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In praise of effort, grit, determination

 It is the Olympics. And one hears stories like these: The Philipines weightlifter Our very own Mirabai Chanu.

Every Olympic story (even the ones who do not figure among the medals) is a story of grit, determination, relentless practice, giving up a lot of "nice" things in order to achieve something they think is important. 

On the other hand, when we see the children study for their IIT/Medical or any other entrance exam we are tempted to say, oh, poor kid - how hard they work at an age when they need to be playing and singing (add your favourite non academic activity)

But think of the youngest medal winner - who is all of 13 years old - surely the kid did not win a medal without putting in effort? Surely sports achievers do not spend time singing and dancing or studying - they spend time in sport. 

The point being, it is perfectly ok for both types of efforts. The child is working hard regardless of whether it is in sports or academia or arts - and it is worth being appreciated. 

For achieving anything, giving up a semblance of normal life is expected. Whether it is 8 hours of studying everyday, 8 hours of sport everyday or 8 hours of music or dance - it is perfectly ok. Even to keep your body in shape, some degree of effort is required.

Nothing can be achieved if one wants to have an afternoon siesta and a life of leisure. And then after all, what is human life? Isnt it all about going after something you want?

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