Sirajuddin Aziz<\/p>\n
\u201cNever say die\u201d is more than just a slogan, idiom, or clich\u00e9; it embodies a resilient mindset. Those with this attitude remain undeterred by challenges and setbacks; they refuse to be discouraged by obstacles. These three simple words\u2014\u201cnever say die\u201d\u2014unleash a flood of hope. It\u2019s a reminder that no matter how daunting a problem may seem, it, too, shall pass.
\nPeople with a \u201cnever give up\u201d mindset are inherently hopeful, filled with positivity and drive. They have an internal reservoir of optimism, generating an almost boundless energy to persevere.
\nThe phrase likely originates from Shakespeare\u2019s *The Merchant of Venice*, and it became more widely recognised with the 1939 film *Never Say Die*, starring Bob Hope, which popularised the expression. This phrase was echoed decades later in the 1985 film *The Goonies*, where a character famously declares, \u201cGoonies never say die.\u201d
\nThroughout my career in supervisory roles, I\u2019ve encouraged colleagues who exhibit ambition. A life or career without ambition lacks purpose, and the drive to achieve ambitious goals should be a constant pursuit for all professionals, especially young, aspiring leaders. They should be motivated to excel in all aspects of their work.
\nThe fear of failure must be relegated to the depths of memory. The greatest fear should be the fear of being afraid. Failure should be seen as a stepping stone, the first rung on the ladder of success. Trying and failing is far better than failing without trying. It\u2019s okay to experience setbacks; the pursuit of progress must remain relentless, regardless of the milestones achieved. A career isn\u2019t a destination\u2014it\u2019s a journey with no finish line. As T.S. Eliot wisely observed, reaching the end of something often marks the beginning of something new. Each achievement should open up new horizons, new goals, and fresh opportunities. Faith is the anchor that sustains a \u201cnever say die\u201d attitude.
\nAs an anonymous saying goes, \u201cA strong person is not one who doesn\u2019t cry. A strong person is one who briefly sheds tears, then picks up the sword and fights again.\u201d Consistency and resilience are key to sustaining this outlook.
\nExcellence is a mindset, and shortcuts do not lead to it. Every career-driven individual must be willing to work tirelessly, day in and day out. Each success should be seen as a temporary pit stop, like those in a Formula 1 race, where the team quickly changes tires, oil, and gears. Similarly, in one\u2019s career, pauses should be used to rethink, retool, and realign for the next objective. There\u2019s no room for complacency.
\nTwo colleagues come to mind, whom I encouraged to improve their skills, particularly in mastering the English language. While both displayed a \u201cnever say die\u201d attitude, they differed in approach. For privacy, let\u2019s call them KM and AM.
\nKM pursued English classes at a cultural centre, even though he lived on the city\u2019s outskirts. With classes starting early, KM made the commitment to wake at 5 a.m. each day, attend classes, and still make it to work\u2014where his tasks awaited completion. KM\u2019s disciplined focus paid off as he achieved fluency over 18 months, completing seven proficiency levels in both spoken and written English. He gained significant career advantages and even represented the institution internationally.
\nAM, however, took a different path. While he acknowledged the importance of improving his skills, his commitment wavered. Instead of formal lessons, he remained caught in a cycle of jealousy, frustration, and ego, leading to conflicts with colleagues and diminishing his potential. Unlike KM, who stayed focused on his own progress, AM\u2019s self-comparisons and envy stifled his growth.
\nToday, KM holds a senior position in a major financial institution, continuing to embody his \u201cnever say die\u201d attitude. Meanwhile, AM\u2019s career has stagnated, illustrating the power of persistence, focus, and self-discipline.
\nThe difference between the two ultimately boiled down to attitude. KM remained resolute, competing only with himself. AM, in contrast, allowed comparisons with others to undermine his progress. Goals, once set, should never be abandoned without reason.
\nThose with unshakeable resolve and a tenacious work ethic are the ones who succeed. Cricket legend Imran Khan exemplified this as a captain who never surrendered, urging his team to fight to the last ball, even in the face of defeat\u2014a true \u201cnever say die\u201d spirit.
\nAs Claudet Fernandes once said, \u201cIf I were to think of one thing I like about myself, it would be my never say die attitude.\u201d This outlook isn\u2019t something that can be bought; it must be cultivated through consistent effort and hard work. For some, it\u2019s an innate instinct.<\/p>\n
The writer is a Senior Banker & Freelance Columnist. <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Sirajuddin Aziz \u201cNever say die\u201d is more than just a slogan, idiom, or clich\u00e9; it embodies a resilient mindset. Those with this attitude remain undeterred by challenges and setbacks; they refuse to be discouraged by obstacles. These three simple words\u2014\u201cnever say die\u201d\u2014unleash a flood of hope. It\u2019s a reminder that no matter how daunting a […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[10],"tags":[13449],"class_list":{"0":"post-441556","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","6":"category-article","7":"tag-sirajuddin-aziz"},"yoast_head":"\n