“It is the road you take that decides your destiny and not your destiny that decides the road you take.”

The big question is that are you satisfied with who you are? Are you doing what you are capable of doing? Do you get excited about what you are going to do when you get up in the morning? Have you stopped asking yourself these questions? If yes, it is high time you ask these uncomfortable questions that reflect the truth about your life. More often than not we have the ability to achieve much greater things, but we get caught in the mediocre things in life and waste our potential. When there is nothing higher to be achieved all energies are simply scattered in the ordinary and mundane pursuits.

Are you living with many unexplored avenues waiting to be unleashed? Each one of us has immense ability. But most of us fail to use it. Why?

1. There is no definite purpose of your life.

2. Underestimating yourself.

3. Too busy to think about anything, living life mechanically.

4. You are in a comfort zone; embracing mediocrity.

5. The fear of failure, what if I fail?

6. Inability to take initiative and take charge of your life. You are living life reactively.

7. Burden of expectations. Bogged down with other people’s approval and expectations.

8. Who cares? I am okay and love status quo.

9. Ignore the voice within, which is continuously telling you that something is wrong.

10. Compromise at each step and live a life of convenience. Don’t dare to challenge yourself.

Ask yourself, what difference am I making in the lives of others? If the answer is not much, then you really aren’t tapping your abundant resources. What if your life ended today? Would you be happy and satisfied with what you have achieved? Are you following your passion and the things you love? You must find what you love and gives you fulfillment. Don’t be afraid to make a new beginning. Go deep within, be silent and explore the possibilities. There is tremendous reservoir of energy waiting to be unleashed within you. As you go deeper and deeper the energy uncoils and you will begin to add meaning to your life.

You are special, because you have the freedom to choose who you want to be. Don’t live a life where your potential is entrapped and you are dying every moment. Come out of this bewilderment, discover your true self and express it to the world. You will never be satisfied with anything less than the highest you can attain. Life is not a thing that will go on forever. Somewhere you have to start from where you are to where you want to be. You are a beacon of strength, power and all the riches in the world. You will be a stranger unknown to the world until you realize that you are here for a reason. You must explore and live it.

“A calm mind can counter anything but nothing can counter a calm mind”

How often does it happen to you that you are doing one thing but thinking about the other? Your mind takes a ride into a world of its own without your command. When the mind is agitated you become restless. The thoughts run away from you. That is precisely when you lose focus and the mind behaves like a wanderer.

An agitated mind can never be focused. It will go from one thought to the other without any purpose or reason. Such a mind is unsteady and full of distracted thoughts. A focused mind is a calm mind. A calm mind is in the present and does not run away to the past or future. It does not race ahead and is absorbed with the task at hand. A calm mind is focused on the problem and does not worry about anything else. A calm mind can solve the biggest problems. A calm mind is unruffled, steadfast in its job. It is ready to counter any problem with almost detached outlook.

The longer you can remain in the present the greater will be your ability to solve the problems. The more calm your mind the better you will become at everything you do. A calm mind is the most powerful thing in the world with it you can conquer anything. It is single pointed surrender to what you are doing and becoming one with it.

It is impossible to have a calm mind all the time. But the longer you can keep away unwanted thoughts the more will be your capacity to solve the problems. Following are a few tips on quietening the mind.

Tips on keeping a calm mind.

1. Nothing is going to last. Every problem will be over one way or the other. Do not think about the consequences think about your actions.

2. Engage your mind in repeating affirmations. Repeat one affirmation at a time. This way the mind gets tide to a thought. It will not run away, slowly the mind gets disciplined and the same discipline of the mind can be used when you are doing other tasks as well.

3. Every battle with the mind is important. If you do not try to control your mind it will take control on you. Even when you lose its important to recognise that you are trying. You lose all the battles when you do not compete. It is better to compete and lose than not to try at all.

4. Keep a close watch on your thoughts. Thinking about unimportant and useless things is a waste of time. Try to empty your mind of all thoughts by just concentrating on your breath for a minute or two. Breathe deep and be relaxed. The thoughts will disappear.

5. When you are doing anything remember these two things: there are certain things beyond your control and you cannot change them. Past and future are obstacles to the present.

