Five Traits That Can Help Accelerate Success in Any Field

Introduction

There is an atmosphere of defeat and discouragement visible especially in the lives of today’s youth. Most of us do not truly understand how to live life properly—a life that not only brings us closer to the Divine but also helps us achieve what we genuinely need and desire. When compared with the wisdom of the Gita and other Hindu scriptures, our modern lifestyle often reflects demonic tendencies. The food we eat, the company we keep, the vulgarity we consume in the name of entertainment, and the constant mental traps into which the mind repeatedly falls are slowly weakening us—mentally, physically, and emotionally.

Where do we find the time to realise our boundless inner power and our true self, and to focus on our goals and actively work toward them? A life filled with utsah (enthusiasm), chaitanya (inner energy), and valour is impossible when the mind remains constantly distracted and drained. Human beings possess certain qualities that make them the greatest creation on this planet. Scriptures explain that humans are gifted with rare inner qualities—intelligence, willpower, and the ability to rise beyond limitations. When these qualities are awakened, greatness becomes possible in any field of life.

In today’s fast-paced world, success and personal growth demand more than talent or external effort. They require inner strength—the ability to remain disciplined, focused, and committed even when motivation fades. This inner strength can be developed through five traits given to us by saints and scriptures. In the Indian tradition, these traits have always been followed by the ancients. Before exploring these traits and their practical applications, it is important to understand Brahmacharya, which forms the foundation of life.

Brahmacharya: The Foundation of Life

Brahmacharya is often misunderstood as mere physical celibacy. In truth, it is the mastery of the senses and the mind, and the disciplined direction of life energy (virya). When this energy is continuously dissipated through uncontrolled desires, the mind becomes restless, and sankalp (resolve or willpower) weakens and gradually loses its strength. No amount of external effort—such as food, exercise, or stimulation—can compensate for this inner leakage.

There is a well-known Sanskrit saying:

क्रियासिद्धिः सत्त्वे भवति — Success in action arises from inner purity and strength.

Adi Sankaracharya succinctly expressed the essence of Brahmacharya in a single statement:

ब्रह्मचर्यं परमं बलम् — Brahmacharya is the supreme strength.

True strength does not arise from the body or from external resources, but from mastery over desire and the conservation of inner energy.

Brahmacharya cultivates satvic gunas (qualities) such as clarity, stability, and inner firmness. From this sattvic gunas arises sankalp shakti, the power to take a firm decision and remain unwavering in it. Without Brahmacharya, resolve remains fragile; with it, determination becomes unshakeable. This is why Brahmacharya is described in the scriptures as a tapasya in itself. It demands vigilance, restraint, and honesty at the level of thought, emotion, and action. As this discipline matures, the preserved energy naturally transforms into tejas—inner radiance, confidence, and unseen strength. The mind becomes focused, the body resilient, and you begin to develop the inner qualities needed to succeed in any domain. Whether the goal is spiritual realisation, excellence in work, or mastery in any field, Brahmacharya provides the inner fuel needed for long-term success. Without it, progress may appear for a while, but it cannot be sustained.

While it is true that Brahmacharya helps conserve inner energy, preservation alone is not enough. For this energy to bear fruit, it must be consciously channelised toward a clear goal. My Gurudev shared five such traits which, when cultivated together, help direct this energy toward your chosen goal.

The Five Traits That You Need to Develop for Success

1. Dridh Sankalp (Vow / Determination)

Sankalp means taking a firm decision about where you wants to go and what you truly wants to achieve. Without sankalp, there is no clear direction. Even when actions are performed, they often fail in the long run because inner conviction is missing.

Sankalp gives unseen and unimaginable strength to move continuously toward a chosen goal. For example, when a person takes a sankalp to follow Brahmacharya until the time of conception, moments of weakness may naturally arise. At such times, sankalp reminds the seeker of the higher aim—to grow closer to the Divine and to bring forth a child who is strong, wise, and spiritually inclined from birth. This resolve repeatedly brings the mind back on track, especially when thoughts of passion arise, and helps channel thoughts and actions in the right direction.

True self-development is possible only when we honestly live according to the vows we take. Today, many resolutions are made, but they are broken quickly due to a lack of firmness and determination. Praying to the Guru and to God for strength in your resolve is essential. Their guidance and grace supports us, especially during moments of inner weakness. Sankalp builds resilience and patience, helping us remain steady in difficult situations. It empowers the mind to say no to distractions and temptations, thereby strengthening inner discipline.

