Aspire Before Expire: Top 7 Teachings

Aspire Before Expire is authored by international speaker and writer Ujjwal Patni. It is a highly motivational and practical guidebook that stands out for its actionable teachings, which can be seamlessly applied to real life. This comprehensive book offers valuable insights to enhance both personal and professional aspects of life.

Fist Teaching: Look Inside Yourself.

In the first chapter, the author provides an exercise that encourages deep introspection by answering specific questions. It is recommended to answer these questions in solitude to better understand yourself.

Questions to Reflect On: 1. Write down 10 aspirations you want to achieve?

2. List your five strengths that you would like to pass on to the next generation. For example, my strength is the ability to read books and teach concepts in an easy-to-unde

3. Write your personal and professional achievements that you are proud of.

4. Identify six personalities you consider role models. For example, my role models are Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, Gautam Buddha, Abraham Lincoln, Kabir, Lao Tzu, and Helen Keller.

5. If this were the last year of your life, what wishes would you want to fulfill?

6. Name two consistent actions you could take that would significantly contribute to your success.

7. What important decisions are you delaying?

When reflecting on these questions, remember the words of Anthony Robbins:”Quality questions create a quality life. Successful people ask better questions, and as a result, they get better answers.”

Second Teaching : No-Excuse Policy.

Many people blame society, parents, poverty, or the government for their failures. However, history is filled with examples of individuals who overcame great obstacles to achieve success. The author highlights some common excuses people make and provides examples of those who succeeded despite such challenges.

Excuse 1: I didn’t get an opportunity for higher education. This is a common excuse, but several individuals have proven that formal education isn’t the sole path to success. For example, Benjamin Franklin, a founding father of the USA, dropped out of school at the age of 10. Similarly, Steve Jobs, the founder of Apple, dropped out of college and still became a global icon.

Excuse 2: I was born into a poor family.

This is often the favorite excuse of those who give up, yet many have risen from poverty to greatness. Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, who sold newspapers in his childhood, went on to become a great scientist and the President of India. Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, despite suffering from poverty and caste discrimination, became a globally respected figure and the architect of the Indian Constitution. Abraham Lincoln, born into extreme poverty, became one of the greatest Presidents of the USA. Jim Carrey, a famous comedian, once lived in a van with his family but didn’t let his circumstances deter him.

Excuse 3: An incident made me lose my strength, so I couldn’t pursue my dreams.

Some people face life-altering incidents but still achieve greatness. Helen Keller, who became blind, deaf, and mute due to illness at just 18 months old, grew into a global inspiration and authored the book The Story of My Life. Chris Carr turned her battle with rare cancer into a strength and became a successful nutrition coach. Wilma Rudolph, diagnosed with polio, overcame her physical challenges to win three Olympic gold medals.

Excuse 4: I tried but failed many times.

Failure is often used as an excuse, but perseverance is key. Winston Churchill and Abraham Lincoln lost multiple elections before reaching the pinnacle of their political careers. J.K. Rowling faced rejection from 12 publishers before Harry Potter became a phenomenon, selling over 200 million copies. Colonel Sanders, the founder of KFC, had his chicken recipe rejected 1,009 times before finding success.

Excuse 5: I am too old or too young.

Pulitzer prize winner and famous author Frank Mccourt started writing at age of 65. On the other hand, Mark Zuckerberg co-founded Facebook at a very young age and achieved extraordinary success.

After reading the stories of so many successful people, you must take full responsibility for your life without blaming others. Whenever you feel tempted to make excuses, remember the Jim rohn saying: “If you really want to do something, you will find a way. If you don’t, you will find an excuse.”

Third Teaching : Write your Obituary.

An obituary reflects what you would want people—like friends, relatives, and business associates—to say about you when you die. I’m sure you’d want to hear good things like, “He/She was a good person with a helping nature who did a lot for the poor and needy person.” Now, ask yourself: does the way you live align with the obituary you hope for?

