Even if you are not into cricket, you must have heard about Sachin Tendulkar. At 36, he is the world’s top cricketing superstar. In a career spanning 20 years, the Little Master, as he is known to his fans, has scored 43 Test centuries and 45 one-day international centuries. He continues to demolish record after record every time he steps on the field. When he enters the stadium, fans roar their support and adulation for him. He’s a national hero, an internationally admired icon and a role model for the old-fashioned gentlemanliness that cricket was once known for.
What does it take to be like Tendulkar? And what does it take to stay in the game for 20 years, and still remain as focused and determined as you did when you played your first game? And to continue to be motivated to give your best? What does it take to be unfazed when you are basking in fame and the blinding glare of the limelight?
There’s a lesson in Tendulkar’s career for all of us. It’s not just about sticking in a job for 20 years but about making every opportunity count. This is not to say that Tendulkar has experienced no setbacks or that he has lived a charmed life. As human as can be, the Little Master has had his share of injuries and low seasons when his critics wrote his career an early obituary. He bounced back each time. And now, at an age when most players bid adieu to professional cricket, he continues to do what he does well – delight and entertain the Indian cricket fans.
He is talented and disciplined, but the secret of his success boils down to attitude. Nearly everyone who has watched Tendulkar concurs that the man is determination personified. He has kept himself fit and in top shape despite his age. He has sharpened his focus by meditating on his game. When he is on the cricket field, he is a picture of studied concentration.
Though he has earned the adulation of critics he has not alienated his team-mates. Admired by his opponents and respected by his peers, he is “one of the boys”, a strong team-player and not one to let his seniority stop him from taking orders from a much younger captain. He is a mentor to juniors in the side and, at the same time, a continuous student of the game who has something to learn from everyone.
Tendulkar has made himself a legend not only by piling up runs but by creating the potential for surprises – he pulls one out of the hat just when you have written him off. He has never rested on his laurels and has always produced that something special to silence his critics. And yet, he maintains that he is an ordinary man doing what he does best.
Whatever be the pressures of his workplace, Tendulkar has attested the need for work-life balance. After-hours, family time takes top priority. He has mentioned in a number of interviews that his wife has helped him maintain that balance.
In handling injury, criticism, failure or disappointment, Tendulkar has been gracious. In media appearances, he has never been called for unsporting remarks. Humility has always been a hallmark of his persona.
Discipline, integrity and sincerity, topped by honest hard work and a never-say-die attitude – that’s what keeps the world’s top cricketer ticking. In short, whatever the profession, the same principles apply.
And there’s a lesson in that for everyone who aspires to a stellar career.
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