• How do we develop Sankalp Shakti (the power of determination)?

  The harsh truth is that sankalp often arises either when life demands radical change or when you chooses a goal so meaningful that you are willing to give everything for it. In ancient times, great personalities lived firmly by their sankalp. Bhishma, Arjun, King Dasharath, Bhagirath, Vishwamitra, Parvati Mata, and Dhruv are some examples. Through unwavering resolve, Bhishma attained moksh, Arjun received divine weapons, Dasharath was blessed with four sons, Bhagirath brought the sacred Ganga down from heaven, Vishwamitra attained the status of Brahmarishi, Parvati Mata attained Lord Shiva as her husband, and Dhruv received the direct grace and blessings of Lord Vishnu. Their lives show that when sankalp is firm, even the impossible becomes possible through divine grace.

2. Abhyas (Relentless Practice)

Abhyas simply means consistent or relentless practice. To truly understand the power of abhyas, you can reflect on the life of Arjun, which I have explained in detail in a separate blog.

Consistency in any field begins with sincere effort applied regularly. If a challenge feels greater than your current ability, it is wise to start small and gradually increase the level of difficulty. Breaking large goals into manageable steps prevents the mind from feeling overwhelmed. You should set realistic targets, neither overestimating nor underestimating yourself, and work steadily toward your goal. Recognising and appreciating small wins along the way is essential, as ignoring them can lead to discouragement, lethargy, or self-doubt. Long-term discipline is not easy, but this is exactly what abhyas teaches us to show up every day, even when motivation is low.

Krishna spoke about abhyas more than five thousand years ago in the Bhagwad Gita, emphasising that mastery is attained through sustained practice. Nature itself reflects this truth. A spider may fall countless times while weaving its web, yet it continues until the web is complete. An ant effortlessly carries many times its own body weight. These examples remind us that through patience, practice, and persistence, anything is possible.

When a person finds something they truly love and is willing to struggle for it, success follows despite challenges and setbacks. With firm resolve (sankalp) and consistent practice (abhyas), success is inevitable.

3. Tapasya (Penance / Austerity)

All of us practise Tapasya in some form, often without realising it. What we usually lack is the understanding of how to reap its true benefits. Consistently working toward a goal despite obstacles can be considered a form of Tapasya. However, what most of us fail to realise today is that effort alone is not enough. No matter how hard you work, if past karmic impressions (paap karmas) remain unresolved, results often get delayed or it will not bring results as you wishes. This is why, along with hard work, Spiritual Tapasya is essential—it purifies past impressions and allows effort to bear fruit.

The power of Tapasya is described in detail in many ancient Hindu scriptures. From demons to gods, all have engaged in Tapasya to attain supreme strength and extraordinary powers. In the Indian spiritual tradition, Tapasya has always been practised by seekers—whether on the spiritual path or in the pursuit of mastery in any field of life. While we may not be capable of performing the intense Tapasya undertaken by gods or demons, we can certainly practise its fundamental forms.

In the beginning, Tapasya helps cleanse accumulated karmic impressions. As this purification deepens, clarity of thought arises, and inner as well as outer weaknesses gradually transform into strength. In this way, spiritual power slowly converts into real, practical power. However, Tapasya bears fruit only when it is sustained with patience, consistency, and sincerity.

Tapasya is not a punishment, hardship or blind faith. It is the conscious acceptance of discipline and challenges for both inner and outer growth. It works simultaneously on the body and the mind. Tapasya strengthens Sankalp and gathers scattered energy into a single direction. All forms of Tapasya ultimately draw their power from one essential discipline—Brahmacharya. Without it, Tapasya remains superficial, and its energy easily dissipates. Brahmacharya is not an optional practice; it is the foundation upon which inner strength, determination, spiritual growth, and even worldly success are built. One of the simplest ways to bring Tejas—inner radiance and divine strength—is to consciously practise Tapasya. This includes discipline of the senses, control over thoughts, meditation, fasting, remembrance of a divine name or mantra, and maintaining Brahmacharya even at the level of thought.

(For a deeper understanding, refer to my blogs on Ashtang Yog and the Tapasya section in Arjun's story.)

Let us look at some inspiring stories from the scriptures that showcase the immense power of Spiritual Tapasya.

