FROM THE PRINCIPAL’S DESK

All of us, in one way or other, are obsessed with 'success' and try our best to attain it. Simultaneously, we keep on looking for some kind of short cut or a secret key that would lead us quickly to our destination.

Success is the accomplishment of an aim or a purpose. To some, it may be the attainment of a vibrant personality, establishment of a fine home or a happy family. For a few, it could be acquiring wealth, knowledge, power or high social status. To others, it may be excelling in some profession, art or sport, or to gain name or fame. But the question is: how can we achieve success in life?

"There are no secrets to success. It is the result of preparation, hard work and learning from failure,"" says Colin Powell, a famous American Statesman. In fact, it is true. There are no secret roads to success. It is a combination of several things. “Patience, persistence and perspiration make an unbeatable combination for success”, says another American author, Napoleon Hill. It's doing what’s right, the right way, at the right time. It’s starting where we are, using what we have and doing what we can.

The secret of success can be learnt from the stories of successful people. The lives of Abraham Lincoln, Thomas Alva Edison, Henry Ford, Beethoven, Helen Keller and Dr APJ Abdul Kalam provide us with ample food for thought. They were all successful in life. But success didn’t come to them overnight. Behind it were several ordeals of struggles, pains, sweat, tears, suffering, setbacks and failures. But what made them successful were their burning desire, hard work, courage, self belief, optimism and a never- say-die attitude.

Having a definite aim or a dream is the starting point to success. Then, we need to trust ourselves and in our ability. Self confidence and the right attitude are as important as ability. Being optimistic and persistent, even when faced with obstacles and failures, is the key to success. Strong determination, a will to work hard, and trust in God are the other ingredients required. The capacity to think out of the box and the courage to swim against the current also help en route to success. Being cool and composed, the willingness to update oneself with new ideas, proper utilization of time, periodical reflection and evaluation, together with the humility to learn from mistakes complete the recipe for success.

Success is not beyond our reach. Neither is it a monopoly of a few. It can be achieved by anyone who dares. It takes the side of the one who takes risks. Mere dreams won’t bring success. They should be complemented by some serious action. The only place, where success comes before work, is the Dictionary. Hence let’s aim high, dream big, strive hard and live every moment. Be ready to plod the untrodden paths with grit and determination. Above all, trust in God, and in ourselves.

Remember, there is only one secret of success. It dwells in our heart, soul and our will. It’s nothing but each one of us. It's we who decide whether we win or lose. If there is a will, there is surely a way as well.

Thank you. God bless us all.

Rev. Fr Thomas Chempilparampil CMI

Principal