Day 188

Moderation is the Mantra

Following is a whats’app message received on 30.10.2021 and due to its significance the message is reproduced as received…

Quote

Dr Devi Shetty 

For all my friends...

In the last few years, I have lost at least 8 to 9 people known to me personally, and a few celebrities too, who were in their 40s who died because of doing too much to be "fit". Unfortunately they only looked fit, six packs and all. Today Puneeth Rajkumar gets added to this list.

 In anything in life, MODERATION is the mantra. Any extreme of zero or 100 is not correct. A moderate amount of exercise, just about 20mins, eating everything, no detoxification or keto moto diets, just eat what your ancestors have been eating, the local and seasonal food in your hometown, not kale, kiwi or olive oil..., but in small quantities, sleeping a full 7 hours, respecting your body by not feeding it steroids, performance enhancement drugs are all that you need to do.

 Just eat all that you ate growing up, in small quantities, exercise for 20mins to 30mins...just a good walk should do perfectly and stop all supplements....if you drink, limit it to a couple of pegs a week, if you absolutely can't give up smoking, a couple a day .. .you get my drift??? Anything but in moderation. Add a bit of silent meditation to your routine. Most importantly, listen to your body. Understand it.

•  By 40 the body is undergoing a lot of changes, 50 even more, 60 plus your body is starting to slow down, 70 plus, your body is starting to shut down, 80 plus every year is a bonus. 
• So, stop saying 60 is the new 40, 50 is the new 30...no it isn't, if you are 40 or 50 plus, be grateful if you're healthy, slow down so your heart can keep pace, understand retirement has been suggested for a reason, your body and mind cannot take the stress which you once endured. 
• Outwardly you could be looking good, thank your genes but inside, the organs are aging.

 If you're 40 + read the above and if you're doing something other than the above, change it, now !! . Unquote

 We have read many sad instances as quoted above in recent years…. Many in the age group of 35 to 50 even… a few while doing or after the workouts…Celebrity cases  are reported , how many go unnoticed and unreported in a country of its size…. Doctor’s words are worth remembering…. for  one’s health ,safety and longevity..

Be peaceful,

Vande Mataram

9 10 AM

Day- 187

I AM OK-YOU ARE OK

I'm OK – You're OK, byThomas Harris ,is a practical guide to Transactional Analysis(TA) as a method for solving problems in life. 

·       Book helps one to gain control  over self, relationships and  the future, no matter what has happened in the past.

·       The TA theory revolves around the concept of Parent , Adult  and Child ego states present in all human beings.

·        Whilst the Parent ego resembles the behavioral pattern inherited from of one’s parents, the child ego structure depicts the  behaviour seen in  any child .

·       The adult ego structure is, however, based on reason and logi , almost like a computer.

·        While all the egos are needed in the life of a person, the stress is on Adult ego structure such that our dealings are more balanced and effective, as both parental and child ego structures give free flow to our emotions, at times.

·       Based on the predominant ego structure  one is in, one deals with others and many of the transactions-dealings- will be either crossed or complementary.

·       While crossed transactions will be dysfunctional,  complementary will be pleasant to carry on like discussions with friends.

·        At work place and with public- and even in private, we must endeavour for complementary transactions so that the frictions can be avoided or minimized.

The book also deals with the Four life positions commonly seen  viz.

1.    I'm Not OK, You're OK

2.    I'm Not OK, You're Not OK

3.    I'm OK, You're Not OK

4.    I'm OK, You're OK

Book exhorts people to be in fourth position- I am OK – You are OK  as often as possible. 

• All the position and powers are rather relative, as we have seen in democracy. 
• Hence what is needed is the right  awareness and attitude.
•  The book helps to open up one’s awareness of our life position, ego structure and patter of transactions such that one will be able to take corrective actions wherever needed.

Highly recommended  for those  dealing with people in general and customers in particular.

Be peaceful.

Vande Mataram.

9 AM

Day 186

You'll See It When You Believe It

ANYTHING YOU WANT CAN BE YOURS, ONCE YOU BELIEVE IT CAN. You have the power within you to be whoever you want to be. You can learn to use your mind to see and feel the positive in any situation. The choice is yours, says Dr. Wayne Dyer in- You'll See It When You Believe It. Become attuned to a higher consciousness.

With Dyer's accessible methods for achieving inner and outer harmony, you can rise above daily problems and worries to experience happiness and fulfillment every day. 

 You can focus your mind to experience:

1.Cooperation and compassion over competition and conflict

 2.Healthier, more loving relationship,

3. Miracles...every day. Thus goes the description about the book.

Coming from a very successful author like Dr. Dyer, the book contains wisdom, tips and exhortations to the reader to pursue their set goals with full belief such that they will be able to see/realise the goal set before them.

Many of the modern day coaches guide their wards through the method of visualising, mainly in athletics and other sports. The athlete is made to visualize as if, he/she has already won the race/game etc. such that the sub-conscious comes to accept that success is possible and already attained. Then, the athlete merely execute that notion/strong believe into actuality/reality in the sport field.