It is impossible to keep a steady mind which is devoid of all thoughts all the time. But the top people in any field are the people who are generally able to focus longer than others. Whether it is an athlete or a computer scientist the degree of the concentration decides the degree of success that one reaches. The top professionals like Tiger Woods, Frederers are people who are extremely focused. They are in the present and that is what beings them enormous success. Their peak performances are reached when they have an uncluttered mindset. An uncluttered mind is free of any unwanted thoughts. That is when they are able to focus the best.

Have a Zen like poise in anything you do. Whether it is walking, eating or doing any other activity, be in the present. Be mindful of every action that you do. Focus on every little act and soon your mind will be focused to solve the big problems.

Not all birds fly. It is a well-known fact. All such birds, despite having lost their power to fly millions of years ago, have wings. Many of these birds (e.g. the great auk) lived on isolated oceanic islands where there were no predators. Since these birds did not need to fly to escape any predator, they gradually lost the power to use their wings.

Man has many faculties, dormant powers and a brain with extraordinary capabilities which ordinarily remain unused if one does not use these powers for a long time; they also become useless as the wings of the birds which do not fly. Develop a higher sense of perspective in your life and live with a purpose, with a cause, with a desire to do something noble, something big, inspirational and you will draw upon reserves of energy, which otherwise remain unutilised. Getting things too easily is not necessarily good in the long run. Sometimes, it is the struggles and tough times that are needed to bring out the best in you.

Q1. Ambidexterity is a garb of the gifted. You are a proficient software engineer and a renowned author too. How do you strike a balance?

I became a writer by chance and an engineer by choice. I work as a software engineer and write in my spare time. But I love both these roles. I want to live fully and enjoy everything that I do. Whether it is social activities, writing, engineering, or entrepreneurship, I want to make a difference. I believe you get only one shot at life. Why not make it the best?

Q2. ‘The Flight of Ambition’ has helped many professionals cope with the ups and downs on the professional front. Tell us more about the book, its aim, target audience and source of inspiration?

I am overwhelmed with the response so far. The book has been received well. Writing gives me joy. It is a powerful medium, which allows me to express myself. The book has started touching the lives of people in a positive way. I receive emails from CEOs to students, praising the book. The book is making a contribution in their lives and that delights me.

As I said earlier, I am writer by accident. I have often repeated this story about the source of inspiration behind ‘The Flight of Ambition’. But every time I narrate this story I feel inspired to do more.

The story goes back to my IIT days. It was one of those casual mornings when I woke up late as usual. During our hostel days, the alarm in my mobile woke up the neighbors in my wing but not me. I was a sleepaholic. I rebuked myself once again for waking up late. It was a practice I religiously followed. After that I rushed to cafeteria for having a brunch. It was there that I met my friend who took me to a house in Velachery near our campus.

The house had nearly 20 children between ages two and 14 years. While most of the kids were playing; some of them were studying and others were just curiously staring at us. The kids addressed the couple as 'amma and appa'. My friend revealed that apart from two of those kids, all others had been adopted. They lived like a happy family. Muthukumar and Kala loved each kid as their own. This visit left an indelible impression on my mind. The selfless living of Muthukumar and Kala inspired me to write, 'The Flight of Ambition.' I was determined to make a contribution in the lives of people around me. The returns from the book will serve as a means for achieving the same.

Q3. Most writers are avid readers too. Have you been inspired by any particular author?

I am not much into fiction, but my favorite author is R.K. Narayan. I adore his books. The settings and the ambience created by R.K. Narayan is immortal. The simplicity, effortlessness and charm in his writing instantly strike a rapport with the readers. The depiction of his characters is majestic. When you read his books you can visualize everything scene by scene and that is the power of writing. You meet each character as if he is speaking to you. After reading R.K. Narayan, I was encouraged to write fiction and I am working on a novel now.

I am also fond of the books by Swami Vivekananda. His writings penetrate your being and instill courage and fearlessness. His remarkable persona is immortal and acts as a beacon of light for all who aspire to live selflessly.

Q4. Are there book/books that you would like to read time and again, and why?

Books, there are so many of them that I would like to mention. I used to be a vociferous reader, but these days I don’t get much time to read. I like to spend my free time reading and writing. Here are the top three books that come to my mind.

Bhagvad Gita is the ultimate guide of wisdom. I love reading it time and again. Every time I read it, I feel nourished and rejuvenated. It is an infallible source of wisdom and energy. Amazingly the book was written zillions of years ago yet it conveys a message that is pertinent in our times.

