Progress That Endures

Dixya Poudel

What makes a person successful? Is it accolades of education, choice of profession or is it both with an added proportion of perseverance? Success seems like an enigma that centres around the tomes of knowledge and expertise gained throughout a prosperous person’s life. Very often people only see accomplishments and achievements and speculate on how lucky successful people are. What they don’t see are the hours, days and years of hard work and rigorous routine. 

It applies to most professions and fields, except of course winning lotteries but even winning lotteries requires a certain level of persistence.  Lately, global news has been abuzz with the downfall of Sam Bankman-Fried who was the former CEO and founder of cryptocurrency exchange, FTX. Once a multi-billionaire, he is now bankrupt. It shows that the crypto’s fad with get-rich-quick schemes is quite a treacherous slope. Crypto sector is rather hard to comprehend as most of it occurs in the vast voids of the internet. 

Like most lucrative professions, it too sees people vying to make money. However, unlike most occupations, crypto can be a shot at immediate monetary success and a source of quick cash, hence its appeal. But 2022 was the year that the global crypto market tumbled drastically and with it many people were significantly poorer. Most people undoubtedly want to get rich. Thus, many are willing to stake their career in get-rich-quick schemes without logging in hours at work. 

It is why one often hears of Ponzi schemes and how trusting people are conned off their hard earned money, funds and savings. Truth be told it is a material world driven by money, currency and capital. The rich and wealthy are highly envied upon. They seem quite well-off in their investments and returns and don’t have to worry excessively about their earnings. Instead, they get to live quite comfortably while people who work hand-to-mouth have a different story.

Wealth inequality is an unfortunate characteristic of the 21st century. In fact, it has always been the case for human civilisation but it has been only too blatant in the current century. As an individual living in the 21st century, there is an unparalleled advancement and progress but there is also a steep and individualistic competition for success. Today, people often take a shortcut to success only to land in trouble once they are ousted in their illegal and shady economic ventures. 

Even politicians and those in high flying positions are known to take advantage of their influence and accept bribes. Once corrupted, they are then held accountable by law. As such, in a world that revolves around money, it isn’t surprising that people take shortcuts for instant financial gains. However, even though one may take chances in accruing riches through shoddy methods, in the end, it is hard toil and honest labour that ensures a lasting material success. 

For many, it takes years of studying and then working on a career steadfastly to gain success. Those who are quite adept at their profession make it look easy and effortless when it is anything but. Thus, instead of being lured by get-rich-quick schemes, it is important to invest in education and career with grit, determination and diligence. Ultimately, one’s years of conscientious, resolute and thorough work will get recognised.