Merry

This old fashioned word for ‘happy’ is popular in December when people say, ‘Merry Christmas.’ To be merry is to be happy, especially in a fun, festive way. Parties and celebrations are merry, and so are the fun people who attend them.  

To be merry is to be happy and ready to frolic. A group of people laughing as they walk down the street is a merry gang. Anything merry is festive, often involving games, celebrations and parties. 

 

A merry-go-round makes kids happy as it spins them around. Smiling and laughing are signs of being merry. If you go along your merry way, you walk away happily, maybe even dancing.

Festive wishes are two things. Firstly, it is a choice triggered by the occasion: a choice to be happy. Secondly, it is a wish for others to be happy, too! Festivals are about collective happiness.

 

For everyone to be merry, we must share what we have with the ones who have little or none. We can share love, concern and little gifts that we can afford to give. The biggest gift is to spare and share our time. 

 

Sharing is not just about giving, it is also about receiving. Being merry, is about being together and sharing joy. That is the spirit of Christmas and every festival that seeks to bring people together in the happiness loop.

May everyone be merry and full of cheer

May the festival bring us closer and near!

- Pravin K. Sabnis

 

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Make It!

When Steven Spielberg was 10 years old, his father gave him an electric toy train as a gift. He would have fun creating train wrecks by ramming his miniature trains into each other and eventually they would break. 

 

The first time, his father repaired the trains but warned him that if he broke the trains again, he would take it away from him. 

 

The young boy had the idea of using his family’s home video camera to shoot close-up shots of his trains crashing so that if they eventually broke, he could relive that moment by watching it over and over again. 

 

He became increasingly ambitious in his productions and eventually started filming narrative movies that he would show off in school. As an established director and producer, he would say, ‘You shouldn’t dream your film, you should make it!’

There are many who conceive what they want to do, but often do not cross the stage of ideation. We must implement the idea we conceived. We should make the film, we dreamt about.

 

Not ‘making it’ can have many excuses but there is no reason to hold back the act of implementation. We must move beyond imagination to ‘make it!’ 

Don’t be at ease after you ‘Think It’

Tre success is when you ‘Make it!’ 

- Pravin K. Sabnis

 

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Greed

To arrest marauding monkeys who invade homes, a bottle with nuts is used. However the opening at the top is just big enough for the monkey’s hand to slide in.  

The lured monkey grabs the nuts and forms a fist which cannot pass through the small opening. The monkey has a choice to let go of the nuts and escape. However it continues to hang on to the nuts. 

The monkey gets captured because of its greed. So often, we behave like the monkey. We grab beyond our need. We grab without bothering of the implications of choices fuelled by greed. 

 

The lure of grabbing blinds us from the consequences of such actions. We hang on to what we grab, even if it results in our freedom being compromised. 

We hold on to old things and ideas that can no longer help us to succeed. We refuse to change. We are comfortable with where we are and what we have, so we prefer to be held hostage there. 

To be unfettered in life we have to let go of greed. Success does not come by grabbing possessions. It is realised by securing liberation from unreasonable greed that blinds and eventually binds us in a bind! 

To be truly free, do not grab more 
Ignore greed and learn to let go! 

- Pravin K. Sabnis

 

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Encore

Once, there was a man who visited foreign lands. When he returned, all he could talk about was the wonderful adventures he had and the great deeds he had done.

 

One of the feats he told was about a leap he made in a city called Rhodes. ‘The leap was so great,’ the man said. ‘No other man can make such a leap. Many persons in Rhodes saw me and can prove I am telling the truth.’

 

‘No need for witnesses,’ said one of his listeners, ‘Imagine that this city is Rhodes, and show us how far you can jump. Encore!’

 

Encore is a French word meaning ‘again’. Audiences often yell, ‘Encore!’ if an act has been particularly good. The request to repeat is actually a confirmation that the performer has the capacity to replicate the performance and often make it better.

 

So often, so many of us take pride in past deeds, but cannot repeat the act. It’s the deeds that count, not the boasting words. Yesterday may have been the best… Today we must be as good or better. We must be deserving of the Encore call.

Do not boast of deeds done yesterday 

Be worthy of the Encore calls of today!

