SUCCESS = LOVE

In recent times, I often get at least a email daily which will have link to YouTube video. But this one that I received from Kirtigandha, my sister-in-law made moved me. A story of 66 year old father, who has been tirelessly running across the globe, in various races, and even in triathlons for his 44 year old son who was born as spastic, quadriplegic, cerebral palsy, and non-speaking baby. After watching this video (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=flRvsO8m_KI), they became my real life hero's. Most importantly, I understood the true meaning of Love!

How many have such a true love even for ourselves, that we can stretch any limits to achieve what we believe in? There are many fathers and mothers can run even 90 mts for their kid, for their passion, and for their dreams. Leave about stretching your limits for your kid, but how many of us run extra mile even for our own dreams, when we are most tired? If we can not run for our own dreams, forget how can we sacrifice for others dreams! To me this only means that we are never in love with ourselves, we just pretend to be in love with you. If, we are in love with ourselves, and our dreams, no matter what hurdles that are thrown in your way that you would cross it, under any circumstances. Just like what Dick did for Rick - together they have run 950 races including 60 marathons, and several triathlons.

But, after watching and reading more about Team Hyot (http://www.teamhyot.com/), one thing that I realize that all of us - those who can not achieve simple success, and then complain about circumstances - that they simply love themselves. They just do not love enough that they can transcend limitations of their body, laziness, mind, and excuses for being failures. I learnt a simple but most powerful sutra of success- "SUCCESS = LOVE".

Love yourself, your cause of life, your dream and ambition so much that no matter what are the circumstances that you can achieve that success. Because that is only indication and demonstration of "how much you love yourself!". I wish you start loving yourself as much as Dick at age of 66 love his 44 year old disabled son. Because,

SUCCESS = LOVE!

SUCCESS = Sacrifice

I was reading Dr. Nelson Mandela's autobiography called "Long Walk to Freedom". It was such an engrossing real life story of success that gripped me from its first page to the last. It is not only an remarkable document, but also would inspire anyone and everyone. Amongst several events that touched me which brought forward several sutras of success, one thing that dominated my mind and that is "Sacrifice"! And "what a great sacrifice that it was, that led to end of an apartheid era in South Africa. But, how many of us really noticed the value of this success for Dr. Nelson Mandela, an imprisonment of long 27 years! How many of us would be prepared to spend even 27 minutes not in jail, but in an uncomfortable situation for principles, and would go through 0.00000001 time of hardship that visionaries and prophets like Mandela has gone through. Thus, sacrifice has great value and strength if you are determined to go through it, and stand by your principles. Such individuals would continue to go through it, because they are determined to be successful in their purpose.

Amongst several incidents that impressed me, one touched my mind and heart is ability of Mandela to continue to offer sacrifice even after 27 years of torture. In his reception address he said,

"I stand before you not as a prophet but as a humble servant of you, the people. Your tireless and heroic sacrifices have made it possible for me to be here today. I therefore place the remaining years of my life in your hands".

What a great commitment, and strength this uncommon individual has! In this world where people struggle and compete to take credit for things that even they have not done, and here is this angle who attributed his success, and struggle for that success to people, that he fought for! What a great sacrifice. But then if your sacrifice is true and real, and undoubtedly unique and outstanding, humanity would certainly recognize it. And would strengthen you to achieve every bit of success that would have been out of your sphere of dreams. Thus,

SUCCESS = SACRIFICE!

SUCCESS = Ambition to rise

I have been here in Amsterdam for past one week in connection with the GBIF Governing Board meeting. As I discussed with locals here about the history, culture, and progress of the Netherlands, some interesting facts startled to impress me. The Netherlands got its name from its unique geographic feature. It is the landmass which is below sea level. More than 25% of Netherlands land is below the sea level, and the highest pick in the Netherlands reaches only 321 meters. Schipol airport which is one of the busiest airport in Europe lies 14 feet below sea level.

This raises question in my mind, how a country which is below sea level, which has 24X7 danger of being flooded and washed away can be one of the one prospering nation. How can be a culture which is in danger of being uprooted by slightest natural disaster is so very cordial, hormonal and peaceful. As I discussed more and explored, I got my answer. And what a simple answer "Ambition to rise"!

This low lying landmass and people inhibiting the same realized that if they need to survive and prosper, they need to rise above with passionate ambition and determination, so they build the dikes. It just signifies that if you have passion to survive and prosper, you would have courage to breed the ambition, and unshakable determination to succeed. Thus,

SUCCESS = AMBITION TO RISE!

SUCCESS = TIMELY APOLOGY

Day - Thrusday, Date - September 27, 2007, Time - 9 p.m., Location - Hotel Panchavati Gaurav. As Pradnya, Maitri, me and Yogendra finished our dinner and paid the bill, the chef of the hotel came to me and said the watchman who also do valet parking has dashed my car against the wall. Obviously, I was furious, and about to blast, when he quickly said that he apologize for the happening and that he would bear all the repair cost. And then he went on apologizing again and again, by stating it was just an accident and not the intentional ones. His apology sounds so very genuine that though I was upset, I was compelled to hold my anger.

Two days later, car was given to service center, and the mechanic told that damages would be to the tune of Rs.15,000/-. My wife Pradnya called the hotel back to let them know that damages are so much, and to work on how to pay it. The watchman and the chef started pleading that they can not afford to pay so much of repair costs, as it would be deducted from the watchman's salary and that his monthly salary is not more than Rs.3000. However, they went on apologizing, till the moment that my wife told them not to worry and we would bear the damages.

For this small experience and incident, one thing that I realize that an "apology" if it is sincere do have significant strength, and it can overcome the anger and any -ve energy. However, it is important that you apologize at the right moment, in right manner. If you think you are wrong don't wait - but apologize instantly. This can avoid lots of unnecessary complications, as well misunderstanding that could jeopardize your relationship. Thus, I believe that one of the significant yet unspoken sutra for success is "timely apology". Thus,

SUCCESS Timely Apology!