I have lost count on the number of times I have read Swami and Friends by RK Narayan. This book captures the innocence of childhood and takes you in to a world of its own. The mischievous acts, the impeccable characters and the ambience of the fictional town of Malgudi are simply exhilarating. How can anyone not love this book?

Every second Counts by Lance Armstrong. Every time I read this, I get inspired to push myself. A must read for everyone.

Q5. Since your book speaks of self-help and motivation, I am tempted to ask, if you believe in destiny.

Yes, I do. When I was in school, I wanted to get in to the defense services. I was selected in the NDA entrance exam. I was determined to be an army man. However, the day I was supposed to attend the SSB interview, I met with an accident. The accident did not prevent me from attending the SSB interview. The SSB interview takes around five days. I was in pain but decided to fight it out. I cleared the screening test and inched one step closer to my ambition.

Two days after the accident, I was unable to walk. The pain had become unbearable. I did not know what to do. It was one of the turning points of my life. A voice came from within and told me, ‘this is not the right place for you.’ And I decided to quit.

After coming home, I went for a medical examination and the x-ray revealed three fractures on my right foot. When I reflect on the decision, I think it was correct one.

I believe in destiny and think that “It is the road you take that decides your destiny and not your destiny that decides the road you take.” Your destiny is created by your actions. What you think of yourself that is what you make yourself. You have the power to choose who you want to be.

Q6. Tell us more about your book and the genre that interests you the most?

More often than not we have the ability to achieve much greater things, but we get caught in the mediocre things in life and waste our potential. When there is nothing higher to be achieved all energies are simply scattered in the ordinary and mundane pursuits.

What if your life ended today? Would you be happy and satisfied with what you have achieved? Are you following your passion and the things you love? You must find what you love and gives you fulfillment. Don’t be afraid to make a new beginning. You must explore the possibilities. ‘The Flight of Ambition’ is a book of possibilities. The motto of the book is to inspire people and bring out the greatest, grandest and the best in them.

far as my own reading is concerned, my interest keeps fluctuating between different genres. I usually prefer to read autobiographies, management and inspirational kind of books. I like autobiographies of great people. These books offer an insight into the lives of great people. It helps you know them better. It is a great learning experience. Sometimes, I read fiction as well. Who doesn’t like a good story?

Q7. What are your thoughts on Infibeam.com promoting your books (national & International)?

I am grateful to Infibeam.com for promoting my book. There is nothing more endearing for a new author than to see his books being promoted. I wish all the very best to Infibeam.com and hope they continue to promote young talent.

Q8. We know you are an ace motivational writer. Is there a special motivational quote that is close to your heart?

"If you don't have the courage to walk alone others will not have the courage to walk with you." -- Apoorve Dubey

Be fearless and live your dreams. No one else can do it for you, unless you march forward. Life is too short to hold back on what you love. If you do not follow your dreams, who will? Don’t compare yourself with anyone. You are unique and here to live a grand life. Courage is to back yourself against all odds even when no one else does. A tiny bird trusts it ability to fly and it flies for thousands of miles at a stretch crossing the biggest oceans and keeps moving with faith in its wings. The bird keeps saying to us, "You mustn't be afraid to do what you are born to do."

Q9. Do you have any special message for your fans?

I would like to end by saying that Know yourself, you are unique, priceless and a gift to this world. “Your time is the most valuable asset you have; invest it where you get the best returns.” Do not confine your life to yourself. Make it big. “Your Life is a gift that is unveiled when you expand it by touching the lives of others.” Remember, anything is possible if you try. I am waiting to read your success story. Begin now.

Difficulty

Name Apoorve Dubey

Designation and role at Symantec Software Engineer

Professional Background Symantec is my first company. I joined Symantec on 30 July 2007. I work in VCS.

Special Interests

Apart from reading and writing, I work as a volunteer for organizations like Akshar Bharti and Kalinga Kusum. I believe your life is a gift that is unveiled when you expand it by touching the lives of others. I am also passionate about cricket.

About your Book

Words have influenced men since time immemorial. Revolutions have been inspired by the power of words. Words have an amazing impact on a person's life. They often mark the beginning of the grand things. The Flight of Ambition is an attempt to bring out the greatest, grandest and the best in you. The Flight of Ambition is an inspirational book that will push you to achieve your very best in all spheres of your life. This book will urge you:

To be in song with life and move as if there is no one who can hold you back.

