The Issue of Achieving Success in The Poem "If" by Rudyard Kipling

Fundamental to personal growth is humanity’s innate need for achievement. As success is subjective, I believe that achievement cannot be defined by a mere number as it is an individual measure of effort. I firmly believe that success can be achieved by reaching set goals and can be maintained with resilience, determination and humility as highlighted by Rudyard Kipling in his iconic poem, ‘If.’ Thus, the way an individual faces challenges ultimately shapes their identity and success.

By sustaining a diligent work ethic, and through resilience, an individual can achieve their goals. As Kipling rightly suggests, all individuals will face numerous obstacles in various forms, whether it be opposition from others or society; nature, or even one’s circumstances, it is important to accept constructive criticism, have faith in oneself and endure the struggles with fortitude and resilience. Furthermore, fundamental to being ultimately successful and thus satisfied with one’s achievements, individuals must be humble in both their successes and failures. Kipling writes, “if you can meet with Triumph and Disaster/ And treat those two impostors just the same.” This is a motto that I strongly believe in as I am not defined by my achievements, rather by my comportment and character that I develop while learning from my losses. Therefore, an individual is shaped by their capacity to resiliently endure challenges and maintain their humility.

Furthermore, by being optimistic and maximizing your opportunities by using your time optimally, an individual can overcome any challenges. Kipling echoes this moral through the poem by stating, ‘you can fill the unforgiving minute/ With sixty seconds’ worth of distance run’. This particular principle has provoked me to utilize my time to maximum, in order to achieve self-accomplishment and reach set goals. As an individual, I have committed myself into extracurricular activities throughout the year, in order to optimize and enhance my skills. Throughout the holidays, I was committed to conduct community service, learn languages and participate in squad swimming to successfully complete my Duke of Edinburg award. Additionally, I was dedicated to numerous writing, history, geography, mathematics and science competitions. I firmly believe that an individual receives sixty seconds in minute, in which they should strive and endeavor towards their ambition. To be successful, an individual must possess the quality of being determined and spend their time in a morally creditable manner. Thence, one can obtain their achievement by having a positive attitude and by optimizing time.

Success can be derived through self-control and through the understanding of the true values of other things or objects. It is my belief that an individual can reach their ambitions through being determined, humble and preserving on regardless of any barriers. In conclusion, I would like to conclude with a principle that I strive to abide by, one that I have been inspired by endlessly from my idol, Rafael Nadal - ‘’I always work with a goal – and the goal is to improve as a player and a person. That, finally, is the most important thing of all.”