Q. 166: Gurudev, if one faces failure in some task again and again, should I continue to do the same, or should I drop that?

Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar:

There is one proverb in India, “Task gets accomplished with the Sattva, and not with the material”. 

So, in order to get something done, sattva-gun should rise. And what does one do to increase Sattva-gun? With right food, right conduct, and relaxing your mind for some time - This is first.
Secondly, even if you face failure inspite of that, sattva-gun doesn’t let your enthusiasm to shatter, and when that driving force is still there, you don’t even think of dropping. Like if gambler wins once, he develops that taste to win. And then he continues to play again and again with the wish to win, and even when some failure is encountered, he doesn't even think of dropping in between. 

Even during some failure, that strong conviction of achieving some good is there, and this conviction will be there when you have that dedication for the task.
Like, with enthusiasm in action and peace in heart, people kept fighting for freedom for two centuries. The ones who were fighting for freedom, they didn't get any money, they didn’t steal anything, but did they leave the drive?

And third factor, look for the reason of failure. Every failure is a step towards success. One reason can be some weakness in oneself or some weak point in the system, arrangements.

Self-weakness – like someone is not able to present the work properly. E.g. if you go for interview, and say some words here and there, then interviewer develops a doubt if you would be able to do that or not. So, one doesn't get job because of one’s weakness. To get rid of one’s weakness, enhance your abilities.

Each failure is a step towards success, so analyze what did you learn out of this? Did you flow with the emotions? You didn't consult those who are already into that profession? You didn't trust them, or you didn’t keep faithful people with you. All these reasons could be there. 

So, to get rid of any weakness, enhance your ability, and go into the depth of knowledge of the field in which you wish to move ahead.
Second is to amend the system or arrangements. Now, this is not in hands of a single person. Like if corruption is to be checked, can you fight alone?
Be with the group. Awaken that intelligence in people for that. Get people to move ahead with you. “Sanghe Shakti Kaliyugen kalyuga”, the power is in the team. People say that it is the peak of kalyuga, and it is as if truth has taken a backseat. 

If you feel like that, then work in a team. Take some people along and then see if the task gets accomplished or not. To enhance capability, you would have to do something yourself, go within yourself. Be in the world to get more people along, and be with own self to gain abilities. Taking along both the fields, you will definitely get success in your tasks. 

If you have given all your trials, put in your 100 percent and if, even then, you didn't get success, and then it is OK. Take some other work in your hands. But don’t run away if you face failure for the first or second time.

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