Author: mohitsawhney

[5-Bullet Tuesday] What Do You Do Besides Work?

Hi All,

Here’s your weekly dose of “5-Bullet Tuesday”, list of things I’m enjoying or pondering.

What I’m reading –

Reading a few lines from an unknown book can sometimes have such a profound impact on your life. I am reading “48 Days to the Work You Love” by Dan Miller.

In one instance, he quotes Shakespeare when he said, “A man with a toothache cannot be in love.”

The attention demanded by a toothache stops a person from noticing anything else.

Similarly, we often get extremely caught up in our work life. It becomes so stressing and this pain overshadows the health, vitality and success we have in other areas of life. We stop meeting our friends, eat without thinking, watch TV incessantly and snap at our children when asked an innocent question.

We start doing exact opposite of what we should be doing. And it only makes things worse.

These lines from Dan, had a subtle overnight effect on me. So, this week was about doing what I always loved doing. Read on to see how I made this week count!

What Movie I watched —

If you haven’t yet seen Mission Mangal, you are really missing something.

In a world where most people are not happy about their work, thankfully there are people who are so madly in love with what they do.

But like everyone else, even they get de-motivated at times. And when we’re down on motivation, what works best is to connect with the WHY.  

That’s what Vidya Balan did in the movie when she celebrated the Scientist in each team member. It connected them with why they had become a scientist.

This tied them to a common thread and was the turning point for the success of the Mangalyaan project.

Other takeaway was how work-life integration is a much better approach compared to work-life balance. They constantly use learning from home at office and learning from office at home. Compartmentalisation doesn’t work.

They also show our very own Indian jugaad in a positive light.

There is a sense of iss-ness in it, a sense of being happy about who we are, at peace despite our financial status, our beliefs and our way of being.

We did make Mangalyaan happen in first attempt at a wafer-thin budget. We used everything Indian to make it happen.

The direction is flawless and the movie keeps going, without letting you a blink. Go watch the movie with your family, and feel proud of being an Indian.

What 500 rupee or less purchase I’m proud of –

I ran 10K organized by Coach Ravinder this Sunday.

What helps in such runs and even the daily exercise or walk sessions is this arm band for mobile. Just Rs 110 at Amazon, and a purchase you will never regret.

Besides keeping the phone safe, it’s a detriment for checking the phone every time the phone buzzes for a message or any notification. Go for it.

Quote I’m pondering —

“What are you doing?” shouted his mother on seeing him sitting alone doing nothing.

“I’m thinking,” he shouted back.

“You’re thinking?”, she asked

“Yes, Mom, I’m thinking,” he said fiercely. “Have you ever tried thinking?”

  • Walter Isaacson 

That boy was Bill Gates when he was in sixth grade. This quote is from “In Search of the Real Bill Gates”

Question for you: How much time do you spend sitting with yourself doing nothing?

What I learnt –

We are working on a hilarious play for our Toastmasters Club Special Anniversary event. Coincidently, it emerged that a play had to be planned for our Office too, at a two days notice. Idea was to showcase what we do as a team in a comedy act.

Now, I’m no pro at plays but I was able to apply a few things I had learnt from our club play preparation. The office play went extremely well and we received accolades for that.

My learning was that everything is related to everything else. Keep learning whenever an opportunity comes. You never know where it will connect.                                            

If you like this post, then show the love by sharing it with friends and family. The best part of writing a blog is the discussion that follows, so do register your thoughts and views below.

                                                                                                                                    

[5-Bullet Tuesday] This Is How You Grow!

Hi All,

Here’s your weekly dose of “5-Bullet Tuesday”, list of things I’m enjoying or pondering.

Quote I’m pondering —

“It isn’t the mountains ahead to climb that wear you out; it’s the pebble in your shoe.”- Muhammed Ali

Video I loved watching —

TEDxSpit Video of Eisha Chopra. In case you’re wondering who’s Eisha Chopra, she was the supporting actress in the movie,“Neerja”.

In this talk, Eisha talks about her first lesson in Feminism from her Dad!She was an eight year old then.

This speech struck a chord with me and I recalled that time in school when my own Dad was temporarily out of work. One day, ourEnglish teacher, Mrs. Ohri, asked children to stand up one by one and share what their dad’s and mom’s did.

Perhaps, she wanted to give a nudge to the children to start conversing in English.

Most children told their Dad’s profession and that their mom was a “housewife”. That’s how it was back then in 80s.  Men worked and women mostly stayed home.

