Throughout our lives, we are taught the importance of hard work, dedication, and persistence in achieving our goals. However, many of us become fixated on the idea that our efforts must always yield tangible results, leading us to become overly focused on outcomes rather than the process itself. On the one hand, the idea that results determine our efforts can serve as a powerful motivator. Knowing that our hard work will lead to a desirable outcome can inspire us to push ourselves to new heights and achieve success in our endeavors. However, this is not the only factor that plays an important role in success. Throughout time, there are several examples, that showcase that hard work is not the only factor that determines, but only increases the chances of success but doesn’t guarantee it.
Astrology:
Astrologers believe that our fate is determined by a complex interplay of factors, including the position of the planets and stars at the time of our birth, as well as our actions and choices throughout our lives. According to astrology, our natal chart, or birth chart, is a map of the heavens at the time of our birth, and it provides insights into our strengths, weaknesses, and potential for success. This chart is said to reveal our destiny or the path that we are meant to follow in this lifetime. However, astrologers also acknowledge the importance of free will and personal effort in shaping our destiny. While our birth chart may provide a general outline of our fate, it is ultimately up to us to make choices and take action that will help us fulfill our potential.
For example, an individual with a natal chart that indicates a strong potential for career success may still struggle to achieve that success if they do not work hard, network, and seize opportunities as they arise. Similarly, someone with a natal chart that suggests obstacles or challenges may still overcome those obstacles through hard work, determination, and a positive attitude.
How often someone has wondered why life is tough on some & easy on others? Most people put efforts to the best of their abilities, yet only a few people can live a happy & prosperous life; where the efforts are rewarded. But, for some efforts are in vain, no matter how hard they try; things are not in their favor. Experiencing such differences in results; forces one to think if there is something hidden power that plays a pivotal role in determining the results. Of course, astrology is not a science, and its claims are often disputed by skeptics.
However, for those who do believe in astrology, it offers a rich and complex system for understanding the interplay between fate and hard work. Maybe this is a reason why India is so religious. People here believe in past karma & believe this past karma has an impact on the present life & thus the struggle is real. To overcome people, perform certain rituals, such as traveling barefoot to famous temples or donating gold, hair, milk, and alcohol to various temples to help their cause. Despite these efforts, only a few people can achieve what they desire.
Many people try giving way to only a few who succeeds & like every generation, we worship those who are successful. Praising successful people is fair, but overseeing people who are working as hard as unsuccessful ones is a hard thing. People try things but are not able to achieve them, which doesn’t make them less competent. Perhaps, one needs to be at the right time, place, and with the right person to succeed. Success is not just about doing the best, but it is about being at the right place at the right time. But little do they know that the outcome is not only about effort or intent but also depends on various other factors where everything is just perfect for them.
Mythology:
The debate about fate & hard work is been around since the days of the Mahabharata, where Karna was born to Kunti, the mother of the Pandavas, but was abandoned as a baby and raised by a charioteer. Despite being a skilled warrior, Karna faced many obstacles throughout his life due to his low caste status. Karna worked hard to overcome these obstacles and became a formidable warrior, but his fate was ultimately sealed due to a curse that he received earlier in his life. The curse ensured that Karna would forget his mantras at a critical moment during a battle with his arch-rival, Arjuna, and would be killed as a result. Despite Karna’s hard work and skill as a warrior, his fate was predetermined by the curse, and he was unable to change the outcome of his final battle. This story serves as a reminder that even the most determined and skilled individuals may still be subject to the whims of fate. If fate plays such an important role, is it necessary to see results as the ultimate measure of the efforts?
Modern life:
Additionally, we must recognize that success is not always within our control. While hard work and dedication are important factors in achieving our goals, external factors such as luck, timing, and circumstance can also play a significant role. By acknowledging the role of luck and other external factors, we can avoid taking failures or setbacks personally and instead focus on the factors within our control, such as our effort and attitude. The book,
“Fooled by Randomness” by Nassim Taleb captures this topic effectively. Taleb also explores the idea that people who experience success early in life may be more likely to attribute their success to their abilities, rather than to luck or chance. For example, a trader who experiences a series of lucky trades may believe that they are a skilled investor, even though their success may be largely due to chance. This can lead to overconfidence and a failure to recognize the role of randomness in their success.
Finally, Taleb suggests that people who can recognize the role of randomness in their lives are more likely to be successful in the long term. By acknowledging the role of chance, these individuals can prepare for unexpected events and take advantage of opportunities when they arise.
This requires a combination of hard work, flexibility, and a willingness to take calculated risks. In conclusion, while it is natural to desire positive outcomes, our fixation on results can be both a source of motivation and a hindrance to growth. By cultivating a balanced perspective and valuing the journey as much as the destination, we can avoid sacrificing our well-being in pursuit of success and enjoy the benefits of hard work and dedication, regardless of the outcomes.
