Rethinking Success and Failure
Our common understanding of success is often flawed. We tend to idolize success as a product of intelligence, talent, or even luck. However, the true determinant of achievement lies not in how we perceive success, but in how we respond to failure. History and statistics both confirm that those who eventually succeed are often the same individuals who have encountered repeated failure.
So, what differentiates them? It's not that they never fell—it’s that they never stopped getting up. Where one person gives up after four setbacks, another persists through ten, only to succeed on the eleventh try. Success, therefore, is not a moment—it’s a journey filled with challenges, trials, and, most importantly, unwavering perseverance.
The Foundation of Mastery: Persistence Over Time
Achieving mastery in any field requires the strength to persevere through hardships. True success isn’t simply about talent or intelligence; it’s about consistent effort, despite the obstacles. Let’s look at some vivid examples to illustrate this point.
West Point and the Mystery of Dropouts
In India, we take pride in institutions like the National Defence Academy (NDA) in Khadakwasla. In the United States, the equivalent would be the prestigious United States Military Academy at West Point. Getting admitted into West Point is no small feat. It demands a senator’s recommendation, an exhaustive review of academic records from as early as 8th grade, and excellence in sports—candidates must have captained at least one sport.
Moreover, the selection process assesses the candidate’s physical strength, emotional maturity, intellectual capacity, and overall personality. Out of 14,000 candidates, only 2,500 are shortlisted, and finally, just 1,200 make it into the academy.
Yet, what happens next is even more telling.
The BEAST: A Test Beyond Academics
Upon entry, cadets undergo a rigorous two-month training program ominously named the “BEAST.” By the end of it, 25% of the students voluntarily drop out. This high attrition rate has puzzled military psychologists and educationalists alike. These students had worked incredibly hard to gain admission; why would they leave so soon?
Surprisingly, the dropouts were not necessarily less intelligent or physically weak. In fact, many of the smartest and strongest were among those who left. This prompted further investigation into the underlying cause.
Angela Duckworth’s Discovery: The Grit Factor
Psychologist Angela Duckworth provided the answer: grit. She discovered that those who stayed and completed the BEAST program consistently scored higher on measures of grit. Defined as a combination of passion and perseverance, grit was the secret ingredient separating finishers from quitters.
This finding confirms an age-old truth: success in any endeavor depends more on resilience than brilliance. Let us further explore this theme through a personal anecdote that highlights the importance of persistence.
A Humble Beginning: Lessons in Perseverance
After completing his Vedic studies, Swami Mukundananda was blessed by his spiritual master, Jagadguru Kripaluji Maharaj. Maharajji encouraged him to go out and share his wisdom with the world and offered one key piece of advice: “Never become nirash (disappointed). If there are only eight members in the audience, treat them like the Ashth Sakhis of Radha and Krishna. Speak with full enthusiasm.”
Encouraged by this guidance, Swamiji organized his first lecture series in a small temple in a rural town. Only 125 leaflets were printed, a number too insignificant to be impactful. These were handed over to the temple’s pujari (priest) for distribution. When Swamiji arrived, only seven people were present.
Remembering Maharajji’s words, Swamiji thought, “Even if there are eight including myself, I must speak with sincerity.” To avoid distraction, he closed his eyes and delivered his entire lecture with heartfelt devotion. However, when he opened his eyes an hour later, only one person remained.
Swamiji asked the lone listener, “Where did everyone else go?” The man replied, “Swamiji, please don’t mind, but your talk was so boring that they all left.” Surprised, he asked, “Then why are you still here?” The man answered, “The bed sheet on your seat belongs to me. I’m waiting for you to get up so I can take it.”
Shaken and disheartened, Swamiji called his Guru using a landline phone. “Maharajji, I don’t think I’m cut out for this,” he confessed. Maharajji responded with gentle wisdom, “Mastery is achieved one step at a time. Do not give up.” These words stayed with Swamiji and eventually led him to mastery through relentless effort.
The Myth of the Born Genius
We often romanticize the idea of the “born genius” because it lets us off the hook. German philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche rightly said, our ego likes to believe in the cult of genius, because if others were born competent, we don’t have to feel guilty about our own lack of effort. But real genius is 99% perspiration and 1% inspiration.