To embrace every moment with out stretched arms as if it were the last.

To compete with all the might and yet laugh around with joy in defeat.

To leave an indelible mark even in the face of dark

More about the book can be found at www.theflightofambition.com or www.apoorvedubey.com

What/who inspired you to write this book?

All this would never have been possible, had it not been for that morning. It was one of those casual mornings when I woke up late as usual. During our hostel days, the alarm in my mobile woke up the neighbors in my wing but not me. I was a sleepaholic. I rebuked myself once again for waking up late. It was a practice I religiously followed. After that I rushed to cafeteria for having a brunch.

It was there that I met my friend who took me to a house in Velachery near our campus. This house was full of children. Most of the kids were between 2 and 14. There were close to 20 kids and a couple in that small house. Most of the kids were playing; some of them studying and others kept staring at us. Some of the children wore torn clothes. The kids addressed the couple as amma and appa.

My mind was reeling. I kept wondering why the couple has so many children when they cannot take proper care of the kids. It was at that moment my friend revealed that apart from 2 kids, all others had been adopted. Yes, the other kids were orphans.

It was a shocking revelation that house was an orphanage. But, it was a very different one. The couple themselves had two children but that did not stop them from adopting other kids. They lived like a happy family. Muthukumar and Kala lived each kid as their own. The visit to that special house left an indelible impression on my mind. I was touched by the selfless living of Muthukumar and Kala. That inspired me to write, ‘The Flight of Ambition.’ I was determined to make a contribution in the lives of people around me. The returns from the book will serve as a means for achieving the same.

Apart from that I would like to acclaim the most special person in my life. I owe every letter of the book and much more to her. She is my mother

Do you have you any other published work?

Yes, I have a technical publication based on my research work at IITM. Earlier a few of my articles and poems have been published in magazines and newspapers.

Share with us some reviews of your book? What was the reaction of your colleagues?

I submitted the book for publication considerations in 2007. The publication process usually takes time and so it took more than 2 years for getting published. But, I am happy that the book has been received quite well. Recently, I have been invited to IIT Madras as an alumni achiever. It would be presumptuous of me to say anything about the reviews. But, the response has been overwhelming. The appreciation and feedback makes me feel that it has been worth waiting for the release.

Overall, it has been a pleasant experience. VCS is like a family and we all celebrate each others success. It is a great feeling when people whom you look upto appreciate your efforts. Sometimes, it can get embarrassing too. I feel really embarrassed when the people ask me to sign on the book. It seems surreal. Having said that it is important to realise that this is just a passing phase and you have to stay focused on your work.

How is this book different?

When you say different you have a tendency to compare. This book is not different. I do not think it needs to be. How does it matter? Why do we need the comparisons? Different compared to what is my question. The story may be same but your interpretation may be unique. There is no need to compare. The problem with comparison is you miss what is and don’t see things as they are. When you compare, you can miss the absolute, the totality. I dont see the book as different or same. I believe art is unique just as every individual is. I see the book as unique, unique piece of art.

What are your plans next? Any new book ideas?

Yes, I am working on my new book, ‘It could have been different.’ In a way the title of the book sums up what the theme is all about. The story is about a protagonist who wants to break free into a world of his own imagination. The protagonist, Anugrah, wants to live by his own convictions. He is confused. But he knows one thing that he does not like to do things in a routine manner, he hates to follow others. He always wants to explore the unknown and the untried. What other people consider right doesn’t seem right to him.

Everybody wants him to change, but he does not want them to interfere in his life. The story is about his struggle to deal with his parents, college, friends and career.

What kind of books do you read?

I am one of those boring types. I like to read autobiographies, management and inspirational kind of books.

I am not much into fiction, but my favorite author is RK Narayan. I adore his books. The settings and the ambience created by RK Narayan are immortal. His simplicity, the depiction of the characters is artistic. When you read his books you can visualize everything scene by scene and that is the power of writing. You meet each character as if he is speaking to you. RK Narayan’s story telling ability is incredible.

Some of my favorite books are:

Every second counts by Lance Armstrong.

Wings of fire by Abdul Kalam.

The books by Swami Vivekananda.

Swami and friends by RK Narayan

Pushing to the front by Swet Marden.

The list goes on and on.