1. Brahma, Vishnu, and Mahesh (Shiva), the three principal deities in Hinduism, are all known to engage in Tapasya to fulfil their cosmic roles of creation, preservation, and destruction. Lord Brahma performs Tapasya to gain the power needed for creation, while Lord Vishnu engages in Leela (his unique form of Tapasya) to sustain and nurture the universe. Shiva, known as the greatest yogi, is revered for his intense meditation, accumulating the immense energy required for the eventual destruction of the cosmos. His prolonged meditation allows him to retain that power until the right time arises.

2. Rishi Vishwamitra performed rigorous Tapasya to gain Brahmarishi Pad (Position) and Spiritual Powers. His Tapasya was so profound that he was able to create an entirely new heaven for King Satyavrat also famously known as Trishanku, when the king was denied entry into the original heaven by the gods. This story highlights the immense power of Tapasya and how unwavering dedication can lead to extraordinary accomplishments.

3. King Bhagirath undertook years of Tapasya to bring the sacred Ganga River to Earth. He continued the efforts of his ancestors, King Anshuman and King Dilip, who also performed Tapasya with the same goal in mind but could not achieve it in their lifetimes. Bhagirath's relentless perseverance ultimately led to the success of their collective efforts, showcasing the power of unwavering commitment across generations.

   These examples remind us that no goal is beyond our reach when pursued with unwavering dedication.

4. Tanmayta (Focus / Concentration)

Tanmayta means deep concentration—a state of complete absorption in your chosen goal or discipline. Without it, achieving anything meaningful or extraordinary within a certain timeframe is nearly impossible. In the Bhagwad Gita, Krishna uses the phrase “अनन्याश्चिन्तयन्तो मां”—single-pointed focus—where the seeker continuously holds the goal in mind and avoids any temptation or distractions.

Swami Vivekanand once said, "There is no limit to the power of the human mind. The more concentrated it is, the more power is brought to bear on one point." This beautifully explains the importance of focus in life. When a person is fully focused on a goal, their energy, thoughts, and actions move in the same direction. As a result, the chances of success inevitably increases, and the goal is often achieved faster.

Every individual has at least one activity in which they naturally lose themselves completely. The key is to bring that same intensity and absorption into activities that lead to growth. When this is done, qualities like concentration, dedication, and perseverance arise naturally. Focused effort sustained over time leads to long-term success—whether the pursuit is spiritual, personal, or professional.

5. Tatparta (Intensity / Speed of Effort)

Tatparta means intense desire combined with sustained action. It is boundless enthusiasm, inner urgency, and a powerful commitment to your goal. A person with tatparta may fall, but rises again, continues to practise, and stays devoted until the goal is achieved. As Swami Vivekanand said, “Arise, awake, and stop not till the goal is reached.”

A person endowed with tatparta does not wait for perfect conditions. Obstacles, failures, and delays do not weaken their resolve; instead, these challenges sharpen their will and determination. If effort is guided by dharma and aligned with Krishna’s teachings, there is nothing in this world that cannot be accomplished.

The life of Arjun stands as a powerful example. Dronacharya gave the same knowledge to all his students, yet Arjun emerged as the greatest among them. This was not due to favouritism or talent alone, but because Arjun embodied the qualities discussed in this blog. His intense commitment and unwavering focus transformed him from an ordinary student into an extraordinary archer.

How to Achieve Goals Faster by Conserving and Directing Your Energy

While the practices discussed above help accelerate progress, they do not come without challenges. Staying disciplined in the face of constant worldly distractions, managing unnecessary thoughts about the future, and maintaining motivation over the long term can be difficult. Recognising these obstacles is important, because awareness is the first step toward overcoming them.

If you wish to achieve goals within a shorter span of time, certain disciplines become essential. These practices help conserve inner energy, channel it in the right direction, and sharpen focus on what truly matters. At first glance, some of these points may appear unnecessary. However, according to the spiritual wisdom shared by my Gurudev, every small change in life deeply influence the mind, thoughts, and destiny of a seeker. The following principles are meant to help conserve energy, strengthen physical and mental health, and create the inner conditions required for sustained progress.

1. Be Mindful of Where You Place Your Gaze and the Company You Keep

• Be mindful of unnecessary direct eye contact with people with whom you have no relationship or intention to interact. According to yogic and spiritual traditions, eye contact creates an exchange of subtle energies. Not only eye contact, but the company you keep also has an influence on the mind. Therefore, it is important to be mindful of whom you observes, associates with, or keeps close company with. Choosing surroundings wisely protects mental clarity and thoughts. Scriptures and saints advise that while walking, one should keep the gaze gently lowered toward the ground.