Usain Bolt was asked as to how difficult was running the races. He replied that running was easy, the practice was difficult. Probably he might have meant that practice including visualisation is the main thrust to get the medal later.

In seven chapter vis. Transformation, Thought, Oneness, Abundance, Detachment, Synchronicity and  Forgiveness, the author takes the reader effectively through his thesis You will see it when you believe it .

The problem with many is that they don’t or refuse to believe in the possibility of success. Just as if one is complimented that his speech was excellent, he may counter by saying- is it so? He/she doesn’t believe that the statement is possibly correct. That is why someone when achieves something outstanding, the first reaction is generally that he/she doesn’t believe it, yet.

The book will be of great use to managers and executives striving to reach goals at office, career, home and is highly recommended for reading and imbibe.

Be peaceful.

 Vande Mataram

9AM 

 

Day 185

 Pathways to Greatness

Pathways to Greatness was completed by Bharat Ratna Dr. A P J Kalam towards the fag end of his life in 2015.

·       In the preface Dr. Kalam  stated that the book was in the making for many years.

·        In this book, Dr. Kalam, among others, prescribed the Oaths to be taken by different stake holders in the country to make India great in the comity of nations in the world.

 Some of the oaths, prescribed for the doctors, are cited to show the late President’s concern on such matters.

•  I realize that as a medical professional I am carrying out God’s mission.
•  I will always devote  a part of my time to treating patients who cannot afford it.
•  I will never subject my patients to unnecessary diagnostic pain and will only recommend tests that are absolutely essential.
•  I will treat at least twenty rural patients every year at minimal cost by going to rural areas-------------

 All these make the book unique and worth a read by all the stakeholders. Our country has a chequered history which is unparalleled in the world. This is well acknowledged too. However the country has “ miles to go” to  become great again in the world  due to variety of reasons .

Leaders and influential people have tried to change the course of events in the country since independence as the situation has been alarming then and even now. At the time of Independence the issue was one of great shortages, now the reasons are vastly different, but fortunately shortage of materials is not one of them.  

So the quest for greatness is fraught with many hurdles for the country, some man made but many natural to . Many people in the past also referred to such concerns very vehemently and repeatedly, without much avail. But none of them possessed the stature of Dr. Kalam. Hence his book deserves serious attention by all stake holders without loss of time

It is hoped that the book will be made an educational text at graduation level or even matriculation level onwards such that the coming generation will be more enlightened than now.

 The book ends with the following-

“I sincerely hope that this book particularly the oaths drafted for different groups of people from all walks of life, helps India’s citizenry rise to this great responsibility and develop a national character that enables our nation to lead the whole world on the pathways to success.”

One must salute the memory of Dr. Abdul Kalam for his outstanding services to the nation and more so for his writings/lectures which will be a perennial beacon of hope and inspiration to the millions in India and elsewhere in the years to come. 

A must read for all those who pursue greatness in Personal, Public and Organizational life.

Be Peaceful.

Vande Mataram

8 AM

 

 

 

Day 184

 WHAT GOT YOU HERE WON’T GET YOU THERE

 by Marshall Goldsmith

The success often makes one complacent.

·       He/she feels that having succeeded so far, the trend will continue. But then the reality will be different.

·       Take the case of athletes, say a Tennis player , who is ranked number one  for a number of years .

·       He/she may fall from the rank unless the strategies are changed to meet the current needs.

·        Someone famously stated once that the Tennis game doesn’t respect the past records, everything depends on the day’s play in the court.

·        So is the case with success in other fields  too.

·       We have seen very successful people, who have even reached the pinnacle, falling from grace and  position.

·  The author of the book analyses such events so candidly which will help the reader to identify areas of pitfalls and needed action plans to come out of the rut. The book is divided into four sections and the section heads will give a clue to the matter handled.

 The 4 sections are-

1.    the trouble with success,

2.    the twenty habits that hold you  back from the top, ,

3.    how we can change for the better and finally,

4.   pulling out the stops. The book is a do it yourself manual that will help one to identify the current zone and   suggestions are provided to overcome the shortcomings and come on top.

Successful people and others will equally benefit from  the contents of  the book. More so the successful people. 

Two areas, among others, have attracted my attention, which  are  highlighted to illustrate the points.

·       One is- speaking when angry and the other is- not listening. Both these are seen commonly among many around us.  This is how the book helps one to identify the common areas of one’s day to day life and its impact in our official and personal life. So the relevance of the title, What got you here  won't get  you there.

·     In sum, the book will show the reader how the habits gained so far- that has brought success in the past- are now possibly delaying one’s progress. 

 The MD of Goldman Sachs & Co states-Marshall is a Dynamo. He helps highly successful people get better and better and better. This only shows that the contents will be useful to one and all irrespective of one’s  current position.

