If one were to ask me, what is the important thing required in one’s life out of good education, stock pile of money, good job, beautiful wife/husband, etc., I would only choose maturity of mind as the important thing required in life.

Maturity of mind gives the person the wisdom to choose the right from the wrong, the good from the bad, and also to prioritize things in life. This maturity of mind will only guarantee longevity of any relationship – between husband and wife, parents and children, teachers and students, the rulers and the ruled, etc. etc. With the maturity of mind, the person concerned can decide on the road map to choose in his/her life and the important milestones to achieve in different points of time. Maturity of mind also provides the holder the sagacity in moments of disaster/set backs and thus will enable him / her to maintain tranquility while recouping lost chances or missed successes.

This maturity of mind factor varies from generation to generation and the present day youngsters have definitely better maturity of mind than their parents / predecessors. They are able to withstand any amount of pressure and particularly peer expectations. The competition they face early in their lives is very severe and one has to really struggle hard – literally – in this rat race. Survival of the fittest (in all respects) is the name of the game and they know it very well. Therefore, they have their road map ready for achievements in their lives. They know what to do when, where and how. They insist on leaving it to their judgement in these crucial matters. And they simply shut their minds even when forced into discussions by their elders.

At times, these youngsters behave as if they know they are the best judge even in matters which are beyond their comprehension/domain. They take their lives for granted only to grieve at a later date, having missed many opportunities in life. By the time they realize, they are past their primes. In contrast take the case of all the successful / popular / happy players / people. They all have similar background in which they would have sweat all through and worked very clearly with a mission in their minds. They would have toiled / struggled in their formative years and made a mark in whatever they have done.

What if, some setbacks develop? Say, missed examinations and failed papers? Nothing to worry and bother. Only thing - they should realize that the earlier plan or preparation for the examination is below the examiners’ expectations and in their re-view of the examination and in their re-attempt, they have to provide for with more than adequate preparation.

The only danger and the additional load factor is that in addition to the failed papers, one has to prepare for the current ones. And the time is too short. It is not simply impossible but with the right kind of determination, self confidence, one can make the grade always. Probably, a sort of self criticism by self realization will do the trick. By this, what she or he has missed in the past will loom large in his / her eyes and this will make him / her to take stock of the strengths / weaknesses and provide for to perform better.

Well. One can extend any experience or situation to this analogy and the result would be the same. One will need to take stock of the situation at all times and accordingly provide and prepare for to perform better.

It all begins with questioning ourselves – are we ready?