Ambition is an eager, sometimes an inordinate, craving for honour, superiority or attainment of something one values. Everyone, irrespective of their age and socio-cultural background, nurtures a degree of ambition, which can either be a driving force for success, or in some cases, a road to failure. But it is undeniable that it is due to our ambition that we set high goals in life and come close to realising our god-given talent.

We are told never to cross a bridge until we come to it, but this world is filled with successful people who have dared cross bridges in their imagination far ahead of the maddening crowd. I would go as far as to say that sans ambition, our lives are empty and purposeless. Life becomes meaningful only when one strives for the achievement of a definite goal in mind.

There will always be detractors who try to throw you off your track. Its important to keep a distance from these people. At the same time, there will be some who are forever egging you on, no matter how bad the situation.

They are true friends. Nevertheless, in the end, it is persistence that counts the most in making our dreams come true.

The ones to be listened to and emulated are not the critics, but the people who have toiled sweat and blood to realise their dreams. Who have held on against all odds. Those who believed that in giving their best they would never have to fret over what might have beens.

I am a firm believer that if you can imagine something, you can achieve it. If you can dream it, you can become it. Hence don’t steal a ride, but embark on your own. No matter how difficult a task, you will get there at last. And nothing will feel sweeter than the victory dance in the end. For there is nothing more satisfying than seeing one’s dreams fulfilled through sheer grit and determination.

But surprisingly, there are very few who chose to take the tough road. Instead, most pick a smooth and easy ride — not true visionaries and leaders. When advised not to join the overcrowded legal profession, US Statesman Daniel Webster replied: “There is always room at the top.” Indeed, there is no stopping those who have unflinching belief in their own abilities.