- Pravin K. Sabnis

 

JOMO

The opposite of FOMO (Fear of Missing Out) is JOMO, which stands for Joy of Missing Out. 

 

JOMO is the feeling of contentment and satisfaction that comes from choosing to disconnect and not participate in certain social activities or events. It involves embracing one's own interests and priorities, rather than feeling pressured to constantly be engaged in social activities.

Although JOMO is defined as the convenience of letting go of something, it cannot be interpreted as an excuse to be unproductive. Because to fight the existing fear (FOMO) is not by avoiding or breaking away from the world.

 

It is important to walk the middle path of not allowing others and social media to decide the choices you make. People and values are more relevant than superficial toys and artificial games. Follow your heart and do what it says.

Do not allow others to decide your true joy
Embrace JOMO… let go of the needless toy!

- Pravin K. Sabnis

 

Rope

Trained elephants are often held, in their enclosure, by a small rope tied to their leg. No chains, no cages. Obviously the elephant can, at any time, break away from the bond but it does not. 

 

When they are young, the trainer uses a small rope to tie them. At that age, it’s enough to hold them. As they grow up, they are conditioned to believe they cannot break away. They believe the rope can still hold them, so they never try to break free.

The animal can at any time break free from its bonds but because it believe it can’t, it remains stuck right where it is. Like the elephant, we get held back by overpowering bonds of initial conditioning. 

 

We go through life hanging onto a negative belief that we cannot do something, simply because we failed at it once before. Initial failure often tends to weigh heavy on our belief systems and prevents us from recognising our own potential. 

 

We must not allow failure to blur our attitude towards our aptitude. Failure is a part of learning and growth; it cannot become flimsy reason to be held back in life... the conditioning rope has to be undone by holding on to hope inspired attempts to transform the situation!

Do not allow failure to hold back hope
Choose to break the conditioning rope!

- Pravin K. Sabnis

 

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HIGHLIGHT 13 November 2023

 

A king, with one leg and one eye, was generous and competent as a ruler. In his palace, portraits of his ancestors adorned the hallway. He invited painters across the kingdom and asked to paint a beautiful picture of him. 

 

Most painters were confused about how to make a beautiful picture of the King. Only one painter came forward. He painted the King sitting on the horse with one leg visible, holding his bow and aiming the arrow with one eye closed. 

 

Everyone was pleased to see that the painter had creatively highlighted the King’s positive characteristics but not the deficiencies.

So often, so many of us keep an eye on what is lacking and ignore the prevalent positive. We must learn to highlight the constructive and escape the tendency to be destructively judgemental. 

 

To highlight is to attract attention and emphasize the important. The important is always the positive in another person. And we will evolve into positive personalities by highlighting the positive in others

Instead of loitering in the negative
It is best to highlight the positive! 

- Pravin K. Sabnis 

Downtime

Downtime refers to inactive time between periods of work. It is also used to refer to unforseen time required between time slots.

So often, so many of us plan for time management for every detail but end up forgetting downtime. And then we are suprised by the delay caused by the time required in between.

For instance, in a program of multiple speakers, we allot time for each speaker but often forget the gap between one speaker completing and the next starting. Sometimes it is the walk to the lectern. Other times it could be unavoidable distractions.

Even if this downtime is of miniscule duration (maybe under a minute) but the cumulative of various downtimes ends up as a substantial amount.

You may have factored just a couple of minutes to fill up your fuel tank but the lines at the Petrol pump may lead to further delay. Now the extended downtime will undo your time schedule.

Hence for good time budgeting, we must factor for downtime, considering possibilities as well as surprise challenges.  

In time management don’t ignore the obvious

downtime can make the best plan superfluous

- Pravin K. Sabnis

NÃO COMPREENDI

Pawan joined a course to learn basic Portuguese. On the first day, his teacher insisted to speak only in Portuguese in the class. This would help learn the language better. And if someone had difficulty in understanding they could say, ‘não compreendi!’ (can’t comprehend)

Pawan struggled to comprehend what was being communicated in Portuguese. However, he could keep the conversation going by saying ‘não compreendi’ repeatedly till he understood. The teacher would use simpler language or body language or even speak in English to make him understand.