Fourth Teachings: don’t fall into these six categories:

If you want to achieve your dreams and do something big and great, reflect on yourself to see if you belong to any of these categories. If you do, take bold steps to break free from them.

1. People-pleaser

2. Casual person

3. Early quitter

4. Approval seeker

5. Comfort seeker

6. Fears the unknown

Fifth Teaching : Six Revolutionary Habits for Success.

The most vital factor for achieving success in life is our habits. Here are six revolutionary habits that can transform your life:

Habit 1: Make 10 Minutes for Yourself Every Day.

George Bernard Shaw once said, “The difference between an average man and a great man is 15 minutes.” Great men spend at least 15 minutes daily with themselves, which average people don’t. The author advises us to take at least 10 minutes in solitude each day and answer these questions:

1. Have you used your day to its fullest potential?

2. Have you prioritized your time effectively?

3. Have you done anything that could have been avoided or done better?

Habit 2: One Goal, One Day.

Set one goal for the day and achieve it. This simple practice can boost your productivity and self-esteem. You can also break a larger goal into smaller daily tasks.For example: If your goal is to write a 300-page book, write one page a day.The author also provides some general daily goals:

The author also provides some general daily goals:

1. “I will not get angry today.”

2. “I will help at least one person in any way I can.”

3. “I will read 30 pages of an inspirational book.”

Habit 3: One Hour of ‘Highway Thinking’ Every 15 Days.

Every two weeks, take an hour for deep thinking about your future goals. Go for a long drive or find a peaceful spot to reflect. Ask yourself: What do I want to achieve in the next 3–5 years?This habit helps you align your actions with your long-term vision.

Habit 4: One Decision a Day Every Month.

Napoleon Hill, in his classic book Think and Grow Rich, stated that indecisiveness is a major cause of failure. Successful people take quick, fact-based decisions. Dedicate one day a month to making important decisions about your life and business. Write down the decisions you’ve been procrastinating on, whether big or small, and resolve them.For instance, decide to enroll in a course, visit the dentist, or start a new project.

Habit 5: Take a ‘Knowledge Holiday’ Every Year.

Author Ujjwal Patni says, “If you are not upgrading, you are downgrading. Knowledge is power.” Dedicate a few days each year to learning a new skill or upgrading your existing knowledge. You can Enroll in a training program. Meet top professionals in your field.This practice ensures continuous growth and keeps you ahead in life.This practice ensures continuous growth and keeps you ahead in life.

Habit 6: Create a ‘No-Compromise Zone’ in Life and Business.

Take a bold decision: I will not tolerate any unnecessary interference that hinders my personal goals or the happiness of my family life.

For instance:

“I will not entertain any interruptions during my spiritual time.”

“I will not meet anyone without a prior appointment.”

By setting clear boundaries like these, you can safeguard your productivity, focus on what truly matters, and maintain a balanced, fulfilling life.

Sixth Teaching: The Go-Getter Approach.

A go-getter is someone who aspires to achieve great things in life and actively seeks out opportunities. If opportunities don’t exist, they create them. Go-getters don’t wait for things to happen—they make things happen.

A remarkable example of the go-getter mindset is Jim Abbott, a famous baseball player who played a crucial role in winning gold for the USA in the Olympics. Despite being born without a right hand, he overcame his challenges and achieved greatness through determination and perseverance.

The go-getter approach teaches us that success is not about waiting for the perfect conditions; it’s about creating opportunities and taking action, no matter the odds.

Seventh Teaching: Start Now, Start Small

Lao Tzu wisely said, “The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.” In life, taking even a small step towards execution is far better than making grand plans that are never implemented.

Henry Ford echoed this sentiment, stating, “Nothing is particularly hard if you divide it into small jobs.” The key to success lies in breaking down your big goals into smaller, manageable parts and taking consistent daily action.

Don’t worry about how small the step is; what matters is that you take it. For example, if your goal is to lose weight, start with a simple one-minute walk and gradually increase it. This approach is far more effective than spending an hour at the gym for one week only to quit later.

The essence of progress is consistency, and the magic word that ensures it is: Do it now.