“The 40 per cent rule is simple: When your mind is telling you that you're done, that you're exhausted, that you cannot possibly go any further, you're only actually 40% done. The human mind is an amazing thing. It propels us forward and holds us back.”
— The Navy SEALs.
Dr. Vikram Sarabhai, the father of India's space program, defied skepticism and limited resources to establish ISRO. Despite challenges, he founded ISRO in 1969 and secured funding for India's first satellite in 1975. His legacy lives on through ISRO's achievements, proving that with unwavering determination, even a developing nation can excel in space exploration. ISRO went on to achieve numerous milestones, including the Chandrayaan and Mangalyaan missions to the Moon and Mars. On 23 August at 18:03 IST Chandrayaan-3 touched down making India the fourth country to land on the Moon successfully, and the first to do so near the Lunar South Pole.
In a world that often glorifies instant success and quick fixes, it is the sane voice of Jocko Willink, who astutely observed, "Most of us aren't defeated in one decisive battle. We are defeated one tiny, seemingly insignificant surrender at a time that chips away at who we should really be." This profound statement sheds light on the intricate dance between human traits, personality, competition, stress, and resilience, more so today. Jocko should know. He is an author and a retired Navy Seal instructor. One of the mantras in the SEAL Teams is “Never Quit”. At the elite United States Military Academy, West Point, a cadet's grit score was the best predictor of success in the rigorous summer training program "Beast Barracks." Grit mattered more than intelligence, leadership ability or physical fitness.
Traits such as determination, perseverance, self-discipline, and emotional intelligence play pivotal roles in shaping our journeys. Yet, it is the gradual erosion of these qualities through the accumulation of small concessions that often leave us feeling defeated. In the pursuit of our goals and dreams, it is not typically a single, cataclysmic failure that sets us back, but rather a series of seemingly minor compromises that collectively undermine our potential.
Determination, that unwavering resolve to pursue our goals, serves as a compass guiding us through the maze of life’s challenges. It is the force that propels us forward when obstacles loom large, and hope seems distant. Without determination, the path to achievement becomes meandering and uncertain, like a ship adrift on a boundless sea. It is this very trait that enables us to set our sights on distant horizons and press on, one step at a time, toward our dreams. Angela Duckworth's research suggests that when it comes to high achievement, grit may be as essential as intelligence. That's a significant finding because, for a long time, intelligence was considered the key to success. She argues that "the gritty individual approaches achievement as a marathon; his or her advantage is stamina."
Perseverance, the tenacity to persist in adversity, is the unyielding spirit that carries us through life’s trials. It is the belief that every setback is a temporary detour, not the end of the road. Perseverance instils in us the resilience to weather storms, learn from failures, and emerge stronger, ready to confront the next challenge. It is the quality that separates those who surrender at the first sign of difficulty from those who emerge victorious.
Self-discipline, often regarded as the linchpin of personal growth, is the inner fortitude that empowers us to make choices aligned with our long-term objectives. It is the ability to resist the allure of instant gratification, to prioritise the important over the urgent, and to stay committed to our values and goals.
Emotional intelligence, the art of understanding and managing our own emotions while empathising with others, is the glue that holds our relationships and social fabric together. It enables us to navigate the complex tapestry of human interactions with grace and empathy. Emotional intelligence allows us to forge deeper connections, resolve conflicts amicably, and build a support network that becomes an essential pillar of our resilience.
Yet, amidst the clamour of daily life, it is the subtle, imperceptible erosion of these qualities that often leaves us feeling defeated. The small concessions we make, the compromises that seem insignificant in isolation, gradually chip away at the foundation of our character. Skipping a workout, succumbing to procrastination, or allowing momentary frustrations to erode our emotional balance may appear inconsequential now. Still, over time, these tiny surrenders accumulate, altering the course of our lives.
It is this gradual erosion that we must guard against, for it is not a single, decisive battle that shapes our destiny, but the sum of countless small choices. The modern world is a breeding ground for these surrenders. The incessant pressure to conform to societal norms, the allure of instant gratification, and the constant comparison with others through the lens of social media create fertile ground for the erosion of our resilience. In a culture that values shortcuts and quick fixes, the slow and steady path towards personal growth often goes unappreciated. Stress, too, plays a pivotal role in this incremental battle. The relentless demands of contemporary life can gradually whittle away at our resilience, leaving us emotionally and mentally drained. Yet, it is precisely through the crucible of stress that some of our most potent traits—such as adaptability, problem-solving, and courage—can be forged. When managed wisely, stress can be a catalyst for growth, teaching us to withstand the weight of adversity and emerge stronger.
So, what qualities must we cultivate to fortify our resilience in the face of these relentless pressures? It begins with self-awareness, an understanding of our values, and an unwavering commitment to them. Resilience is the product of self-awareness, a steadfast dedication to your values, and the unwavering belief that challenges are opportunities in disguise.