ᴀʙɪʟɪᴛʏ ᴍᴀʏ ɢᴇᴛ ʏᴏᴜ ᴛᴏ ᴛʜᴇ ᴛᴏᴘ, ɪᴛ ᴛᴀᴋᴇs ᴄʜᴀʀᴀᴄᴛᴇʀ ᴛᴏ ᴋᴇᴇᴘ ʏᴏᴜ ᴛʜᴇʀᴇ.

 Today 13 August 2024 was one of the most memorable days of my life. After a long gap of 25 years, we, the old gang, came together again to meet, greet, and share our cherished memories.

 

I remember when we parted, we were so young, full of energy, and life, cute-looking girls and boys ready to do anything under the sun.  We were mischievous, loved to break the rules, and at the same time obedient to the teachers.

 

But today, it was difficult to ignore how much we’ve changed. Our cute-looking girls were altered into white-haired Naani or at least middle-aged women with streaks of grey hairs in between. The wrinkles on our faces that once glowed with youthful exuberance reminded us of the passage of time, a gentle reminder that we’re not those kids anymore.

 

It hit me hard—how quickly time has flown, how we’ve all aged, and how, sooner or later, we’ll be stepping into a different phase of life, moving from the players to the spectators.

 

We still enjoyed the day to the fullest—sharing a sumptuous lunch and dinner, catching up on each other's lives, singing, dancing, and playing some indoor games. We also took blessings from the teachers who joined us for the reunion. As we parted ways, we made a strong resolution: next year, we’ll meet up again, but in a grand style.  

 

But the most unexpected shocker came from one of our classmates—let's keep his name in the shade. He was the brightest and most brilliant among us. For six years, from the start of 5th grade to the time we parted ways after 10th grade, he remained the undisputed topper, scoring 100% in almost all subjects. The only competition left for us was to vie for the second rank. He wasn’t just a scholar—he was also a great singer and a talented cricket player. Tall, handsome, and well-built, he naturally became the darling of the school, beloved by both teachers and students. However, he was a bit of an introvert, shy and reserved. While we cracked jokes and shared gossip, he remained a non-participant, only lighting up when the topic was about studies.

 

But today, when he arrived at our reunion, we were all taken aback by his current circumstances. He had grown fat and obese, even struggling to walk. The real shocker, however, was his job—he's now a reservation clerk and booking officer at a travel agency. It was hard to digest. Back in the day, we all had different expectations for ourselves, but there was unanimous agreement about him. One day he will become an IAS or IPS officer or at least, a very important person in society. This was our take on him.  A powerful reminder of how unpredictable life can be. We only can wish the best of luck for him and pray for better days ahead, regaining his past glory.

 

But what caused him to lose momentum? Where and when did he lose his zeal to excel and stay on top? Do you have any friends like this in your memory? Have you ever wondered why, when, and where they lost their drive?

 

Dear friends, we all need to understand one basic and paramount truth: 'Your ability can take you to the top, but it's your character that keeps you there for the long run.

 

There are many different versions of this universal truth. My mother used to say, 'It's easy to make money; the hardest part is to keep it.  If we brush up on our memories, some so many people exemplify this truth. One such great example is the story of Sachin Tendulkar and Vinod Kambli.

 

Both started their cricketing careers simultaneously, creating a record partnership of 664 runs and soon becoming an indisputable part of the Indian cricket team. There were hardly any games we could imagine India playing without these two.

 

But the last time we saw Kambli was in the 1996 World Cup semi-final against Sri Lanka in Eden Gardens.  India was considered the sure winner but suffered an unexpected and humiliating defeat. While returning to the pavilion, we saw a crying Kambli, just like a child whose toy had been stolen. This was probably the last image anyone had of him inside a cricket ground.   That emotional exit also marked Kambli's inevitable exit from the cricket arena.