When my turn came, I stood up and said something that got the entire class and the teacher laughing.

In my broken English I had said, “My mother is a teacher and my dad is a housewife!”

Everyone laughed and I was the butt of jokes for weeks after the incident.

Looking back, I realise there were many jokes I had cracked:

  • The obvious one: that I had used housewife for a man!
  • That: how can a man ‘not work’?
  • … even though his wife ‘worked’!

There was no respectable term for a man who wasn’t working, even though there were plenty for a woman who wasn’t working – home maker, house wife or just the lady of the house!

Feminism is not about woman versus man,it’s about woman equals man!

Trick I learnt to GROW—

Shuttl. Cult. DropBox. What comes to your mind when you think of these companies?

Well, chances are that you got a link from your friend to subscribe to these apps. They told you the benefits and how they’re loving it. Then, you subscribed.

No wonder then that these little known organisations until recently are so popular today having grown exponentially in no time.

The marketing technique they used is called the Viral Loop.

For example, Dropbox users who love extra cloud storage (at zero cost), are prompted to “Get More Space” by inviting their friends to use Dropbox as well.

This has worked incredibly well, creating an army of customers working tirelessly to grow these companies; an army that grows in size as each wave of new referrals sign up.

And while it gives these companies greater returns, it also saves them of the massive advertising costs.

Now before you share a referral for Cult Fit, ask yourself this question: in whatever I’m doing, can I consider creating a viral loop?

What I learnt –

Top 3 recommendations for standing out in the corporate crowd:

  1. Spikiness – being a jack of all and a master of “some” trades
  2. Your Network – how strong is your circle
  3. Consulting skills – your inter-personal skills

Behavioural nudges I’m trying –

Don’t ever say “Have a good day!” to your  dear ones.

That’s because this statement is moving you away from being a driver of your day to a victim of hope.

Instead change it with, “Make it a good day!”

See how this changes their “day” in a few days.

As for yourself, never say, “I have to do this.”. Instead, say, “I get to do this.”

Need I tell you the reason?

If you like this post, then show the love by sharing it with friends and family. The best part of writing a blog is the discussion that follows, so do register your thoughts and views below.

 

Your Guide To Actually Becoming Rich, Quick!

A

s I stepped out for a morning walk, I heard some shouts from the neighbour’s house. It was a heated argument between my neighbour and his beloved wife. 

The husband screamed, “Yes, I called you that, because you have made life so difficult for me!” The wife was quick to retaliate sobbingly, “You will never understand what all I have to put up with. Thankless creature!“

Well, before you jump to conclusions, answer this:

When was the last time you had a quarrel with someone dear to you?

If it happened in the last few weeks, then perhaps you are not any better than my neighbour.

To be honest, neither was I.. until some time back.

Reality is that, when we’re under pressure, we all tend to become such nasty human beings who we otherwise abhor.

We say things we don’t mean. Curse our loved ones and regret later. Apologising later doesn’t help as the harm is usually already done. It’s hard and sometimes impossible to bring back the trust and bond we held earlier.

It’s only during these stressful times or crisis situations that our value system is actually tested. And unfortunately, that’s where we mostly fail.

Why does it happen?

That’s because even though we talk about family values all the time, rarely can we put a finger on it. Even fewer chances that we have it written down, in black and white. The idea itself might sound ridiculous to you.

No wonder then, that we miss the point, act weak or chicken out during the times we need to recall our values the most! After all, when all is going well, there is nothing at stake – we can easily remain respectful, honest and fearless. It is the difficult times which truly tests our character and value system which is built over time.

Not having our “values” on top of mind lets our natural instincts to take over when push comes to shove.

You may agree with me by now that it is important to clearly define family values. The next question is how to do so?

How about taking a cue from the Corporate Core Values. Every organisation’s HR does it’s best in displaying them, replaying them, and celebrating them. It’s done so that people make the decisions in line with the Organisation’s values when the time comes.

I do remember the core values for my employer. It’s likely you remember your’s too! It’s thanks to the several measures that are taken so that employees don’t forget these.

Isn’t it, then, a shameful irony, that although we remember our work values, we don’t even have any personal (family) core values.

Don’t get me wrong. Not for a second am I suggesting to take your work any less seriously. All I am saying is that a disproportionate weight-age is given to our personal lives and relationships which is generally equally, if not more, important to us.