So often, so many of us do not reveal that we have ‘not understood’ what was told to us. Some worry about displaying their difficulty and be branded as a person with limited comprehension ability. Some feel that they will understand in due course. Some believe that the incomprehensible may not be of great significance.

When we don’t ask for help, we will not get it. We must be transparent about disclosing our difficulties in comprehending the communication. When we do so, we can be helped by explanation or clarification. We also display our interest in the conversation.

There is no shame in declaring our inability to understand. We must know what we don’t know. And we must not pretend to know. We must show (tell) that we don’t know (understand). We must ask for assistance in our sincere efforts to comprehend.

Don’t pretend to understand the difficulty

ask for help by saying ‘não compreendi’!

- Pravin K. Sabnis

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Brood Parasitism

The cuckoo bird is known to lay its eggs in the nests of other birds, usually crows. The cuckoo does not make its own nest. Hence, it lays its eggs in the nest of crows and ensures that the crow takes care of her eggs and young ones.

 During the course of evolution , the eggs of the cuckoo have evolved to resemble the eggs of the crow in size, shape and colour. This prevents the host from detecting the foreign eggs and eliminating them from the nest.

 The cuckoo bird exhibits a form of parasitic relationship called Brood parasitism. It is a behavioural pattern of brood parasites, that rely on others to raise their young. The brood parasite manipulates a host, to raise the young as if they were their own.

Some organisations try to hatch their activity ‘eggs’ in the activity ‘space’ of other organisations. While they may pretend it is collaboration, the parasite knows it is hoodwinking a gullible or unaware host.

Of course, collaboration is a good thing, but brood parasitism is about intentional manipulation of others and a clear-cut pretense. If we are sincere in our cause, we will avoid brood parasitism.

Brood parasitism is a bogus pretense…

Distant from ethics, it has no defense!

- Pravin K. Sabnis

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Charisma

 Monday Muse (of us are influenced and impressed by charismatic people. We seek to possess charisma that can influence and impress others

Charisma is a special quality of impact personalities whose principles, purposes and powers differentiate them from others. To be called charismatic is considered a valuable compliment!

Many of us believe that charisma is a trait that cannot be developed since it appears to be a deep-rooted personality characteristic. But, it is pertinent to note that it is a quality that can be acquired and learnt. 

For example, being enthusiastic and emotionally expressive is a major ingredient for dishing out charisma – and surely, it is possible to learn to become emotionally expressive.

Look around at people whom you find charismatic. You will notice that they smile easily and seem constantly enthused. Notice that their ever eager energy is very visible.

They do not hold back their actual feelings. The best method to develop charisma is to express feelings more assertively, openly and freely.

More importantly, charisma is about transference. Others must validate our charisma. And they will do so, only if it impacts them positively. 

The way to acquire charisma, according to Dan Reiland is, ‘Be more concerned about making others feel good about themselves than you are making them feel good about you.’

to acquire charismatic effectiveness

choose responsive expressiveness

- Pravin K. Sabnis

Fanaticism

‘Sectarianism, bigotry and its horrible descendant, fanaticism, have filled the earth with violence… Had it not been for these horrible demons, human society would be far more advanced than it is now…’ - Swami Vivekananda on 11 September 1893, at first World’s Parliament of Religions at Chicago

Fanaticism is an extreme and often unquestioning enthusiasm, devotion, or zeal for something, such as a religion, political stance, or cause. Across the world, fanaticism has already destroyed countless lives.

It starts with supporting your team or sect. But when it turns into hatred for the opposite team or sect, the extreme beliefs often lead to unreasonable or violent behaviour.  Fanaticism fuels anger towards the ‘other’ often based on prejudiced perceptions.

Swami Vivekananda in his famous address hoped ‘the bell that tolled this morning in honor of this convention may be the death-knell of all fanaticism, of all persecutions with the sword or with the pen, and of all uncharitable feelings between persons wending their way to the same goal.’

Hence the need for platforms that bring together the diversity of cultures and communities. A true sports lover can fully support his team without wishing death for the opponent. For the larger game is humanity and it should always win.

Do not let fanaticism consume your humanity

Be open minded to heed and accept diversity!