As the famous English poem states:
“The lives of great men all remind us
We can make our lives sublime,
And departing, leave behind us
Footprints on the sands of time.
Not by sudden flight they conquered,
While their companions slept—
But they were toiling upwards
Through the silent hours they kept.”
Mastery is a product of diligence, not destiny.
Inspiration from Nature
The Bamboo Story
Nature offers us profound metaphors for persistence. One man, weary of life’s challenges, told God he was ready to give up. God gently guided him through a story. “I planted ferns and bamboo seeds at the same time,” God said. “The ferns sprouted quickly and spread across the garden. But the bamboo didn’t appear for years.” Years passed without any visible sign from the bamboo. But in the fifth year, a tiny sprout emerged—and within six weeks, it soared 90 feet high.
What was it doing all those years? It was developing deep roots, preparing to support the towering height it would eventually reach. The lesson is clear: the foundation for greatness is often laid in unseen effort.
The Elephant and the Dog
Here’s another allegory worth remembering.
A mother dog and a mother elephant became pregnant at the same time. In a few months, the dog gave birth to six puppies. Six months later, she was pregnant again—and soon delivered another litter, then another. Frustrated, the dog asked the elephant, “Are you really pregnant? I’ve given birth multiple times, and you haven’t had a single child.”
The elephant replied, “What I carry is not a puppy. When my baby walks, the earth trembles. My child requires more time, for it will evoke awe and wonder.”
Not all achievements are created equal. Some things of immense value require immense patience.
Final Thoughts: Mastery is Falling and Getting Up Again
If we aspire to create beauty, wisdom, and excellence in our lives, we must embrace delayed gratification and persistent effort. Success is rarely immediate, and the road to mastery is filled with stumbles.
But remember this—every fall is a lesson in better walking. With each setback, you are refining your stride. With every failure, you are growing stronger, wiser, and more capable.
Don’t give up. Your roots may be growing deep. Your breakthrough may be just around the corner.
Conclusion: Grit is Greater Than Talent
True success is not reserved for the naturally gifted. It belongs to those who do not quit—those who work quietly, consistently, and passionately. Talent can give you a head start, but grit is what gets you across the finish line.
So the next time you feel like quitting, remember the bamboo, the elephant, and the words of Jagadguru Kripaluji Maharaj :
"Mastery is achieved one step at a time. Do not give up."
Call to action:
The Bhagavad Gita describes the rarity of perseverance in the spiritual arena (BG 7.3).
“Among thousands of men, one strives for perfection; and among those who strive, hardly one knows Me in truth.” Shree Krishna emphasizes that few are determined enough to strive for spiritual realization, and even fewer attain it. This teaches us that unwavering commitment and perseverance are essential on the path to mastery.
Share this post and visit Bhagavad Gita for the timeless wisdom of Shree Krishna, enriched by Swami Mukundananda's commentary. For further guidance and inspiration, subscribe to Swamiji's YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@swamimukundananda.
FAQs
1. What is grit, and why is it important for success?
Grit is the combination of passion and perseverance toward long-term goals. According to research by psychologist Angela Duckworth, grit is a stronger predictor of success than talent or intelligence because it reflects one’s ability to persist through challenges and setbacks
2. How does failure play a role in achieving success?
Failure is an essential part of the success journey. Successful individuals often fail multiple times but continue to push forward. The difference lies in not giving up—each failure becomes a step toward mastery and growth.
3. What is the story of the bamboo, and what does it teach us?
The bamboo tree doesn’t appear above ground for five years, but during that time, it develops a strong root system. Once it sprouts, it grows 90 feet in just six weeks. The story teaches us that foundational work takes time, and patience is key to achieving great outcomes.
4. Is talent more important than perseverance?
While talent can provide an initial advantage, perseverance is what leads to long-term success. Most experts and achievers attain excellence through consistent effort rather than innate ability.
5. Why do intelligent or strong people give up?
Many high-performing individuals drop out or quit not because they lack ability, but because they lack emotional resilience or grit. The pressure to succeed quickly can lead to discouragement if persistence is not cultivated.
6. How can I develop more perseverance in my own life?
Start by setting meaningful goals, breaking them into smaller tasks, and committing to consistent effort. Embrace failure as a teacher, stay focused on your purpose, and surround yourself with supportive influences who encourage growth.