What does that mean? That sounds preposterous!

But often true.

Why?

Because the fear of loss defeats the will to win.

Isn’t it true that at times, we secretly wish that we do not achieve something in fear of losing it later on?

I can hear the ambitious snorting and shaking their heads in disbelief. When there is the will and the right opportunity, it is only wise to grab and run with it. Alas, if everyone was as determined and self-assured, the world would have been a different place.

Unfortunately, it is the people who care, who give a damn, who feel responsible for others that suffer the most from this disease. Not to say that those who succeed are indifferent, but let’s face it, without certain crucial sacrifices, one cannot achieve big goals.

The question is why some sacrifices are so unbearable that they cost one’s dream.

Because, not everything is measured in black or white, good or bad, right or wrong. It is the grey shades that dominate our minds and our decisions.

We are time and again burdened by doubts, formed by our upbringing and our surroundings. We let the inner demons bray, growl and clamour, drowning out the voice of reason. It is but natural to seek the trodden path, the safety net that comforts and offers a roof over one’s head.

When a parent refuses to let a child pursue music as a career, what is his reason? Failure.

Failure to make a living, inability to support himself, and consequently the loss of respect in society.

Those dreams are for others. They are rich. They have the connections. They are lucky. We live in a different world.

Familiar words. Familiar warnings. Familiar censure.

Even in this age of reality shows and other such platforms, where we see people hailing from different walks of life, trying to achieve their dreams, we are still bound by the chains of despair.

Why attempt something when one is not assured of success?

Success is the key.

The prop upon which we build the wall of fear. The whip with which we lash ourselves into following the line.

We forget that success is not necessarily measured in monetary terms. It depends on the quality of the aim and the intensity of the desire within.

In this large universe, there is a place for the placid and a place for the wild. When the former desires the latter, it is then that the chains are pulled, and the struggle begins in earnest. And the first step towards winning is taken.

A step towards letting go of one fear. Of defeating the “losing” mindset.

We win some, and we lose some – it is important not to be afraid – of reaching out for the forbidden fruit. Mistakes come, mistakes go… But we need to trudge on, loosening one shackle at a time, however small or insignificant.

Life is not a straight road. It’s the bends and dead-ends that make it worthwhile, or rather, worth our while.

When we refuse to allow the fear of loss defeat the will to win, then it doesn’t matter, if we are a doctor or a rapper, we are already on the path of success.