be known to one who has faced failure and toiled through the darkness to emerge victorious. Successful people are not those who never fail, they are those who fail more than anyone, but simply refuse to accept it as the conclusion!!!”