The road to success is not straight; there is a curve called failure, a loop…
2025
The road to success is not straight; there is a curve called failure, a loop called confusion, speed bumps called friends, caution lights called family and a roller coaster ride called jobs. But, if you have a spare called determination, an engine called perseverance, insurance called faith and a driver called God, you will make it to a place called success!
In spite of all our planning and preparation, unexpected challenges are certain to arise. The bumps in the road are unavoidable, but you’ll never get to your destination if you aren’t willing to drive over them. The difference between a disaster and triumph lies in whether or not you’re prepared and willing to weather the storm. If you’re ready, those bumps will become stepping-stones.
The key thing to realize is that working harder is the same as working smarter. How do you work smarter? You just need to have the right skills. People want improved circumstances and better life without an improved self. They want victory without paying the price or making efforts. It really cannot happen without the other. Any improvements that have not been generated by improving yourself are superficial and short-lived. If you want to have a better future, you have to change yourself. Stop worrying about the various challenges that will come your way. Just believe in yourself and use them as stepping-stones.
‘Success’ is getting whatever you want out of life without violating the rights of others. It is not an accident. Success is the result of our attitude and our attitude is a choice. Hence success is a matter of choice and not chance.
Today success represents a holistic and positive attitude to life. Attitude is everything. Success is not restricted to some kind of brick and mortar premises. It assumes the individuality of a complete act executed with perfection; material achievements do not define life. We don’t remember sports stars for the products they endorse but the spirit of achievement they represent. The abundance of a positive attitude underline the grandeur of a truly rewarding rich life.
Success can be measured from two standpoints- the external and the internal. Externally, it is the measure of a job well done, and recognition. Internally, it is the feeling of achievement and wholeness derived from the completion of a task, or the fulfilment of desire.
Which of the following sentences most appropriately describes the word ‘endorse’ that has been used in the passage?
- A.
To use in personal life.
- B.
To mention the team they represent.
- C.
To encourage other sports achievers.
- D.
To support officially with one’s name.
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: D
The verb 'endorse' means to give public, official approval or support to someone or something -- most often by publicly attaching one's own name or reputation to it, as when a well-known person backs a product or cause.
In this passage, the author writes that we do not remember sports stars for 'the products they endorse' but for the spirit of achievement they represent. Here, 'endorse' describes the practice of a sports star publicly lending their name to a product -- a formal, public act of backing it, not a private or interpersonal act.
'To use in personal life' describes private, everyday use of something, not the public act of backing a product with one's name.
'To mention the team they represent' describes stating a team affiliation, which is about identity, not about endorsing a product.
'To encourage other sports achievers' describes motivating fellow athletes, an interpersonal act unrelated to publicly backing a commercial product.
'To support officially with one's name' matches the dictionary sense of endorsement exactly -- publicly and formally attaching one's name to something as a mark of approval.
Hence, the word 'endorse' as used in the passage means 'to support officially with one's name.'