Everyone knows the story of the defeated and escaped king. Taking refuge in a cave he chanced upon a spider attempting to climb up but slipping inevitably. Failing repeatedly, it tirelessly continued with its efforts until it reached the very top. The spider’s efforts leading to success taught generations to come a very valuable lesson.

What then are the tools which motivate us to keep trying in the face of defeat and enable us to achieve success? These are indispensable keeping in view the fact that we are all now participants of the rat race. In fact it used to be called a rat race a very long time ago. Now we have win-lose situations lurking at every corner that cast dark shadows over our very happiness. These are challenges or hurdles over which we must emerge victorious. In order to solve these we should imbibe within ourselves habits which gradually become our personality traits.

The first step is a realistic analysis of the goal. Simply put, this means understanding the goal clearly. This would include its nature, how important it is, its urgency, how it can change your life, etc? In short it means looking at a goal from all sides (akin to going all around a car while looking for a flat tyre).

While doing this we should bear in mind that the goal should be relatively difficult but achievable with considerable effort. Aiming out of reach goals usually leads to failure which in turn reduces confidence. Facing repeated failure reduces our chances of trying or trying harder. Success on the other hand enhances the self image, which in turn helps us aim and achieve higher.

Carefully analysing the goal also helps us choose the tasks and skills which will be required to plan strategies aiming at success. Says Aalia, a grade nine student, “I have decided to excel in my O-Levels and have set myself a routine which will enable me to achieve my target.” An organised manner such as this, established so early in life will surely enable Aalia not only to achieve her short-term goal of excelling in her exams but help her throughout life.

We also have different perceptions about ourselves. While some regard themselves as highly competent others do not. This perception of ourselves by us plays a vital role in the success or failure of our attempts. Those who regard themselves as competent are more likely to work better and faster as well as correct their mistakes given a second chance as opposed to those who believe themselves as not so capable and give up easily. Here the fact must be emphasised that it is just the difference in the perception of the individual which makes them behave so regardless of how good they actually are. Therefore the sooner we realise that the word ‘can’t’ doesn’t exist the better it is.

The role of encouragement and morale boosting is also no less important. In fact a certain amount of false feedback also works wonders. Says Naisha, mother of five-year-old Farhan, “I always praise his paintings so much that he now works so hard on them and dreams of becoming an artist.”

It is then to be summed up that not only does beauty but success, too, comes from within. Therefore while working hard physically in order to achieve we must also work on our inner selves. This will not only help us attain our immediate goals but also make us complete and confident individuals, our ultimate goal.

The writer is a school teacher.