Reach for the stars
LIFE is short and even though we think it can last forever, in reality its over in a flash. Therefore, we must try and make the most of life while we are here and also hopefully make a positive difference each and every day if we can.
I have had many triumphs in my life and also setbacks, just like everybody, but sometimes I am thankful I didn't achieve or succeed in what I wanted to do, as looking back it may have had a negative impact on achieving other goals in my life.
One of my personal goals was to write a big, oversized coffee table book about some of the experiences I had during my fifteen years in the media industry. To actually sit down and research and write a book is one of the hardest and most challenging projects I have ever undertaken and thankfully after many hours, weeks and years, the project is now completed and closes another chapter in my life.
If anyone is thinking of writing a book or putting together a series of events to make a book, be warned it is a long, slow, but also rewarding experience. Now, when I see a book which may have been written by a friend or acquaintance I suddenly have a newfound respect for them as I now know the amount of work that has been put into producing a book on any topic.
I decided to base my book on three genres, which is sports, Hollywood and Bollywood. The theme was to give a brief insight into the interviews I carried out and also make the experience for the reader somewhat interesting. I hope I have succeeded in this, but really only the reader would know, and I look forward to their comments in the upcoming months.
For me moderation has always been the key to success. Nowadays we all want everything in a hurry and there is nothing wrong with this, but if you plan well and take your time to understand what you want to do, it will usually work out well, rather than rushing the process and failing .
Moving on with the book, I have decided not to put it on sale, but rather to gift it to friends and relatives of which, fortunately, I have many across a wide spectrum of society and in many countries to read at their leisure. My success will be measured hopefully in inspiring people to take time out and read about any of the well-known and inspirational people featured in the book. Hopefully it inspires them to reach for the stars and enrich their lives somehow in a positive manner.
After researching and completing this book, it does make me think that anyone from any walk of life and of any gender, creed or color can be successful in whatever field they want as long as they are willing to work hard, be committed and have a positive mindset.
Believe me, if you can push yourself just that extra mile, you will be surprised just how much you can achieve. It takes a little bit of self-discipline and sacrifice, but once you are focused on your goal I am sure you can succeed in it.
Writing this book has certainly energised me and my appreciation of what goes into this process, but it has also solidified my story and my personal journey as an individual and beyond. Just think, if someone as ordinary as me can achieve my simple goals in life, imagine what a special person like you can do after deciding to go that extra mile to achieve your dreams.
Always remember, if you believe it, you can achieve it and you will be surprised what each and every one of you can accomplish if you decide to put your mind to it.
Finally, there is no perfect time to dream big and reach for the stars, but now is as good a time as any to think carefully, concentrate on what you really want to do and go for it.
Remember don't go 50 per cent to make it happen, go 100 per cent and ensue it happens. Whether it is a career path, or a sports dream, or even if you want to go into the entertainment industry, just plan well, have that drive and dedication and you are already halfway to achieving your lifetime goals.
Adios readers, until next week.
■ AJAY BHAI AMRIT is a founding member of The People’s Alliance party and is also a freelance writer. The views expressed in this
article are his and do not necessarily reflect the views
of this newspaper.