In today’s highly competitive world, it is not enough to be just good at whatever you do, whether preparing for one of the toughest examinations like UPSC CSE or any other pursuit. Rather, you have to be THE BEST. But what does it mean to be the best? It’s a million-dollar question. More so when you just do not have any idea about how much good or bad the millions of other people out there are, who you have to compete with. Let me put it differently. How Usain Bolt or Michael Phelps tried to become the best of them all, without knowing how much better or worse were other athletes on the field? The answer is that they always tried to become the best versions of themselves. Yes, they became the best and came out on the top when they reached the pinnacle of their capability.
The journey to be the best involves constantly striving to become a better version of yourself. Being the best means becoming better every day than you were yesterday. Being the best means understanding and unlocking your potential to the fullest. Being the best means realising that your achievements so far are always lesser than your true potential. Being the best means constantly improving and building on what you have already achieved. Being the best means continually pushing your limits.
One of the most defining stories of being the best in one’s pursuit can be found in Formula One motor racer Max Verstappen, who has already achieved an unassailable lead of 63 points—his 403 against 340 of Lando Norris—to clinch his fourth F1 World Championship title at the Las Vegas Grand Prix 2024 on November 24, 2024, with two races to spare. Nothing can match the sheer drama of his battle to win his first World Championship title in 2021. His second and
third titles came relatively easily when he secured 34 victories from 44 races in the two seasons. However, in 2024, Verstappen faced a very different challenge—one that tested him to the limit and, at times, revealed the true extent of his competitive nature for better and worse. He had to dig deeper than before. He never took himself for granted in the face of illusive individual race victories. He could do so because he believed: “The only place that matters is first.” Another of his quotes illustrates his philosophy of being the best: “It’s not about where you start; it’s about where you finish. Keep fighting until the chequered flag falls.” Verstappen’s success defines how to be the best in a fast and furious sport like motor racing.
How can you be the best in your pursuit of success in a competitive exam? Here are the pathways. First, figure out where you are. Make a note of where you are in your life. This is a great way to start any self-improvement journey. Think about various aspects of your life and be brutally honest. Do it from time to time. Second, figure out where you want to be. Envision your best self. Consider what the best version of yourself looks, feels and acts like, and use that as a guide in your journey ahead. Third, aim high and stay grounded. Fourth, work on your challenges. Think about what is holding you back. Make a list. Go through it and work out what is within your control to change.
Fifth pathway to be the best involves streamlining for success. Get into the mindset that everything should be intentional. Strip your life off all the negative things. By getting rid of things that drag you down, your mind will have so much extra space and energy to focus on all the good things you are doing. Sixth, keep a diary or journal. Note down your thoughts, gains and lacunas. Keeping tabs on everything helps. Seventh, celebrate every tiny victory. It can feel like a long journey, and working on yourself can be difficult. That is why it is so important to celebrate the little things. Last, manifest yourself through vision boards, mantras, daily intentions, inspirational quotes, chants in the morning, and everything in between. The more you visualise what your best self looks like, the more attainable it will feel and the more motivation you will have while you work towards it.
With these words, I wish you all the best in your pursuit of becoming the better version of yourself today and every day till you become the best.
