“Judge your success by what you had to give up in order to get it.” – Dalai Lama

 The quote "Judge your success by what you had to give up in order to get it" suggests that the true measure of success lies not only in what one achieves, but also in the sacrifices and trade-offs made along the way. Here are a few examples to illustrate this concept:

1. Entrepreneurial Success: Consider an entrepreneur who builds a successful startup. They might have had to give up a stable job, personal time, and financial security to invest their energy and resources into their business. The success of their venture can be judged not only by the financial gains but also by the sacrifices made in terms of time, personal life, and comfort.

2. Athletic Achievement: A professional athlete might have to make significant sacrifices to reach the top of their field. This could include adhering to strict training regimens, maintaining a disciplined lifestyle, and sacrificing time spent with family and friends. The success they achieve in terms of trophies, records, or accolades is enhanced by recognizing the sacrifices they made to attain those goals.

3. Academic Excellence: Students aiming for academic excellence often have to give up leisure activities, social events, and personal hobbies to devote themselves to their studies. Their success is measured not only by their grades but also by the time and effort invested in their education, sacrificing immediate gratification for long-term achievement.

4. Personal Development: Achieving personal growth and self-improvement often requires letting go of old habits, comfort zones, and negative influences. Someone who transforms their life by giving up destructive behaviors, toxic relationships, or limiting beliefs can judge their success by the positive changes they've made and the sacrifices they've made to create a better version of themselves.

5. Work-Life Balance: In pursuit of career advancement or professional success, individuals may have to make sacrifices in their personal lives. They might have to work long hours, miss family events, or postpone vacations to meet professional goals. Success in this context is measured not just by career accomplishments but also by finding a balance that aligns with personal values and well-being.

In essence, the quote reminds us that success often requires making difficult choices and giving up certain things. It encourages us to consider the sacrifices we've made and the trade-offs involved when evaluating our achievements, recognizing that true success encompasses more than just the end result.

In public service perspective :?

When it comes to judging success in public service, the quote "Judge your success by what you had to give up in order to get it" highlights the sacrifices individuals make to serve the public good. Here are a few examples of such sacrifices in public service:

1. Personal Time: Public servants often have to sacrifice their personal time and leisure activities to fulfill their responsibilities. They may work long hours, including evenings and weekends, to address the needs of their constituents. This could mean missing out on family events, hobbies, or personal pursuits.

2. Financial Opportunities: Public service careers often involve financial sacrifices compared to private sector positions. Government salaries may be lower than those in the private sector, especially at entry-level positions. Public servants may have to forgo higher-paying job opportunities to serve the public and contribute to the betterment of society.

3. Privacy and Security: Public officials often sacrifice their privacy when entering public service. They may face intense scrutiny and media attention, with their personal lives becoming subject to public scrutiny. The need for transparency and accountability can lead to limited personal privacy and increased vulnerability.

4. Career Advancement: Public service careers may require individuals to make trade-offs in terms of career advancement opportunities. In some cases, pursuing a career in public service may limit the chances of climbing the corporate ladder or attaining high-ranking positions in the private sector.

5. Personal Ambitions: Public servants frequently prioritize the needs of the public over their personal ambitions. They may delay or set aside their own aspirations to focus on addressing societal challenges and serving the greater good. This could involve passing up opportunities for personal achievements or accolades.

6. Work-Life Balance: Public service often demands a strong commitment to duty, which can impact work-life balance. Public servants may find it challenging to strike a balance between professional responsibilities and personal life due to the nature of their work, which often involves responding to emergencies, crises, or public demands.

7. Personal Safety: Depending on the role, public servants may face risks to their personal safety. For instance, law enforcement officers, firefighters, and military personnel risk their lives to protect the public and maintain peace and security. They put themselves in harm's way to ensure the safety and well-being of others.

These sacrifices demonstrate the dedication and selflessness of individuals in public service, who willingly give up personal comforts and opportunities to make a positive impact on society.

Certainly! Here are a few examples from India that reflect the idea of judging success by what individuals or communities had to give up in order to achieve their goals:

1. Indian Independence Movement: The struggle for independence from British colonial rule in India involved numerous sacrifices. Leaders like Mahatma Gandhi and Jawaharlal Nehru gave up personal comforts and freedom, spending time in prison for their efforts. Many Indians sacrificed their lives, families, and livelihoods in the pursuit of freedom.

2. Salt Satyagraha: As part of the nonviolent civil disobedience movement during the Indian independence struggle, Mahatma Gandhi led the Salt March in 1930. This act of resistance involved Indians making their own salt, defying the British salt tax. Participants willingly faced arrests, imprisonment, and physical hardships to challenge British rule.

3. Quit India Movement: During World War II, the Quit India Movement was launched in 1942, demanding an end to British colonial rule. Indians faced severe repression and violence from the British authorities. Thousands of activists were arrested, imprisoned, and sometimes killed. Many families suffered greatly during this period.

4. Farmer Protests: In recent years, Indian farmers have been protesting against new agricultural laws introduced by the government. These protests, primarily centered around Delhi, have seen farmers enduring harsh weather conditions, leaving their homes and families for long periods, and facing clashes with authorities. They have sacrificed their personal comfort and safety in the pursuit of better conditions and protection for their livelihoods.

5. Social Reforms: India has a long history of social reform movements that required sacrifice. One prominent example is the campaign against the practice of sati (the immolation of widows) led by Raja Ram Mohan Roy in the early 19th century. His efforts, and those of other reformers, involved challenging deeply entrenched social norms and faced strong opposition from conservative elements of society.

These examples highlight instances where individuals and communities in India made significant sacrifices in their pursuit of freedom, justice, and social change.