Acharya Prashant responds to a question about feeling hopeless and fighting a losing battle in life, using a cricket analogy. He asks, what is the alternative? If one needs to score 110 runs in 60 balls, how can one be certain it's impossible? He argues that if the game of cricket is still alive, then it's entirely possible that what seems like a mere fantasy today could become a reality. It is a matter of simple mathematics. If six sixes can be hit in an over, then it's possible to hit twelve in two overs, and so on. If it can happen someday, why not today? The point is not to be sad about the odds but to focus on the next ball and try to hit a six. He further explains that even if one doesn't achieve the external target of 110 runs but gets out after scoring 102, one can still return to the pavilion with their chest held high. This is far better than getting irritated, crying, and scoring only a few runs. He suggests that there are two scoreboards: one for external victory and another for internal victory. The outcome of the external victory is unknown and unpredictable; it could rain, an earthquake could occur, or the bowler might bowl consecutive no-balls. Anything can happen externally. Therefore, one should not accept internal defeat. The real game is the internal one. Only you know whether you fought with your full capacity or not, and that is the only thing that has value because you have to live with yourself. If you know you were dishonest with your efforts, you cannot face yourself. He concludes by stating that even if the task seems impossible, like needing 40 runs in an over, you must do what is necessary. Many victories, the internal ones, are never recorded on the external scoreboard.
