The Mountain Within: My Hardest Personal Goal

The Mountain Within: My Hardest Personal Goal

There are many goals one sets in life — to earn a living, to build a home, to raise a family, or to leave a legacy. Yet, among them all, the hardest goal I ever set for myself was to live with unwavering integrity and spiritual balance amidst the shifting sands of time and temptation.

It may sound simple, but in practice, it is the most demanding climb — a lifelong ascent up the mountain within.

A Goal Beyond Achievement

Throughout my professional life — from being a teacher to a principal, and later an educational consultant — I was surrounded by goals of visible success: higher enrolments, better results, recognition, rankings, and reputation. Yet, I soon realised that these were but outer indicators. The real test lay in keeping my conscience clear and my character untarnished.

There were times when shortcuts looked promising, when pleasing influential people seemed more convenient than standing for what was right. But every time I bent my knees to pray rather than bow to compromise, I knew I was inching closer to my true goal — the victory over self.

Socio-Economic Realities and Ethical Resolve

Coming from modest means, I have known the pinch of economic necessity. Supporting a family without the cushion of pension after retirement, managing a consultancy with honesty in an age of inflated promises, and resisting the culture of flattery — these were no small battles.

Integrity sometimes costs comfort. Clients expect unrealistic assurances, systems often reward sycophancy, and truth is viewed as an inconvenience. Yet, I have always believed that ethics is not an ornament to wear when convenient, but a pillar to uphold even when it trembles under pressure.

In a society where wealth often overshadows worth, my challenge was to prove that character is still capital — that inner strength can outlast material gain.

The Inner Spiritual Compass

I have often drawn from both the Bhagavad Gita and the Bible to sustain my resolve. “Your right is to work, not to the fruits thereof,” says Krishna — and those words became my torchlight in moments of doubt. Christ’s teaching, “What shall it profit a man if he gains the whole world but loses his soul?” echoed the same eternal truth.

These scriptures reminded me that the path of righteousness is narrow but luminous. Spirituality, to me, has never been an escape from worldly duties; rather, it has been the strength to perform them with a pure heart.

My morning reflections and evening prayers became my compass, guiding me through days of professional storms and personal solitude. Meditation and gratitude helped me keep my mind calm when the world around me moved at a feverish pace.

Professionalism Rooted in Humanity

Professionalism, I have learnt, is not measured merely by punctuality or productivity. It is about principled conduct and purposeful empathy. As a Principal, I had to take decisions that were not always popular — refusing undue favours, disciplining staff with compassion, and ensuring that merit triumphed over manipulation.

To maintain one’s ethical ground in leadership is to walk a tightrope — balancing kindness with firmness, and diplomacy with truth. There were times when I stood alone, but solitude became my silent friend. It taught me that leadership is not about pleasing everyone; it’s about serving the truth faithfully.

The Continuing Journey

Even after retirement, my goal continues — to live meaningfully, write truthfully, and guide others with sincerity. Running my consultancy is not merely a professional engagement; it is a moral extension of my lifelong mission — to educate, to enlighten, and to empower.

In a world dazzled by instant rewards, I continue to hold patience as my principle, perseverance as my path, and prayer as my power. The goal remains unfinished — not because I have failed, but because integrity is not an achievement; it is a lifelong discipline.

When silver fades and shadows fall,
Stand upright, though the night be tall.
For truth may tremble, yet never dies,
Its echo rings in honest eyes.

The gold of peace is rarely found,
In fields where noisy deals abound.
Seek not the crowd, nor praise’s call,
Walk with your soul — that’s worth it all.

Each dawn renews the vow once made,
To tread the light, though joys may fade.
The hardest goal is not to climb,
But to remain good through passing time.