 

Tendulkar, on the other hand, continued his journey from fame to fame, eventually becoming the little master of Indian cricket, while Kambli faded into whispers, with no one caring about his untapped talents. In the blink of an eye, his once-undisputed position was filled by new talents. After this, we could see Kambli only for the wrong reasons.  A striking example of how important it is to retain one’s momentum.

 

So let's look into the important aspects one should look into to become a Tendulkar and not a Kambli.  I want to discuss something that is the key to your long-term success.  You’ve probably heard that talent and ability can open doors, get you noticed, and even propel you to the top of your game. But what happens once you get there? How do you stay at the top? The answer lies in one word: your character.  

 

So how to mold your character?  It's easy if you follow the six golden rules.

 

1. Ability: The Launchpad

 

First and foremost is your ability only.  It is the knowledge of the subject and how better you can mold, create, twist, and turn according to the circumstances. it becomes your launchpad to succeed.  For that, you need to sharpen your skills, talents, and knowledge.  It is the start that’s put you on the map.  If we co-relate it with the story of Tendulkar and Kambli, it is the 662-run partnership that became the launch pad, the partnership that made them visible to the whos who of cricket and the common public.

 

Think about the top performers in any field—be it sports, music, academics, or business. They didn’t reach the top by accident. They got there because they had the ability, the raw talent, and the dedication to hone their craft. They put in the hours, shed their favorite movies, and family outings, and roamed with friends but practiced relentlessly day in and day out to get the desired skills,

But here's the thing: Ability alone can only take you so far. It's your ticket to the game, not your guarantee of staying in it.

 

2. Character: The Foundation

 

Now, let's talk about character. While your ability might get you through the door, it’s your character that determines how long you stay inside. What do we mean by character?

 

Character is about integrity, honesty, humility, and respect. It’s about how you treat others when no one is watching, how you respond to failure, and how you handle success.

 

Let me give you an example. Imagine a highly talented professional who is at the peak of their career. They’re getting accolades and promotions, and everyone seems to admire them. But if this person lacks integrity—if they cut corners, disrespect colleagues, or are dishonest—how long do you think their success will last? Eventually, people will see through the façade. Trust will erode, and without trust, no amount of talent can keep someone at the top.

 

3. The Role of Humility

 

Humility is a key part of character. When you’re at the top, it’s easy to get caught up in the hype, to believe that you’re invincible. But true leaders and successful people know that staying grounded is essential. Humility keeps you open to learning, growing, and recognizing that no matter how good you are, there’s always room for improvement.

 

Think of the most respected figures in history. They weren’t just brilliant or talented—they were also humble. They understood that their success wasn’t just about their abilities but also about the support they received from others and the opportunities they were given.

 

4. Handling Failure with Grace

 

Another aspect of the character is how you handle failure. Failure is inevitable—it’s a part of life. But how you respond to it says a lot about your character. Do you blame others? Do you give up? Or do you take responsibility, learn from your mistakes, and come back stronger?

 

People with strong character see failure not as an end, but as a stepping stone. They understand that resilience, perseverance, and a positive attitude in the face of adversity are what truly define them.

 

5. Building Trust and Respect

 

Trust is the cornerstone of any relationship, be it personal or professional. Without trust, everything else falls apart. Your character is what builds that trust. It’s what makes people believe in you, follow you, and support you.

 

When you respect others, when you’re honest and fair, you build a network of people who are willing to go the extra mile for you. They’re the ones who will stand by you in tough times because they know you have their back too. This is what keeps you at the top.

 

6. The Longevity of Character

 

Lastly, let’s talk about longevity. The success that’s built on talent alone is often fleeting. But success that’s built on a strong foundation of character lasts. It endures because it’s not just about what you do, but about who you are. It’s about the legacy you leave behind, the impact you have on others, and the positive influence you bring to the world.

 

So, to all of you aiming high, remember this: Your ability might get you to the top, but it’s your character that will keep you there. Work on your skills, yes, but don’t forget to build and nurture your character along the way.

 

Thank you, and may you all rise to the top—and stay there.