'I can is one hundred times more important than I.Q'

I have just started working as a trainee journalist for the BBC, yet I still lack real confidence in my ability to write and do my job well. I needed a boost. The immediate reaction in my mind when I was asked to do this write-up of the Chinmaya Mission Youth Conference at Kings College London was initially one of resistance - surely someone else would do a better job. But after taking on board Swamiji's words on success, how could I refuse?

Success, success and even greater success was the order of the day on Saturday 2nd September 2006 as over two-hundred youngsters united in London to listen to Swami Swaroopananda unearth some universal gems of knowledge embedded within the Vedantic tradition that are so relevant in our hectic work-a-day lives.

In such a short span of time, Swamiji swept the crowd away with his captivating manner and lifted us into thinking hard about the road to success. He demonstrated how we constrain ourselves by simply believing we are unable to do certain tasks and allowing our mental conditionings to shackle us. He spoke about how fear of failure clouds our personality and prevents us from discovering our hidden potential - a theme later explored by all attendees in discussion groups.

What are my goals? What kind of person am I and who do I want to be? What is my greatest achievement to date? For many of us the answer to this question is a self-centred academic or professional achievement (if we have any answer at all). But such a response prompts the query, is the accomplishment of such modest milestones the full extent of my potential?

Swamiji even put us in our parents' shoes, to challenge us to reflect upon our personal decisions and guided us to realise the importance of the pivotal choices we make at a stage in our lives that will determine our futures.

The entire day resonated with the spirit of success. From the immaculate organisation by CHYK volunteers to the positive mood generated by the delegates and the enthusiasm shared in the martial arts and Yoga interactive sessions - the whole experience was enriching for all present.

From the Youth Conference I have learnt the following; success lies in the small steps we consciously take day by day in bettering ourselves, and they come with self-effort and the application of right-thinking. Yesterday I saw a man in a wheelchair at work struggling to open a door - and I didn't do anything to help him. Today I saw him again outside the building and ran to help push him up a steep pathway. A few months ago I would have said a straight-out 'no' to writing this article. This time, I graciously accepted the opportunity and challenge to develop my writing ability, with an attitude of dedication and detachment.