I am proposing for you to create your Family Core Values. It addresses the HOW of whatever you do.

It took me some convincing at home for my family to come on-board with this idea. After that, we had a few family meetings to agree on what we value in our family. Here’s our list:

  1. Courage over Comfort
  2. Respect at all times
  3. Honour ourselves to honour others
  4. Integrity even when times are tough

Next morning, I put these on my blackboard and began thinking how to make this an easy recall. Before long, I realised that the initials in a certain order make the acronym RICH!

R

– Respect at all times

I

– Integrity even when times are tough

C

– Courage over Comfort

H

– Honour ourselves to honour others

That’s how we become a RICH family overnight. 

I woke the children to tell them that we won a lottery.. we are now rich! Their little eyes opened with a ‘pop’. When I told them the acronym, they were exhilarated that our little family exercise had made us RICH overnight.

My five year old daughter suggested that we create a poster where we show our family values “RICH” inside a Heart shape and stick it in the play room. That would constantly remind us that we hold these values close to our hearts.

Well, that’s us. This was one of the best steps we have taken in this direction. Of course, we need to keep having displays, replays and celebrate our Family Core Values to reinforce it.

What about you, what is holding you back?

Take some time off and agree on your Family Values. Display them. Practice them. Celebrate them.

Don’t leave it to chance. This will make you RICH! Really really RICH! With something money can’t buy, and with something no one can ever take away. 

[5-Bullet Tuesday]: Are You Going All Out?

Hi All!

Here is your weekly dose of “5–Bullet Friday,” a list of what I’m enjoying or pondering.

What I’m reading —

Bounce Forward by Sam Cawthorn. I was introduced to Sam just last week. He was one of the keynote speakers at Oration 2019 Conference at Kolkata last week. I was very impressed with his turnaround story.

Me, Sam, and my children: Tanav and Sohana

He is a 6 foot 3 inches Australian who met with an accident that nearly killed him in 2006. He lost his right arm in the accident and injured his right leg so badly that most of it is now synthetically rebuilt. However, this accident made him reassess his priorities in life and change the game for him completely. He eventually bounced forward rather than just bouncing back into the older version of life.  He thinks there is something fundamentally wrong in the idea of bouncing back when you are in crisis. Little wonder then that he owns the first 14 pages on Google when you search “Bounce Forward“.

He has written 7 books including 2 International Best Sellers and is now an internationally acclaimed motivational speaker and coach.

What I’m watching —

I was in Kolkata last week. It has such an old world charm attached to it: The yellow Ambassador taxis, the tram, hand pulled rickshaws and the ferry ride to Howrah bridge. One can’t be left untouched by the simplicity and the beauty of the place.

Now that we’re back, I am watching the yesteryear’s Malgudi Days episodes

Deepti, my wife, having Kullad Tea (Tea in traditional handle-less clay cup)

which is yet another recollection of the times gone by. My kids also love watching this over three decades old TV show.

One thing that remains the same through of the changing times is human emotions. It is these emotions which connect us and traverses time. No matter what the latest technology brings and how our day to day lives differ, these feelings and emotions would still bind us together.

Resource I’m excited to explore —

This week, I had some time to consider the resources that I already have available that I am not utilizing fully. For example, I am already a member of PMI International (Project Manager’s Community) which is offering a free of cost Meet and Greet Conference to members. I registered for the same for the first time and am looking forward to attending on 22-June.

I am also attending the Family Day event at British Council on next weekend. Again, something that comes for free for members which we already are.

Also, I am excited to test myself as a potential Area Director for Toastmasters International. Having spent 5 years with TM, I think it is the right time for me to contribute and grow further as a leader at a broader level.

So, which are the resources you already have that you aren’t fully leveraging?

Perhaps, it’s time for you to go all out – to utilize your existing resources fully to help you become the person you always wanted to be!

Quote I’m pondering —

It takes 99 Nos to get a Yes. – unknown

This implies that we should be happy when we are rejected. For every No, is taking us one step closed to a Yes!

And, as always, please give me feedback. Which bullet above is your favorite? What do you want more or less of? Other suggestions? Let me know!

Have a wonderful week, all!

Mohit

Husha busha! We all fall down!

Elections fever is on in the country in full swing. And it’s so contagious that not only are people talking about it, but they are living it as well.

It shows in everyone’s tone, pitch and moods.

Delhi-ites who are anyway (in)famous for wearing their hearts on their sleeves, are out of control these days, as Delhi goes to vote tomorrow!

