The Journey to Becoming a Successful Human Being
I still remember the early days of my career, sitting across from an interviewer who asked me, “What do you want to become?”
Without hesitation, I responded, “I want to be a successful human being.”
His eyes widened, and his expression suggested shock, perhaps because he was used to hearing the usual responses—climbing corporate ladders, earning wealth, or leading businesses. To him, my answer from a 20-something must have seemed unusual, even audacious.
I encountered this reaction several times in the early 2000s. Occasionally, someone would ask me to elaborate, and my reply was always the same:
“It’s easy to become a successful man or woman, but it’s challenging to become a successful human being.”
I believed then, as I do now, that being a successful human requires sticking to your principles, embracing empathy, practicing gratitude, adhering to work ethics, and embodying integrity as a core value. It’s a tough path, but one that leads to true fulfillment, leaving behind a legacy of meaningful achievements and happiness.
What Shaped My Perspective?
Looking back, I often reflect on what led me to that spontaneous reply in my early twenties. The answer lies in the foundation built by my upbringing, the lessons imparted by my parents, the books I read, and the values instilled in me.
These experiences shaped my thoughts and beliefs, forming a guiding compass for my life.
The Fast-Track Mentality of Today
Today, we live in an era of instant gratification. Everyone seems to chase quick success and immediate rewards. Many young people are running toward goals with haste, skipping essential steps in their journey.
Sadly, I’ve seen too many of them stumble. When they fall, it’s often hard to recover—even to return to where they started. The pandemic has only amplified these numbers, as the fragility of quick success becomes evident in the face of adversity.
The truth is, failure is not the end—it’s a part of the journey. It’s a temporary result of our actions or decisions. However, without a strong foundation, failures can be devastating.
Why Foundations Matter
A solid foundation is critical for long-term success. This foundation is built over time, starting in childhood and shaped by:
- Parenting: The values instilled by family.
- Teachings: Lessons from mentors and experiences.
- Reading: Books that challenge and inspire us.
- Spirituality: Understanding the deeper purpose of life.
- Lifelong Learning: Courses and education that refine our thinking.
At the core of this foundation lies character, which is the reflection of your repetitive thoughts. As the ancient verses from the Dhammapada teach us:
“Mind precedes thoughts; mind is their chief; their quality is made by mind. If with base mind one speaks or acts, through that, suffering follows, like the wheel follows the ox’s foot.”
This wisdom highlights the importance of cultivating a positive mind. A well-nurtured mind becomes the root of meaningful actions and a fulfilling life.
Building an EliteMIND
A positive mind is what I call an eliteMIND—a mind that embodies clarity, resilience, and purpose. Developing an eliteMIND begins with conscious efforts to shape our thoughts, learnings, and practices.
Through my concept of eliteMIND, I aim to give back to society by sharing insights and tools for developing a positive and purposeful mindset.
This initiative is close to my heart, and I hope it inspires even a single individual to transform their thinking and their life. If I can help one mind transition into an eliteMIND, it would be a step toward fulfilling my own purpose.
Join the Journey
I invite you to join me on this journey of spreading positivity and nurturing eliteMINDS. Your suggestions, feedback, and insights are invaluable, as together, we can build a community of empowered individuals striving for personal and societal betterment.
Let’s work hand in hand to create a ripple effect of positivity, transforming lives and building stronger, more resilient minds.
I look forward to hearing your thoughts and suggestions. Let’s spread the light of positivity and empower more minds to become eliteMINDS.
With gratitude,
Yajuvendra