Be Peaceful.

Vande Mataram

10 40 AM

Day 183

 How to Stop Worrying and Start Living

by Dale Carnegie

This  is a self-help book  first printed in Great Britain in 1948

Carnegie says in the preface to How to Stop Worrying and Start Living that he wrote it because he "was one of the unhappiest lads in New York". He said that he made himself sick with worry because he hated his position in life, which he attributes to wanting to figure out how to stop worrying.

The book's goal is to lead the reader to a more enjoyable and fulfilling life, helping them to become more aware of, not only themselves, but others around them. Carnegie tries to address the everyday nuances of living, in order to get the reader to focus on the more important aspects of life. It is now a world-famous, self-help book amongst many people.( wiki)

Most of the readers would have read it at least once…..

But our worrying habit may not have gone…. May be the contents were not suitable to our need or one may not have imbibed the teachings….

Hence the need to re-visit the book…even if not able to read the full book now, the following will be helpful….

 Fundamental Principles for Overcoming Worry

 1 Live in day-tight compartments 2 How to face trouble: a Ask yourself. What is the worst that can possibly happen?" b. Prepare to accept the worst e Try to improve on the worst 3 Remind yourself of the exorbitant price your can pay for worry in terms of your health

 Basic Techniques in Analyzing Worry 

1. Get all the facts.2 Weigh all the facts - then come to a decision.3. Once a decision is reached, act!4. Write out and answer the following questions

a. What is the problem? b. What are the causes of the problem? c. What are the possible solutions? d. What is the best possible solution?

Break the Worry Habit Before It Breaks You

1 Keep busy.2. Don't fuss about trifles.3. Use the law of averages to outlaw your worries4 Cooperate with the inevitable. 5. Decide just how much anxiety a thing may be worth and refuse to give it more6. Don't worry about the past. 

Cultivate a Mental Attitude That Will Bring You Peace and Happiness 1 Fill your mind with thoughts of peace. courage, health and hope enemies 2. Never try to get even with your enemies 3. Expect ingratitude 4. Count your blessings-not your troubles 5. Do not imitate others 6. Try to profit from your losses7. Create happiness for others.  The Perfect Way to Conquer Worry  1 Pray. Don't Worry About Criticism 1 Remember that unjust criticism is often a disguised compliment 2 Do the very best you can 3. Analyze your own mistakes and criticize yourself

Prevent Fatigue and Worry, and Keep Your Energy and Spirits High

1Rest before you get tired2. Learn to relax at your work

3. Protect your health and appearance by relaxing at home.

 4. Apply these four good working habits

 a. Clear your desk of all papers except those relating to the immediate problem at hand b. Do things in the order of their importance

c. When you face a problem, solve it then and there if you have the facts necessary to make a decision. d. Learn to organize, deputize and supervise.5. Put enthusiasm into your work 6. Don't worry about insomnia

( source: Dale Carnegie’s Golden Book)

Reading of the book will give more ideas… repeated reading will be useful..

Be peaceful.

Vande Mataram.

9 AM

Day 182

Leadership Odyssey- From Darkness to Light

by Dr Pritam Singh and others

On leadership large number of books are available in the market both foreign and local. Yet the current book is unique in many ways.

·   Primarily it focusses on the Indian value system and its relevance in the Leadership Journey for the Individual and organization, not to miss the country at large.  

·        The book is fully research based, painstakingly crafted and contains appropriate learning points from history, recent past and contemporary scenario.

·         It is quite candid and transparent in its approach and analysis.

·         The uniqueness of the book is that the authors have taken the trouble to validate their observations with detailed interviews with different stakeholders to get a 360 degree view on the subject covered and the persons analysed.

·         This is a marked achievement more so in a country where people are quite reluctant/reticent to come out with their views- both positive and negative.

The book analyses in detail about virtuous and toxic leaders backed by live examples. 

• Reading the same will help to self- check and  be self- aware that will be useful to  present and future leaders .
• Books like this is a reminder to re-focus, if needed and spare the needless trials and tribulations to self and others.

Dr Pritam Singh had the stature and expertise to talk authoritatively on the subject and he did that very effectively.

·        The book will be of great use to leaders-at all stages in life.

·         The detailed questionnaire appended to the book will help immensely in understanding the self.

·        The book will help one to understand self-better and possibly change through such awareness as the stress is on-KNOW THYSELF, OWN THYSELF AND CHANGE THYSELF.

·         Organisations’ can use the book profitably, while preparing the leadership pipeline.

• Highly recommended especially for the day, as good leaders are found to be quite a rare breed in Public life, Corporate life and societal life- both in the country and  elsewhere. 
• At a time when everyone wants to be leader, of organsiations, states, country, should they also not strive to acquire the qualities needed to deliver the expectations’ of stake holders?  
• This question will come up while reading the book and it also shows the pathways to good leadership- for those who are inclined.

Be peaceful.

Vande Mataram.

8 AM