2. Reduce Unnecessary Screen Time

• Avoid excessive use of screen, especially when the content does not support your goals. Watching random videos, scrolling through reels, or consuming unnecessary information drains mental/psychic energy. Screen should be used mainly for meaningful purposes such as work, learning, or connecting with family and friends. The more the mind consumes useless content, the more energy is wasted without awareness.

3. Regulate Sleep Through Conscious Eating

• Reducing sleep does not mean sleeping less forcefully. Doing so without preparation leads to tiredness and dullness throughout the day. Instead, sleep should be regulated scientifically, primarily through food intake. When the stomach is overloaded or digestion continues for long hours, the body demands more sleep and you will naturally feel lethargic. Eating satvic and timely meals reduces the burden on digestion, which naturally reduces excessive sleep. Food should be sufficient to maintain physical and mental health, as the brain also needs energy. Avoid frequent snacking or constant munching. One or two proper meal a day, supplemented with juices or light drinks if needed, helps maintain alertness and focus.

4. Be Careful About the Source of Food

• Ancient scriptures speak extensively about subtle energies present in food. Food not only nourishes the body but also influences thoughts and tendencies. If food is prepared by someone with impure intentions, laziness, or disturbed emotions, those qualities subtly enter the mind of the one who consumes it. There are stories in ancient spiritual texts where even highly evolved sages experienced disturbances in their thoughts after consuming impure food. Hence, food prepared with purity and calmness naturally supports clarity of thought and action.

5. Spend Time in Silence and Nature

• Silence has immense power. Spending long periods in silence helps calm the mind and strengthens inner awareness. Avoid constant stimulation through music, podcasts, or entertainment. If listening is necessary, choose devotional songs, bhajans, or spiritual discourses by saints. Though this may not feel energising immediately, it gradually builds deep inner strength. Spending time in nature is equally important. Being around trees, water, or open natural spaces rejuvenates the mind. Daily contact with nature helps dissolve stress and mental fatigue. Places with fewer people and abundant natural elements are especially beneficial.

6. Guard the Mind Against Unnecessary Thoughts

• Thoughts are extremely powerful, yet they work subtly, which is why their influence often goes unnoticed. A single continuous thought can shape habits, actions, and ultimately destiny. Thoughts of anger, lust, fear, or restlessness must be consciously and continuously replaced with thoughts of love, purity, patience, and calmness. Swami Vivekanand beautifully expressed this truth: “We are what our thoughts have made us; so take care about what you think.” Controlling thoughts is not suppression, but conscious redirection toward higher ideal/goal.

7. Avoid Distractions That Pull You Away from the Goal and Be Mindful of How You Spend Time in Solitude

• Anything that diverts the mind from the goal should be avoided—idle talk, unnecessary gossip, excessive sensory indulgence, or mindlessly consuming whatever comes in the way of the eyes, ears, and tongue. Such habits slowly drain mental energy and weaken inner resolve. Extraordinary achievements demand extraordinary discipline, perseverance, patience, and above all, purity and deep love for the goal. Being around people with strong character who are dedicated and hardworking, or learning from inspiring stories, can help you to stay motivated and focused. A supportive environment provides the inner push needed to remain steady, motivated, and positive on the journey toward your goal.

Conclusion:

Great achievements do not depend on luck or mere hard work alone. They are the result of focused energy, disciplined living, and unwavering commitment. Protect your energy, choose your direction carefully, and commit to the practices outlined above. Over time, these disciplines reshape not only what you achieve, but also who you become on the path. Embrace delayed gratification and learn to prioritise long-term growth over short-term pleasures. Believe in yourself and stay positive by developing a mindset that views challenges as opportunities for learning and growing.

Swami Vivekanand offers a profound mantra for success: “Take up one idea. Make that one idea your life—think of it, dream of it, live on that idea. Let the brain, muscles, nerves, every part of your body be full of that idea, and just leave every other idea alone. This is the way to success.” To explore more of Swami Vivekanand's powerful quotes, you may read them here. The principles shared in this blog offer a clear and practical path to success in any field—whether spiritual, professional, or in achieving meaningful personal goals.

I would like to conclude by leaving you with one of Swami Vivekanand’s inspiring quotes:
“All power is within you; you can do anything and everything. Take risks in life. If you win, you can lead; if you lose, you can guide.”