‘You vs You’: More often than not, I commence with this pivotal slide – a portrayal of the ‘You vs You’ struggle, which I firmly believe represents the greatest barrier one must consistently overcome on the path to progress.

This concept of ‘You vs You’ sprouted from a personal tale. Isolated from my family and living in a boarding school for a decade, I regularly sent letters home narrating my school life – the learning, the adventures, the camaraderie, my achievements, and my comparative progress. Every reply from my parents shimmered with interest in the novel experiences and endeavors I shared. Their focus? Whether I was engaging in sports and extracurricular activities, and the effort I was putting into them.

The dialogue was never about grades or rivalries, unlike the correspondences of my friends, which were speckled with commendations and benchmarks. I often contemplated their rationale but didn’t dwell on it, as their attitude favored my growth. Academically, I was average, yet I was involved in a myriad of sports (nearly ten) and a vast array of extracurriculars. In these arenas, I might not have been the star, but my dedication was unmatched. My parents took pride in this relentless self-improvement, unconcerned with my peers’ standings.

Upon concluding my schooling, I embarked on the dual journey of Chartered Accountancy and university education. It was then, during my Intermediate Exams, that I encountered my first educational setback – failure. When I presented the results to my parents, along with a narrative of my peers’ performances, they offered no commentary on the scores. Instead, they imparted a piece of advice: Rejoice in your passions and strive for mastery in what fulfills you. Life is not about surpassing others; it’s about your personal aspirations. The race is unending; true contentment lies in what brings you joy.

That episode steered my destiny in a new direction. I paused to contemplate my future and chose Management, enlightened by the ‘You vs You’ philosophy.

Since then, I’ve embraced the ‘You vs. You’ credo, dedicating each day to personal enhancement because, when the sun sets and the crowds disperse, it’s the satisfaction within those whispers of success.

A relentless upgrade,

A continuous evolution of the mind,

An unending quest for knowledge,

It’s ‘You vs. You’—the pursuit of happiness is singularly yours.