What Drives You To Excellence | Squadron Leader (Dr.) Toolika Rani | TEDxMGMU

Introduction

• A quote from Leonardo D Vinci states that once you have experienced excellence, you will always strive to attain the same level of excellence and not settle for anything less (20s).
• Excellence can be experienced in various fields such as arts, science, performance, and relationships, and it inspires individuals to create marvelous things (42s).
• Human beings have the capability to think, visualize, imagine, and turn their imagination into reality, which sets them apart from other animals (1m31s).
• This capability gives humans the longing to leave a legacy behind and have their name recognized (1m51s).
• Excellence is required because it instills hope in individuals and showcases the highest watermark of human capability (2m15s).
• One person's excellence is a testament to the capabilities of the entire human race and serves as motivation for others to strive for greatness (2m27s).
• The absence of hope for greatness can lead to demotivation, frustration, and unfulfillment (2m37s).
• Excellence by one person is important because it shows others that it is possible to attain greatness (2m47s).
• The journey to excellence begins with identifying one's own story and passions, and choosing a field that drives and motivates them (3m16s).

The Speaker's Journey to Excellence

• The speaker's personal story began with a dream to join the military services, which she chose as her "battle" and eventually attained in 2005 by becoming an Indian Air Force officer (3m35s).
• To lead a life of excellence, one must always be on their toes and not settle down after attaining a particular goal, as growth stops when one becomes complacent (5m17s).
• When opportunities arise, one should take a step forward with whatever they have and prepare themselves for the task, rather than being afraid due to a lack of preparation (5m59s).

The Mount Everest Expedition

• In 2009, the Indian Air Force conceptualized sending a women's expedition to Mount Everest, and volunteering for it was a turning point in life (5m39s).
• The team was exceptionally well-trained for two years on various peaks in India, including Mount Sto Kangri, Mount Bhagti, Mount Ked, and Mount Saser Kangri (6m17s).
• The team went on to Mount Everest in 2011 with a lot of expectations and media coverage, and out of 14 climbing members, seven members reached the top (7m18s).
• Despite being exceptionally fit, the speaker could not make it to the top, which was a turning point and a failure that shocked her (7m59s).

Facing Failure and Rebuilding

• When faced with failure, one should introspect and not blame others or external factors, as this will hinder growth and justify the failure (8m34s).
• The speaker went back the next year, launching her own individual expedition to Mount Everest against all odds, without a team and with a non-cooperative team (9m28s).
• The speaker believes that everyone has the capability to rebuild their lives and attain excellence, even if they have failed to attain it for the first time (9m15s).
• The expedition to Mount Everest was self-financed, costing 21 lakhs, and people thought it was a crazy endeavor, but taking risks and being "crazy" is necessary to attain excellence (9m49s).

The Second Attempt and Mental Battle

• The wall at 21,500 ft was a significant obstacle that forced a return in 2011, but a second attempt was made in 2012, despite falling sick again at the same wall (10m15s).
• While recovering from illness at 14,000 ft, a mental battle ensued, and the decision was made not to give up, recognizing the body as a capable instrument that can achieve great things when the mind wills it (11m9s).
• The expedition was eventually relaunched, and after multiple attempts thwarted by weather, the wall was finally overcome, and a picture was taken beyond it, which would later hold greater significance (11m52s).

The Final Ascent and Triumph

• The final 3,000 ft of Mount Everest is a beautiful but treacherous climb, requiring total surrender of energy and being, and it was started at night, with just one night between the climber and the summit (12m17s).
• During the climb, the challenge of cold temperatures and the risk of frostbite or death were faced, but the training of the mind to transcend mortal boundaries and endure pain helped to overcome these obstacles (13m11s).
• On May 26, 2012, at 7:15 hours, the highest point on Mount Everest was reached after an 11 and a half hour climb, evoking feelings of humility and oneness with the universe (14m39s).
• A flag was placed at the highest point, and another flag was placed at the lodge as a mark of gratitude to the Indian Air Force, with a message that dreams can come true if one is willing to put everything at stake (15m14s).

The Aftermath and Continued Climbing

• The climb came at a personal cost, with frostbitten toes that required hospitalization for three months, but this did not deter further climbing and adventure (15m40s).
• The experience taught the importance of visualization and the power of the mind in overcoming obstacles and achieving the unimaginable (16m3s).
• After recovering from the hospital, climbing continued, including becoming the first Indian woman to climb Asia's highest volcano in Iran and attempting other notable peaks (16m15s).

Public Recognition and Giving Back

• Public recognition and speaking engagements followed, but it was emphasized that the purpose of striving for excellence should be the love of the activity, not external recognition (16m53s).
• Public engagements and giving back to society, particularly to underprivileged children, have been a part of the journey, including being made a brand ambassador for the Election Commission's program (17m19s).
• A book, "Beyond That Wall," was written during the hospital stay, and a second version has been printed, earning a young writer award and a Sahitya award (17m29s).
• Further recognition and honors have been received, including being a brand ambassador for the G20 presidency and being invited to the Republic Day Parade as a special guest of the government of India (17m49s).

Further Pursuits and Publications

• A PhD was turned into a book, and poetry books have also been published, showcasing the ability to remodel oneself and continue pursuing various passions simultaneously (18m5s).
• The latest climb was to the highest peak of Uganda in December, after a four-year break and overcoming health issues, demonstrating that the passion for climbing remains strong (18m32s).

The Essence of Excellence

• Doing something for the love of it allows the spirit to remain, even when stamina and resources are lost, because it is driven by passion that runs deep within one's blood, which is the key to attaining excellence (18m56s).
• Excellence requires years of sustained hard work, as illustrated by Picasso's quote that to make a painting in 30 seconds, he had to paint for 30 years (19m25s).
• Excellence is not constant, and performance will vary, with times of excellent performance and times of failure, but it's essential to try again and take the plunge without fear (19m34s).
• Freedom and success can be achieved by taking risks and trying, as quoted by Aron Hansen, "there is freedom waiting for you on the breezes of the sky… and you ask what if I fall, but oh my darling, what if you fly" (19m50s).
• Everyone has the potential to be the "sunshine" and make a positive impact, as expressed in a poem, "you are my orb… bigger you grow with each of my Strokes" (20m14s).
• It's essential to choose one's company wisely and walk with those who are already on the journey towards excellence to brighten the world together (21m10s).