- Pravin K Sabnis

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POOKALAM

 Onam is the harvest festival celebrated in Kerala to mark the arrival of King Mahabali. The ten day festival includes many activities including the Onam Pookalam which literally means Onam flower rangolis or the patterns made with flower petals.

 

The Pookalam is generally round in shape and then filled with intricate detailing with colourful flower petals. A new outer circle is added every day to the pattern made on the first day of Onam till the tenth day or Thiruvonam.

 

Besides the beauty of the diversity of seasonal flowers, Pookalam represents many learnings. The most pertinent to add something to the effort of the previous day.

 

We start initiatives which are overwhelming due to their immediate magnitude. However, if we do one step at a time, and keep adding fresh effort every day, we end up creating an impressive transformation by the last day.

 

One circle at a time and add another on subsequent day

The final stage will impress, the Pookalam seems to say!

 

Pravin K Sabnis

Interdependence

Human freedom has four endowments self awareness, conscience, independent will and creative imagination. These give us the power to choose, to respond, to change. The value of independence is what it makes you a human being.

But it is not just about independence of only me, but also about encouraging the independence of others. We must have the freedom to think our own thoughts, live our own life and help others to do the same.

Independence is an aspiration of individuals in a ground reality of a world that is interdependent. Hence, we should value and support the independence of all who share this interdependent world.

We need learn from each other, weaving our lives in an interdependent tapestry, through open dialogues in our relationships, in our teams, in our communities… where the lighthouse is one of ‘common good’!

While independence liberates our individuality...

Interdependence ensures flourishing collectively!

- Pravin K. Sabnis

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Ad Nauseam

Ad nauseam is a Latin term for an argument that has continued to the point of nausea. An argumentum ad nauseam is a logical fallacy in which erroneous proof is proffered by prolonged repetition of the argument. The argument is repeated so many times that persons are ‘sick of it’.

The words ‘this has been discussed ad nauseam’ indicates that the topic has been discussed extensively and those involved have grown sick of it. The fallacy of dragging the conversation to an ad nauseam state in order to then assert one's position as correct due to it not having been contradicted is also called argumentum ad infinitum (to infinity) and argument from repetition.

So often, so many of us argue ad nauseam on social media. At the least, we are boring… at the worst we can be irritating in sickening sort of way. The sick feeling upsets relationships and creates unforgiving fissures in further dialogue.

We must ponder whether we are repeating a fallacy backed by illogical proof and offending others by our behavior. We must realize that it is a ‘sick practice’ to argue ad nauseam. We must learn to let go and move on.

The important thing is to think! We must pause to ponder over other possibilities rather than play the broken record of damning prejudices. We need to breathe the fresh air that comes with an open mind that is ready to reconsider and be liberated from the nausea that comes from rigid irrationality.

Escape the trend to argue ad nauseam

An open mind needs a broader realm!

- Pravin K. Sabnis

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Eye

 Nowadays at various events, we see a common sight of enthusiasts, standing in an awkward pose, back bent backwards and forefinger on the trigger... all set to capture the ongoing scene on cameras of different types. Never mind that the professional photographer is blocked out of view by these over excited, trigger happy camera-men.

 Earlier the camera was meant for the ones who could afford it or the ones who could use it. Now it is easily affordable as well as usable. It comes as an add-on with other tools like mobile phones. It has empowered the needs of photo documentation. Journalism and even activism has found its uses to capture, chronicle and transfer visual information.

 However the fundamental focus of the camera’s real potential is lost on its many converts. More often not, the furious frenzy of such enthusiasts, displays that they are only interested in clicking the shot rather than experiencing the activity. They rush from shot to shot, observing nothing. For some, the motive is to upload the photograph on Web 2.0 before someone else does.

 It is akin to W H Davies’ poetic lament, ‘no time to wait till her mouth can... enrich the smile her eyes began’! We need tolerance for time so that our eyes can notice the minute detail as well as the larger vision. The camera is a highly useful invention, but it remains secondary to the human eye and its capacity to observe beyond the scene... a necessary trait for every photographer.

