To be better off in life (economic liberation invariably tops the list) is basic desire in each one of us. Just desire, though, doesn’t become fulfilment. Imagine a rudderless ship at sea : it is unable to steer a course and, consequently, drifts on a voyage to nothingness. Similarly, an individual lacking ambition merely exists, achieving little in the journey through life. This other example further asserts the influence of ambition : like oxygen provides sustenance to fire, ambition converts intent to realization. Such spark, then, must be kept at ignition point (primed and poised for action ) so that once triggered, uninterrupted progress is maintained on selected front.
Ambition identifies goal to be achieved, which in turn entails the exercise of target setting. In this exercise several factors come into play, foremost being honest assessment of self-competence, fixing a time frame and firm resolve to devote requisite effort pursuing decided objective till the end. External influence can’t always be foreseen or controlled, but in such circumstance draw upon experience/ resilience to adapt suitably, thereby partly salvaging an unexpected development. Adjusting so keeps things on track thus avoiding derailment of plan.
It is said ambition should have no limit- as a saying it is quite correct. However, certain qualms surround it when, pursued unchecked it deviates to a path where reaching destination is paramount, traffic rules be damned. Such a state befalls when haste dominates judgment (hurry to reach goal quickly, denying time even a reasonable interval) and ambition gets pitched injudiciously putting in jeopardy likelihood of meeting the time schedule. Staring at failure, greed (in case of economic upliftment) assumes an overwhelming force prompting recourse to whatever means – foul not excluded (avarice simply brushes aside any scruple). Clearly such a situation bodes dire consequences and could even land in legal complication. At that moment (when taking a questionable step) it probably doesn’t register conduct bordering the shady blots one’s reputation- social stigma (even family members stand shamed) is a heavy price to pay for ill-gotten wealth that may ultimately be attached by way of penalty!
“Don’t bite more than what you can chew” offers a hint ambition too be pegged observing moderation (opposed to an overly optimistic forecast). Classify ambition as short-term/ long-term and undertake regular monitoring thereof. Since projection was made following due deliberation, performance vs. target figure would generally match. As a result, frantic ‘bridge the deficit’ situation is less likely to be faced, as also the temptation to stoop to dubious practice. Greed is listed as one of the ‘seven deadly sins’ and, therefore, must be shunned outright. Worse still, if once succumbed to, a ruinous prospect looms because there’s no escaping its steadily overpowering clutches – beware becoming slave to an addiction.
Besides weakness for money, assimilating and flaunting power is a strong magnet for many. Of late this is being brazenly exhibited, particularly in politics. Election manifesto promises of cleansing corruption and bringing about public weal in all walks of civic life is calculated to create a party image of serving the masses (stressing, at each rally, humility would be their watchword). However, upon settling into cushy seats and wielding authority of office, their major concentration selfishly shifts to pandering personal ego. Conduct that brooks no debate / stifles differing opinion / dismisses the common man as insignificant, smacks of arrogance and repetition thereof quickly leads to disaffection amongst the electorate. Despite popularity on the wane party is , of course, assured continuity in office for remainder term, but they need no prophet to predict a rout when elections come round next. This dramatic fall from grace lends credence to ‘power corrupts and absolute power corrupts absolutely’.
Author
H S Baral, ex-Chief , MM, Transmission Deptt., BHEL
Image Credit: wu_135
