Professor Dr. Muhammad Sarwar, TI,
William Shakespeare’s insightful quote from Measure for Measure-“Our doubts are traitors, and make us lose the good we oft might win, by fearing to attempt”-conveys a profound message about the debilitating nature of doubt. This sentiment is particularly relevant to university students and emerging faculty members, emphasizing the importance of taking action and overcoming the paralysis that doubt can induce which is critical for achieving success and growth in the academic world.
The necessity of action: Shakespeare’s quote is essentially a call to action, highlighting the importance of making attempts despite the possibility of failure. In academia, the willingness to take risks and make decisions is crucial. The pursuit of knowledge and innovation inherently involves trial and error. Students and faculty must embrace the process of learning from failures and building resilience. For students, taking action can mean engaging in research, participating in extracurricular activities or seeking mentorship. These experiences, even if they do not lead to immediate success, provide valuable learning opportunities and lay the groundwork for future achievements. For faculty, taking action involves exploring new research areas, publishing findings and experimenting with teaching strategies. These endeavors contribute to personal growth and the advancement of the academic community.
The Paralysis of doubt: The doubt is a common and natural response when faced with uncertainty. It prompts us to consider risks and evaluate potential outcomes. However, when doubt becomes overwhelming, it can lead to inaction. Students might hesitate to participate in new projects, apply for competitive programs or share their opinions in class. For emerging faculty, doubt can hinder the pursuit of research opportunities, the submission of grant proposals, or the adoption of innovative teaching methods. Shakespeare’s observation underscores the treacherous nature of doubt. It not only prevents us from taking risks but also undermines our confidence in our abilities. By yielding to doubt, we forfeit potential achievements and miss out on valuable opportunities. This self-sabotage often stems from a fear of failure, criticism or the unknown. Thus, recognizing doubt as a barrier is the first step toward overcoming it.
Indecisiveness; a malady: Indecisiveness is not only considered a modern malady but is also increasingly recognized as a pervasive issue among today’s youth. This hesitation to make decisions and take action can be likened to a disease, stifling potential and growth. The fear of making the wrong choice or facing failure can lead to a cycle of inaction, where opportunities are consistently missed. In an era that demands agility and proactive engagement, overcoming indecisiveness is crucial.
Indecisiveness not only hampers individual progress but also kills curiosity, diminishes the urge to explore new things and erodes the courage to lead. This stagnation results in an extremely inactive youth, which ultimately blocks societal progress and leads to the degradation of the societal fabric. A lack of initiative and engagement in the younger generation can slow down innovation and impede the development of a vibrant, dynamic society. Addressing this modern malady requires a shift in mindset. Students and faculty must understand that taking risks and making decisions, even imperfect ones, are integral to success. Waiting for perfect conditions or complete certainty is a myth; progress is made through action and adjustment. Universities can play a pivotal role by creating environments that encourage risk-taking and by celebrating effort and initiative as much as outcomes.
Imperfect choices and growth: A significant lesson from Shakespeare’s quote is that making a choice, even if imperfect, is better than making no choice at all. Perfectionism can be a debilitating force, leading to procrastination and missed opportunities. The academic environment, with its emphasis on excellence, can exacerbate this tendency. However, the pursuit of perfection should not hinder progress. In practical terms, this means students should not wait for the “perfect” conditions to start a project or submit an application. Similarly, faculty should not delay sharing their research until it is flawless. The iterative nature of academia means that initial imperfections can be refined over time. Feedback, peer review and continuous learning are integral to this process.
Examples of Decisive Action: History is replete with examples of individuals who achieved great success by taking timely and decisive action, often in the face of uncertainty.
Steve Jobs, co-founder of Apple Inc., exemplified the power of decisive action. In 1997, upon his return to Apple, Jobs made the bold decision to streamline the company’s product line, focusing on a few key products. This decisive move, coupled with his visionary leadership, led to the creation of iconic products like the iMac, iPod, and iPhone, ultimately transforming Apple into one of the most valuable companies in the world.
Marie Curie, a pioneering scientist, made groundbreaking contributions to the field of radioactivity. Despite facing significant obstacles as a woman in science during the early 20th century, Curie’s decisive actions in pursuing her research led to the discovery of radium and polonium, earning her two Nobel Prizes. Her fearless pursuit of knowledge and willingness to take risks revolutionized science and medicine.