 It would be better for us to use our eyes before we use the camera. The personal experience and the understanding that comes from it help empower the photographer’s penchant for perfecting the skill... like so many passionate photographers so well display! Alfred Eisenstaedt said it so well that ‘The important thing is not the camera but the eye!’

 May we employ the eye to capture the activity...

Instead of a hasty clicks for needless posterity!

 - Pravin K. Sabnis

 

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Sift

Multi-faceted poet Vishnu Wagh's birth anniversary was celebrated by Samraat Club Dongri and Azamane High School. On the occasion, students recited his poems, enacted scenes from his plays and danced to songs written by him. 

Speaking on the occasion, writer Shailendra Mehta urged the students to emulate the reading habit of Wagh who grew in his knowledge by reading deep and wide. 

However, he had a caution based on the old quote, 'Hamsa Ksheera Nyaya'. The quote is based on a myth associated with Hamsa (swan) being able to separate the milk (Ksheera) from any adulteration with water.

It basically suggests that we must sift the good from the bad. Mehta was underlining the importance of reasoning while reading.

So often, so many of us consume single prejudices and ignore the diversity of reality. We are conditioned by selective reading and often accept the words without questioning.

We must sift the grain from the chaff and then the good grains from the rotten ones. We must be open minded to embrace wider reading and develop a discerning mind.

What you feed on will become your lead

But sift the chaff from what you read

- Pravin K. Sabnis

Initiative

 A famous Buddha quote identifies two mistakes while walking the road:

One is not starting and the second is not going all the way!

 Initiative is the first in a series of actions. However, the last step is as important as the first step. So many good starts are reduced to nought because the person gives up the initiative before it is actualised.

 Initiative is all about taking charge and not letting go. It involves a personal quality that shows a willingness to get things done and take responsibility. We must sustain a continuous commitment to get things done and take responsibility.

Initiative is a first step play…
We must go the entire way!

 - Pravin K. Sabnis

 

Mentor

In Greek mythology, Odysseus entrusted his friend Mentor with the full care and education of his son, Telemachus. Because of Mentor's near-paternal relationship with Telemachus, the term Mentor has been adopted as a term meaning a parent-like teacher.

Mentors provide expertise to less experienced individuals to help them advance their careers, enhance their education and build their networks. Many teams organise mentoring programs in which newcomers are paired with experienced people, who act as friends and guides.

A major contribution that any person can make to his team and organisation is being a mentor to others.

The qualities of an effective mentor include risk taking, trustworthiness, a depth of knowledge and above all being emotionally strong. They engage in showing concern for the development of team members, giving good counsel when required and motivating the necessary struggle of their protege towards progress.

While we see glowing examples of successful team persons who have grown through mentoring, it is true that too few, among us, are ready to devote time and initiative to the task of mentoring.

The reasons range from an inability to share to the lack of patience to cheer from the sidelines. However, if we seek to leave a legacy in our lifetime, we must choose to be better at mentoring.

First we must make the choice to give time to share our experience along with care, concern and participation in the protege’s progress. However, the mentor is not a back seat driver or just a how-to-do lecturer. The mentor too moves to higher planes as he mentors mentorees.

Don’t just be an occasional tutor

Choose to being a consistent mentor!

- Pravin K. Sabnis

 

Wandering

 

‘Wandering one gathers honey’ - motto of Youth Hostels Association of India

 The industrious bee has to travel distances to collect honey. So must we, if we wish to be enriched by the lessons that our planet holds for us. We connect with the unknown when we venture on an expedition of adventure.

 Gandhi turned Mahatma by embarking on a year-long wandering trail across India to understand his motherland better. Four years before he led the Cuban Revolution, a young Ernesto ‘Che’ Guevara and his friend covered 5,000 miles, on a rickety old motorcycle.

 These are just two lives that were transformed by the lessons picked up on the way while wandering. When we wander exploring new trails or making new discoveries on old paths; there is a new experience to be found or an earlier lesson to be built on.

 Confirmation of fruitful wandering is when wanderers carry back lessons that can be passed on to others. This makes it possible for others to venture on same or similar paths with similar attitude to explore and understand.

Wandering is not just about setting sail…
It inspires others to explore similar trails!

