APJ Abdul Kalam Quote of the Day: "Failure will never overtake me if ..."

Quote of the day by APJ Abdul Kalam

We all face moments of failure. It is a universal experience that can make us feel discouraged and doubt our own abilities. But one of India's most beloved scientists and former Presidents, Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam, gave us a powerful key to overcoming this feeling.

He said, "Failure will never overtake me if my determination to succeed is strong enough."

This simple sentence holds a profound truth about the nature of success and failure. It shifts the power from our circumstances to our own inner strength.

Often, we see failure as a final destination, a wall that stops us from moving forward. Dr. Kalam’s words reframe failure not as a powerful enemy, but as an event that can be overcome by an even more powerful force—our own determination. The quote suggests that failure is not what ultimately defines our journey; it is our response to it that matters most. If we give up after a setback, then failure has indeed won. But if we refuse to be broken, failure becomes just a temporary phase.

So, what does it mean to have a "strong enough" determination? It is more than just wanting to succeed. It is a deep, unwavering commitment to your goal. It is the inner fire that keeps you going when things get difficult. This kind of determination is what makes you study one more hour, practice one more time, or try one more idea when the previous ones did not work. It is the quality that turns a simple wish into an unstoppable force.

This powerful determination acts as a shield. When a project fails or you receive criticism, it is this inner resolve that protects you from being overtaken by disappointment. It allows you to analyze what went wrong, learn from the experience, and apply those lessons to your next attempt. With strong determination, every failure becomes a stepping stone, providing valuable information that brings you closer to your goal.

Dr. Kalam’s own life was a perfect example of this principle. He came from a humble background and faced numerous challenges in his journey to become a leading scientist in India's space and missile programs. There were undoubtedly many technical failures and setbacks along the way. But his strong will and dedication to his mission ensured that these failures were never the end of the story. They were simply parts of the process.