The given poem ‘The way to succeed’ is written by Reverned Norman Macleod (3 June 1812 – 16 June 1872). He was a Scottish clergyman and author. He was a religious man and was largely instrumental in the work of strengthening the Scottish church.

In the poem the poet Norman Mcleod advices young children how to succed in life. He asks the boys to drive the nail straight by hitting the nail right on its head. The poet means to say that at the very young age one should have a clear goal and aim to achieve it in a correct way.

i.e., one should be determined to achieve his goal.

A piece of iron can be shaped into any shape when it red hot. Similarly, the poet advices that one should cultivate good habits and start going towards our goal without any hesitation. One should make a good beginning since a work that is well began is half-finished. One should never lose a good opportunity and use it to reach his goal.

The poet advises the young children to do their work with a strong will. Those who want to reach the top of a hill, i.e to achieve anything), one should climb up the hill. If we do not try to climb up a hill and stand at the bottom and gaze at sky we can’t reach the top.

We must first try to climb up the hill. Often we may fail to succeed but we should never lose our hope. We should try and try again. Failure is the stepping stone to success. So if we keep on trying we will succeed at the end.