 - Pravin K. Sabnis

FOMO

FOMO is an acronym about ‘fear of missing out’. It refers to the feeling that others are having more fun, living better lives, or experiencing better things than you are. It involves a deep sense of envy, affects self-esteem and causes stress.

 The idea that you might be missing out on a good time is not new. However, it has only been studied during the past few decades, beginning with a 1996 research paper by marketing strategist, Dr. Dan Herman, who coined the term.

 Social media has accelerated the FOMO phenomenon. It makes us compare our regular life to the highlights of others' lives. Social media creates a platform for bragging; it is where things, events and even happiness itself seems to be in competition at times.

 To overcome FOMO we need to change focus from what we lack, try noticing what we have. It helps to take a digital detox or at least consider limiting our use of certain social media apps that make us feel as if we are missing out.

 We post on social media to keep a record of the fun things we do. However, we end up being bothered about whether people are validating our experiences online. A better option is to keep a personal journal of our best memories and shift focus from public approval to private appreciation of the things that make our life great.

 We must seek and make real connections. Rather than trying to connect more with people on social media, arrange to meet up with someone in person. Make plans with friends, organise a group outing or doing something social.

 Most importantly, we must involve in gratitude. It is harder to feel as if you lack the things you need in life when you are focused on the abundance you already have. You will begin to feel that you have what you need in life and so do other people.

 FOMO takes you down the rabbit hole of depression

Focus on what you have instead of inane comparison!

 - Pravin K. Sabnis

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LOOK INSIDE

‘Lessons are not meant to be taught, they are meant to be learnt.’

Introspection is one knowledge process that stipulates personal initiative rather than be a diagnosis for somebody else. The results are liberating in terms of widened understanding of the situation and our role-connection to it.

The word is derived from the Latin term of introspicere which literally means to look inside. It is the self-observation of our own reasoning and behaviour. It involves reflection on the impact of our thoughts and actions on others as well as ourselves.

However, it must go beyond only looking inward. ‘Looking inside’ can be a valid tool for looking forward based on aspirations. Visioning can lead to effective results in practice for goal-oriented functional challenges.

Imagine a traveller on a journey. ‘Looking inside’ would include looking at the path covered (past), the location as of now (the present) and the road ahead (the future). We must look at our original intentions, our actions and the impact of them on ourselves, our thinking and also on the situation that surrounds us.

‘Looking inside’ is a personal exercise as well as a personal initiative. It involves taking ownership as well as responsibility of what we are and where we find ourselves. Rather than look at what others ought to do, we must look inside!

It is easy to tell others to learn the lesson…
Look inside to involve in true introspection!

- Pravin K. Sabnis

Summit

Snow never melts atop Mount Everest… winds at the highest altitude summit reach 200 miles per hour… overall a very difficult challenge!

 George Leigh-Mallory is first recorded as attempting the climb in 1921. On his third try, in 1924, he disappeared into the mist, never to be seen again. It is believed that he reached the top but slipped and did not live to tell his tale. The mountain had won.

 However, friends of Mallory gazed upon a large picture of Mount Everest and declared, 'Mr. Everest, you defeated us once. You defeated us twice. You defeated us three times. But, Mr. Everest, we shall someday defeat you because you can’t get any bigger – and we can!'

Eight more attempts were made on the mountain resulting in eight more failures. Finally, Hillary and Tenzing defeated Everest. Since then, there have been over 11,346 summit ascents by 6,098 people.

Failure comes only after we have given up. If the odds of winning are slim to none, they might be worth taking. Surely, we can get bigger and better – better in ability; better in experience; better in wisdom; better in faith.

Scale the summit, blunt failure’s knife
Commit to take on challenges in life!

 - Pravin K. Sabnis

 

Show-How

A trainer observed that his wife took 20 minutes to prepare breakfast, while he scanned the morning papers. Over many days, he made a note of her many trips to the fridge, to the cooking stove, to the dish rack, to the sink... 

 

He concluded that his wife’s efficiency was adversely affected by the excessive trips she made to different parts of the kitchen. One fine day he made an effective decision of sharing his know-how with his wife. 

 

He explained to her how she could get everything done in 10 minutes if she were to follow his plan derived from his observations. She thanked him for his know-how and asked him to show-how!