Everyone seems to be at their best in terms of their Political Quotient – strategy, sharpness and shrewdness. It’s certainly not a good time to take a panga (Hindi for getting into an argument, or doing something objectionable that may raise eyebrows) with anyone unless you are ready to bear the brunt of their heightened aggressive state at this  time.

TV, Social media, morning walks and coffee conversations are all full of these discussions. There’s a lot of listening from here and delivering there happening too. Everyone is sharpening their own political savvy, grasping all they can from the myriad sources and then experimenting with it at every opportunity they get – at office, home, and other social circles. And why not? It is, after all, “Practice that will make them perfect”!

So, if you are feeling the heat of it all – One, you are not alone, and two, this too shall pass. 

Forewarned is forearmed, so don’t get taken by surprise if that happens to you. In fact, you yourself may be party to this, unknowingly! So don’t get carried away and keep in mind why this is happening the way it is.

Just hang in there. You don’t have much choice except for going with the flow. While you’re at it, perhaps enjoy it while it’s on. 

Expect to see enhanced drama and prudence from spouses, in laws, bosses, and colleagues..everyone! Bear in mind that some are doing it consciously and some unintentionally.

You may be seeing interesting patterns of what is happening around! It may seem that India’s political scenario, the office happenings and what’s happening at the home front isn’t much different.

In this politically charged, highly polarised climate, here are some scenarios that are likely to happen:

  1. Those you always thought were your closest confidantes, say something that crushes you and shakes your age old beliefs! For example: your soul mate tells you that ‘You never understood them!’
  2. You may catch someone talking behind your back first time ever!
  3. You get new labels – ‘The biggest con’, a trickster, a liar, thoughtless or it could even be ‘a traitor’.
  4. Your dear ones bring back and blame you for 1-5-10 or even 20 year old incidents.

Well, IT’S NOT THEIR FAULT! Stop being a Pappu and know where exactly is all this coming from!

Moreover, if “Chowkidar Chor Hai” (Gatekeeper is a thief – Rahul Gandhi’s pet phrase for Prime Minister Modi), then all this isn’t all that bad either.

This is the time when politicians bring even the dead back to earn some brownie points, so bringing the past can’t be considered unacceptable either!

It’s politics, it’s rhetoric, and it’s the climate these days. It’s alright to make a few below the belt attacks to grab attention, don’t you think?

While the politicians will form real alliances and win constituencies, the ordinary people like you and me would only ‘get over’ this once as time passes. Well, only to repeat it five years from now.

There is some good news though. You can also expect the ‘apologies’ coming your way, after all. All varieties of them – genuine ones and forced, conditions applied and unconditional!

Good and Evil coexists in us. The word for this is Agathokakological: Shashi Tharoor

If it is getting too tough on you, even after knowing why it is happening, then here is what you should do:

If you see your child playing in the mud, what would you do?

To get your child out of that, you would get into the mud yourself, get dirty, even play a bit in the mud and then try to convince your child to get out of there. You will have much more chances of getting them out of there that way.

You’re loved ones are not much different. They are not bad people. Every one has a good and an evil side (Agathokakological). Dirty politics rubs off on people and enhances the evil side. So, go where they are, play with them the game they’re playing right now.

When they are tired of it all, they will come out while holding your hand.

Five Minute Journal: Know What Type is Your Bad Boss!

Quote of the day: [bctt tweet=”Life is either a Daring Adventure or Nothing at All! – Helen Keller” username=”mohitsawhney”]

I am grateful for…

  1. ..the timing of my next career move. It just couldn’t have been any better than this (at least, that’s what I think!). Thank you, God for that! In a world where we are habitual of complaining when things don’t happen in harmony, I’m glad I recognize and appreciate the glory bestowed by God when it all played out so beautifully and in synchronization. It’s unbelievably bizarre and somewhat surreal. Thank you!
  2. ..Walking down the hallway of the office yesterday, I met this guy who was frustrated with his Boss. Well, nothing unusual there, most people are! However, in talking to him, a clear distinction emerged among Bad Bosses. There are two varieties that one has to watch out closely for: There are ones who are nasty because they have an evil, vicious, and cleverly designed nefarious strategy, and then there are the others, who are nasty because they don’t know any better. Understanding this subtle difference can help you determine which type of Bad boss are you dealing with (God forbid, but Shit does Happen!). This will make a huge difference in the way you would deal with them and emerge a winner. 
  3. ..Read an article where the writer had written at the cross-section of politics and economy. The article was about how Jet Airways, which is in dire straits at the moment, is not being given a preferential treatment. This is unlike what happened in the case of erstwhile Kingfisher Airlines. Kingfisher Airlines eventually couldn’t survive the bail outs and the loans it was bestowed upon by Big brothers (nexus of Banks and Political parties). Anyway, besides it being a nice article, the LIGHT BULB moment for me was that I also have a similar style of writing – at the cross section of personal and work lives. Thanks for igniting in me the light once again to write in my own unique style and be of some service to myself and the society.  