Elon Musk, the entrepreneur behind companies like SpaceX and Tesla, he is known for his bold and often risky decisions. Musk’s determination to make space travel affordable and his ambitious vision for electric vehicles have driven significant advancements in technology and transportation. His willingness to take substantial risks, such as launching the first privately funded spacecraft, has paved the way for new industries and innovations.
Dhirubhai Ambani, the founder of Reliance Industries, he transformed the Indian business landscape through his visionary decisions and entrepreneurial spirit. Starting with a small trading business, Ambani took bold steps to enter the textile industry and later diversified into petrochemicals, telecommunications and retail. His willingness to take calculated risks and his commitment to innovation helped build one of India’s largest conglomerates.
Malik Riaz Hussain, the founder of Bahria Town, he reshaped Pakistan’s real estate sector. Starting from humble beginnings, Malik’s decisive actions in land development and urban planning led to the creation of luxurious residential and commercial complexes. His bold vision and willingness to invest in large-scale projects have significantly impacted Pakistan’s infrastructure and urban development.
Sir Fazle Hasan Abed, the founder of BRAC (Bangladesh Rural Advancement Committee), he made transformative decisions that have had a lasting impact on poverty alleviation and development in Bangladesh. His innovative approaches to education, health and economic development have helped millions of people. Abed’s willingness to challenge conventional methods and implement large-scale programs has made BRAC one of the largest and most effective non-governmental organizations in the world.
Dr. Amjad Saqib, the founder of Akhuwat Foundation, has made significant contributions to poverty alleviation in Pakistan through his innovative interest-free microfinance model. His decision to provide microloans without interest has empowered thousands of individuals to start their own businesses, thereby improving their livelihoods and contributing to economic development. Dr. Saqib’s bold approach to social entrepreneurship demonstrates the power of taking decisive action to address societal challenges.
Abdul Sattar Edhi, the founder of the Edhi Foundation, is a shining example of selfless service and humanitarian work. Edhi’s decisive actions in establishing a comprehensive social welfare network in Pakistan have provided essential services such as healthcare, orphanages and emergency response. His unwavering commitment to helping those in need, despite numerous challenges, has made the Edhi Foundation a beacon of hope and compassion.
Imran Khan, the former cricketer turned politician and founder of the Shaukat Khanum Memorial Cancer Hospital and Research Centre, exemplifies the impact of taking bold initiatives. Khan’s decision to build state-of-the-art cancer hospitals in Pakistan, funded by public donations, has provided accessible cancer treatment to thousands. His journey from sports to philanthropy and politics highlights the importance of decisive action and resilience in achieving ambitious goals. Building Confidence and Resilience: To counteract doubt and indecisiveness, students and faculty must cultivate confidence and resilience. Confidence comes from recognizing and celebrating small successes, seeking supportive networks, and maintaining a growth mindset. Resilience is developed through facing challenges, learning from setbacks, and persisting despite difficulties. Universities can support this by fostering environments that encourage experimentation and learning from failure. Mentorship programs, collaborative projects, and open dialogues about the challenges of academia can help build a culture of support and continuous improvement.
Conclusion: Shakespeare’s wisdom, “Our doubts are traitors, and make us lose the good we oft might win, by fearing to attempt,” offers a timeless lesson for university students and emerging faculty. Embracing action, despite the fear of imperfection and failure, is essential for personal and professional growth. By recognizing doubt and indecisiveness as barriers and taking decisive steps forward, individuals can unlock their potential, seize opportunities, and contribute meaningfully to their academic communities. In the dynamic and challenging world of academia, the courage to act and the resilience to learn from experience are invaluable assets. Overcoming indecisiveness is not only vital for individual progress but also essential for the broader advancement of society. By fostering a proactive and courageous mindset, we can ensure that the youth are active participants in shaping a progressive and resilient societal fabric. Historical examples like Steve Jobs, Marie Curie, Elon Musk, Dhirubhai Ambani, Malik Riaz Hussain, Sir Fazle Hasan Abed, Dr. Amjad Saqib, Abdul Sattar Edhi, and Imran Khan illustrate the transformative power of decisive action and the potential for extraordinary achievements when risks are embraced and action is taken.
The Author is Pro-Rector, The University of Lahore, Sargodha Campus
