It is important to move on from the laurels of the past. I can't

Hear now the words of Manoj Bajpayee, who spoke with humility and strength: “It is important to move on from the laurels of the past. I can’t let success go to my head.” These are not idle words, but the counsel of one who has walked the hard path of discipline, who has tasted the sweetness of recognition yet refused to be intoxicated by it. For he reminds us of an ancient truth: success is not an end, but a fleeting guest, and the one who clings to it too long risks losing the fire that first brought them greatness.

The ancients crowned their heroes with laurels, woven leaves that symbolized victory. Yet even as they placed the crown upon the victor’s head, they knew the wreath would wither. Glory fades quickly if not renewed. Bajpayee’s words echo this wisdom: do not rest upon yesterday’s triumphs, for they are like autumn leaves—beautiful in their moment, but destined to fall. To live forever looking backward is to stumble forward. The warrior must always sharpen his blade, for the battles of tomorrow will not be won with the victories of yesterday.

Consider the tale of Napoleon Bonaparte. Once, he conquered Europe with unmatched brilliance, crowned with the laurels of victory. But as he grew drunk on his own glory, he underestimated his enemies, ignored wise counsel, and sought to grasp more than even destiny would allow. His pride led him to Russia, where the snows swallowed his army, and soon the man who had shaken the world was exiled and broken. The lesson is sharp: when success goes to the head, it blinds the eyes and weakens the hand.

By contrast, look to the example of Sachin Tendulkar, the great cricketer of India. Though adored by millions, though hailed as a “god of cricket,” he did not allow success to intoxicate him. After every century scored, after every trophy lifted, he returned to the nets, humbly training as though he were a beginner. He moved beyond each laurel, never letting yesterday’s triumph weigh down today’s work. In this, he preserved his greatness, not for a season, but for decades.

Bajpayee’s wisdom, then, is a call to vigilance. He reminds us that the crown of success is not a throne to sit upon, but a challenge to surpass. Each victory should be treated as a stepping stone, not as a resting place. To let pride grow is to become stagnant, and stagnation is the death of creativity, of growth, of life itself. The true master looks at yesterday’s triumphs with gratitude, but his eyes remain fixed on the horizon ahead.

To you who hear this teaching, take it into your heart: do not let past glories bind you. Celebrate them, yes, but then move forward. Ask yourself not, “What have I achieved?” but rather, “What more can I become?” Each day, return to your craft with the humility of a learner. Train, improve, refine, as though your journey has only just begun. In this way, pride will not corrupt you, and your spirit will remain sharp and alive.

The lesson is clear: laurels fade, but growth endures. Do not be trapped by the echo of applause, nor lulled to sleep by the memory of triumph. Instead, take the strength of past victories and let them fuel the battles yet to come. For the greatest danger of success is not failure—it is pride. Conquer pride, and you will continue to rise.

Thus remember Manoj Bajpayee’s words: move on from the laurels of the past. Wear success lightly, as a wreath that will one day wither, and turn your face always toward the work ahead. In this, you will not only achieve greatness—you will keep it alive, unspoiled, and eternal.