What would make today great?

  1. ..I have realized that some of the really important personal tasks keep living in the To-Do lists. This happens when others are driving their priorities through you and you yourself are not focusing enough of what’s important to yourself. I am planing to pick up one such long overdue and yet very important (almost life altering potential) task today. Amen. 
  2. ..Fill my emptying fuel tank. All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy. Not only dull, but also tired and demotivated. Having you foot on the accelerator all the time is not a winning strategy when you are running a long race. It’s important to regularly stop – to check the tires, fill the gas and then continue the journey. My tanks are emptying too – To start with, gotta get myself a new pair of glasses (One I have is on the verge of breaking and besides I guess I need another one for farsightedness. Isn’t it funny, I’ll be farsighted and nearsighted both at the same time!Leaderly Quote: Having a bad boss isn’t your fault.
  3. ..In Business, it is common practice to make well thought out investments to reap greater returns in future. Not so common when you are offering your services i.e. when you are an Employee. What investments are we talking about for salaried people, most would say. You’re getting it all wrong. No matter which industry you work, in order to remain relevant in the ever changing job market and disruptions happening in business worlds, one can’t ignore investing in oneself – upgrade/ enhance/ diversify your skill set alongside your current job. There will never be a perfect time. Enough of the build up (word for it is “circumlocution”), I am enrolling for the PgMP certification today.
Daily affirmations. I am …fearless! 
 
Amazing things that happened today…
  1. ..Back in touch with my batch mates from St. Stephen’s. Quite a bit of catching up to do though. Well, not only about the years that have passed in between. Honestly, I just wasn’t present most of those 3 years to know much about them back then. There’s always a first time.
  2. ..Glad to have done with my glasses – a new frame for my old glasses. Not bad at all. Feel accomplished.  
  3. ..Ended up having some much much needed time with self as I was working from home today. Or, perhaps I feel so now that I have had a mug or two of the Bira Extra Strong Beer.
How could I have made today better?
  1. ..Schedule.  Morning Ritual. Missed you. If you don’t know where you are going, any road will get you there. 
  2. ..Baggage. Could have dropped it. Made a fresh start. Even more so, because it’s getting heavier.
  3. ..Could put more intention into the mix of things. More laughter. Smile. Love. After all, I can!

5-Bullet Friday: How to Handle ‘Insult’?

Hi All!

Here is your weekly dose of “5–Bullet Friday,” a list of what I’m enjoying or pondering.

What I’m reading — 

The evergreen Zig Ziglar book, “Secrets of Closing the Sale“.

Has been on my shelf for a long long time, but just got to pick it up to read. The part I like is where Ziglar suggests that the salesperson has to paint a picture with words in front of the prospect. It is this picture that helps the prospect to realize what they can achieve with this investment.

Incidentally, I ran into this audio by Mr Ziglar where he emphasizes that a salesperson must use voice inflection to be able to convince the prospect.  Do listen to this when you have 32:16 mins.

What I’m watching —

I am loving watching the plays on Tata Sky Theatre. It is an investment of Rupees 3 a day that I have got so many returns from!

These plays are very realistic yet spine chilling, cover very bold/ taboo topics and keep you glued for hours.

Topics they cover are surrogacy, plight of a woman in Indian society, hunger for power, communities in India that openly practice prostitution…

I have loved every single play I have watched and some that have become my favorites for life are, “Maa Retire Hoti Hai” (Mother Also Retires!”), “Wrong Turn“, “OK TATA Bye Bye”, Savita Damodar Paranjpe”, “Kusum Manohar Lele”.

If you have any liking for theatre/ plays and if you haven’t subscribed to Tata Sky Theatre (or Zee Theatre), you don’t even know what you’re missing. Stop reading this, subscribe to Theatre and you may not return to reading the rest of this (and I’m okay with that!)

