The original name of India, Bharat, means: ‘To delight in light, wisdom.’ For centuries, Indians have held knowledge in the highest regard. Nalanda University is a shining example. Knowledge was the gateway to prosperity. India flourished in every sense. There are descriptions of streets being lined with gold. Our literature, sculpture, music, dance and textiles radiated unparalleled beauty and sophistication. In modern times, we look to Harvard and Wharton for success. Yet, it is the Bhagwad Gita that has the formula for success. To begin with, look inward – 85% of success comes from attitude, from the use of intellect. Our greatest asset is the intellect that needs to be used and fortified. The Gita prescribes the following six Cs of success.
● Core interest
Identify your svadharm, your unique gift. Hard work becomes enjoyable in a field aligned to your passion. You get bored and frustrated in a field alien to your nature. At best, you can become mediocre. Invest your energy in the field of your svadharm, and you achieve unimaginable success. You are fulfilled. And you grow. Rajinikanth, the famous actor, started life as a bus conductor, MS Dhoni as a railway ticket examiner.
● Commitment
Once you identify your core interest or svadharm, fix a higher ideal. Ask yourself: What am I working for? Is it just financial gain, or is there a deeper, more meaningful purpose behind your efforts? Commit yourself to the goal. You will overcome the most daunting obstacles and emerge successful. Kobe Bryant played an entire summer without scoring a single point. His commitment kept him going.
● Competence
Equip yourself with the necessary knowledge and tools. Competence isn’t just about raw talent. It’s a blend of intelligence, continuous learning, and hardwork. Sharpen your skills, gain expertise, and be open to fresh knowledge.
● Cooperation
No matter how brilliant you are, you need team spirit to achieve results. Invest in building strong teams. When you collaborate, you experience the magic of synergy – where the collective effort far exceeds the sum of individual contributions. When you love your team members and stand up for them, they return the courtesy. They go well beyond the call of duty for you. You then transform a group of stars into an all-star team.
● Concentration
Your intellect must channel the mind to the present action. A weak intellect allows the mind to slip to the unproductive avenues of past worry and future anxiety. Action gets flawed and you meet with failure. When the intellect is strong it focuses the mind to the present. Action is perfect. Whether it is the ‘nervous nineties’ in cricket or a heartbreaking double fault at match point in tennis, it is the mind that falters.
● Consistency
The intellect directs all actions to the chosen goal. If the intellect is not vigilant, the mind wanders. Light burns paper when focused to a point. So also, thoughts have power. They become a force to reckon with when they are directed towards one goal. Consistency is vital. Bit by bit, you get to your goal.
Talent alone isn’t enough. To unlock your potential, embrace the six Cs. They are key to extraordinary success, happiness, and personal growth.
By Jaya Row
Source: Times of India, 6/02/25
