The Valuable Life Lessons From Kipling's 'If' in Real World Applications
In literature, there are certain pieces that continue to resonate with us long after we have read them. One such piece is If by Rudyard Kipling. This poem, with its powerful and profound words, serves as a guide for personal and professional growth. Kipling’s words serve as the blueprint for life lessons that have proven to be beneficial in various real-life scenarios. In this article, we will explore some of these lessons and how they can be applied to your daily life.
Consistency and Patience as the Path to Success
One of the most impactful lessons we can take from Kipling's poem is the emphasis on consistency and patience. This is a core message that resonates throughout the poem and in the anecdote about Bruno, the stray dog.
In the poem, Kipling states, 'If you can wait and not be tired by waiting. Or being lied about, don’t deal in lies. Or being hated, don’t give way to hating... If you can make one heap of all your winnings and risk it on one turn of pitch-and-toss, and lose and start again at your beginnings...' Here, Kipling is advocating for the concept of consistency and the resilience to keep on going despite obstacles and failures.
Let's come back to the story of Bruno, the stray dog. Bruno has learned to take advantage of a small, advantageous spot on the top of an abandoned car to sleep at night. This habit has remained consistent for a long time, and it is this consistency that has created a niche for him. Similarly, in our lives, whether we are pursuing a career, a hobby, or a personal development goal, the key is to be consistent and patient. Consistency ensures that we continue moving forward, and patience keeps us from giving up when we hit roadblocks.
Overcoming Self-Doubt and Negative Thoughts
The poem also provides a valuable lesson on how to overcome self-doubt and negative thoughts. Kipling urges us to maintain our virtues and common touch, regardless of who is around us. This can be challenging, but it is essential for personal and professional growth. In the anecdote about Bruno, the dog’s consistent behavior in finding a suitable sleeping spot is an example of resilience and confidence in oneself.
Kipling’s words remind us that no mater what we achieve, it is important to remain humble and not to let success or failure take away our humanity. In the poem, Kipling writes, 'If you can meet with Triumph and Disaster and treat those two imposters just the same.' This means that we should be in control of our reactions and emotions.
In the case of Bruno, his continued presence and consistent behavior have taught us that even in the face of adversity, we can maintain our dignity and patience. Similarly, in life, we should learn to handle both success and failure with the same grace. Failure is not a reflection of who we are; instead, it is an opportunity to learn and grow.
Gratitude and Appreciation for Simple Things
The poem also emphasizes the importance of gratitude and simplicity. Kipling writes, 'Little things matter. Be grateful.' These simple words remind us to focus on the small joys in life, such as Bruno's consistent and comfortable sleeping spot. Instead of constantly striving for more, we should learn to appreciate the little things and find contentment in our current situations.
In our daily lives, we often get caught up in the pursuit of more material things and higher achievements. However, the true meaning of life lies in the simple pleasures that we sometimes overlook. Bruno's consistent behavior in finding his perfect spot to sleep is a reminder that sometimes, the best things in life are the simplest.
Conclusion
Ultimately, Kipling's poem 'If' is a powerful guide for personal growth and resilience. The lessons of consistency, patience, and the ability to overcome self-doubt are valuable tools that can be applied to multiple aspects of life. Whether it is in a professional setting or in our personal lives, the message of the poem encourages us to persevere and find joy in the small, simple things. By embracing these life lessons, we can live fuller, more meaningful lives.