To Strive, Not to Yield: A Life Anchored in Effort and Faith

“To Strive, Not to Yield: A Life Anchored in Effort and Faith”

There is a quiet yet potent wisdom in the belief I hold close to my heart—“Try your best, and leave the rest to destiny or God.” It may sound simple, but within its folds lies a lifetime of resilience, toil, surrender, and serenity.

In the theatre of life, I have played many roles—some scripted, others improvised under the glaring spotlight of uncertainty. Yet, the one thread that has held me together through all scenes, tragic or triumphant, is this guiding belief. I have never claimed mastery over the outcome, nor have I deluded myself with the illusion of complete control. Instead, I have found solace in hard work and the unshakeable ground of integrity, trusting that what is meant to unfold will do so in its own time.

The Bhagavad Gita, a scripture I often return to in times of doubt, says:
“Karmanye vadhikaraste, ma phaleshu kadachana”—
“You have the right to perform your actions, but not to the fruits thereof.”
What a liberating thought! The pressure to succeed, to outshine, to conquer—it melts away when one learns to be devoted to effort rather than to reward.

Like a sailor who rows with all his might against a raging tide but never tries to command the sea, I have chosen to focus on my deeds while leaving the currents of life to the divine mariner. There is peace in this posture. There is honour too.

In a world increasingly driven by quick gains, instant recognition, and visible achievements, holding onto such a principle is akin to swimming against the tide. But I have seen enough of life to know that even if the fruit doesn’t fall into your basket, the labour isn’t in vain. It builds character. It shapes the unseen fabric of one’s destiny.

I recall moments of sheer exhaustion—emotional, financial, and spiritual—when nothing seemed to bear fruit. Yet, not once did I consider taking the crooked path. Why? Because when you walk the straight road, even in silence, your footsteps echo with pride. I’ve often told myself, “Do your duty, and let the skies decide.” Sometimes, the skies are stormy. Sometimes, they open up to a bright dawn. Either way, my task remains the same—to keep walking.

This philosophy has not made me passive; rather, it has made me purposeful. It has taught me to care less about applause and more about authenticity. Like a potter focused on shaping the clay, not on where the pot will be displayed, I have stayed immersed in the joy of creation, of effort, and of doing what is right.

There’s an old idiom that says, “The mills of God grind slowly, but they grind exceedingly fine.” Indeed, divine justice and destiny may move at their own pace, but they are precise and impartial. So, while I sow the seeds of hard work, I leave the harvest to the heavens.

In the end, this quote—my life’s quiet compass—has spared me the burden of regret and the madness of comparison. It has kept me grounded, hopeful, and grateful.

For all who toil and worry, I offer this: Try your best with all your heart, and leave the rest with folded hands. The universe has a way of rewarding the patient, the honest, and the tireless.

Let others chase the scoreboard. I choose to honour the game.