Resource I’m excited to explore —

I am super duper excited to explore LeaderBooks by Michael Hyatt.

What I decided to do was unsubscribe from LinkedIn and VivaVideo, (which I haven’t used to full in months) and take the subscription of Michael Hyatt’s LeaderBooks instead.

This will start in March and the way it goes is that Michael shares a book each month, which each of the members are supposed to read (or hear). Michael shares tools and tips and there is a community learning that happens for the chosen book of the month. This will result in absorbing the essence of the book completely by the end of the month.

Quote I’m pondering —

First they ignore you, then they laugh at you,

then they fight you, then you win!

– Mahatma Gandhi

Had a 1:1 conversation with 3 people last week. They had different names, looked different and worked in different teams. Yet, it was as if they are saying the same thing. “I don’t feel appreciated!“, “I am being shamed“, “No one understands me!“

Well, to be honest, I have been through this and there are still challenges and struggles in my own life as well. But one thing is certain.

No one can insult you unless you allow them to do so.

Your self respect and your dignity is always in your hands.

No matter what. Here’s what Mr Ziglar has to say about this:

“An older salesman and a younger salesman are riding back home at the end of the week and involved in a serious conversation. The younger salesman was singing the blues about how badly he had been treated all week. Business was bad, people were rude, and he had been insulted time after time.

The older salesman grew thoughtful for a moment and then remarked,” Well, you know, I’ve had doors slammed in my face, I’ve been fussed at, cussed at, and even spit at, but INSULTED?!?!? Never!”

Well, I hope you liked this write-up and have something to take way.

And, as always, please give me feedback. Which bullet above is your favorite? What do you want more or less of? Other suggestions? Let me know!

Have a wonderful weekend, all!

Mohit

5-Bullet Friday: Unbelievably Simple Ways to Building Rapport!

Hi All!

Here is your weekly dose of “5–Bullet Friday,” a list of what I’m enjoying or pondering.

What I’m reading — The 5AM CLUB by Robin Sharma. Read a few chapters and although I am not too fond of non-fiction being written in fiction format, the book has some good takeaways. Reason I bought this book is not hard to guess – I am moving toward getting up at 5AM, and having a much greater control over my mornings.

What I’m watching — Video on Building Rapport by Tony Robbins. It has amazing insights and powerful methods on building rapport. For example: having your palms casually placed and facing the roof, during an interview can increase your chances of being through by over 50%!

Resource I’m excited to explore — A friend of mine gave this e-book to me: The Creative Writers Workbook, by Catchy Birch. Thanks Adi for this for it seems like an unexpected treasure for me. This book is simple read with many cases studies to illustrate the point that writing and creativity can be mastered by consciously working towards it. That there is no point waiting for the right moment to come when you will get into the mood. Do things that cna set the mood for you today and everyday. It will help remove the obstacle biggest of which is the fear of ‘getting it wrong’.

I have read a couple of chapters and can’t wait to read the rest of it. Here’s an extract from the book:

Karen, one of my students, set herself that very task. She has two young children and works part-time as a computer programmer. As a teenager, she wrote short stories and poetry. For years she had been trying to find time to do this again, but somehow it had never happened. After discussing this in class she agreed that ten minutes a day would be considerably better than nothing. She decided to spend ten minutes of each lunch-break writing (in her car to make sure she was not disturbed). She used an old A4 diary for the purpose and filled a page each day. By the end of six months she had written over 80,000 words, which she is currently crafting into a very promising novel.

I’m looking forward to: applying the technique Tim Ferriss professes instead of doing the new year resolutions. Forget New Year Resolutions. Conduct a ‘Past Year Review” instead. Read this post for more.

Quote I’m pondering. ..In fact not just pondering, this quote was enough to give me to get up and get going on a cold winter morning (and I mean not just literally!)—

“It’s not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer could have done them better. The credit belongs t othe man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives to do the deeds; who errs, who comes up short again and again because there is no effort without error and shortcoming; but who does actually strives to do the deeds; who knows great enthusiasms, the great devotions; who spends himself in a worthy cause; who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement. and who at the worst, if he fails, at least fails daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who neither know victory nor defeat.”

(- Originally from Theodore Roosevelt, mentioned in The 5AM Club by Robin Sharma.)

And, as always, please give me feedback. Which bullet above is your favorite? What do you want more or less of? Other suggestions? Let me know!

Have a wonderful weekend, all!

Mohit