 

Since that day, he prepares breakfast in nearly 30 minutes while his wife scans the morning papers!

To be better at utility, ‘know-how’ needs to be backed by ‘show-how’. To know how to do something better is never enough, never mind the quality of observations made about another’s performance. We must be able to apply our stated solutions.

Know-how is knowledge on how to get something done. Know-why (the reasons) and know-what (facts) are important, but theories are confirmed only when put in practice. To state solutions is easy, but to walk the talk is prudent.

Unless we can truly show-how
Not of much use is know-how! 

- Pravin K. Sabnis

Excusitis

Ten years ago, my mother wished to see her cousin whom we had no information about other than that he lived in Pune. It took just a few minutes with the telephone directory and a dozen calls to trace him down and meet him.

 It is common to hear excuses for not having called or visited due to the lack of knowledge about telephone numbers and addresses. In today’s age of information explosion, such excuses are most bizarre and are symptomatic of an ailment called excusitis.

 The word has been taken from the book: The Magic of Thinking Big, written by David Schwartz. Chapter Two is titled ‘Cure Yourself of Excusitis, the Failure Disease’. The term refers to the behaviour that finds all sorts of excuses to justify lack of action.

 So often we come up with unoriginal justifications for the unjustifiable. The person seized by excusitis not only wrongly believes that his stance appears logical, but also tends to be gripped by recurring excusitis in other situations as well!

 If somebody speaks of lack of time, it means one of two things... the person does not know how to or does not want to and is being unabashedly untruthful! Effectively it is a skill thing in the first case and an attitude thing in the latter.

 Excusitis blinds us from our own abilities and makes us shirk responsibility. Every time, an excuse arises in our mind, let’s opt to take charge of our choices, our actions or the lack of them! Escaping excusitis leads to embracing ownership of our lives and our true potential!

 Let’s opt for ownership of every action...

Instead of excusitis as a regular reaction!

 - Pravin K. Sabnis

 

Tradition

 A scientist put five monkeys in a tall cage. A bunch of bananas hung at the top of a ladder. When a monkey went for the bananas, the man would sprays all five monkeys with freezing water. After some time, a second monkey went for the bananas. The man once again sprayed all with the cold water. The man then put the hose away.

 When a third monkey tries to go for the bananas, the other four attack him to prevent him as they want to avoid the consequences. The man replaced one of the monkeys with a new one who wasn’t part of the original experiment and was never sprayed with water.

 However when the new monkey touched the ladder to go for the bananas, the other four attacked him to keep him from doing so. When he tried again, they attacked him again. The new monkey learns not to go for the bananas because he’ll get attacked if he does.

 Another monkey is replaced. When he goes for the bananas, the other four attack him, including the one who was never sprayed with water. One by one, all original monkeys are replaced. Each time a newcomer goes for the bananas, the others attack, although they have never been sprayed with cold water for going for the bananas.

 That’s the way the tradition has built up in an organization. Traditions are a part of every organization, especially if the majority of the workforce has been around for some time. But, those traditions can be detrimental to progress within   workplace, especially when new employees are stopped from pursuing new ideas.

 By focusing on doing something the way it’s always been done because it’s tradition to do it that way, organizations are often rendered blind to new ways that they can get the banana (the prize they’re going after). We must question things that don’t always feel right, and avoid using the excuse of ‘we’ve always done it this way’.

Avoid the grip of irrational traditions

Try new thoughts and new actions!

- Pravin K Sabnis

#mondaymuse20thYear #pravinsabnis #since2004 #motivation

Agostinho

Being afflicted in both legs with polio, he was wheelchair bound. His uncle had to lift with his wheelchair onto the ground floor plinth of his primary school. At the end of school time, his uncle would come to lift him down. The young boy worried about getting heavier and his uncle getting older. So he gave up his wheel chair.

He began to practice walking on his hands. With determination, he was able to scale many steps in life. He won awards in drawing, handwriting, spelling, story writing and singing competitions at various levels. Music was his main passion.

After SSC, he secured Diploma in Garment Technology. He acquired proficiency in computer technology as well as playing the piano. He went to become a musical entrepreneur teaching music to many students as well as producing albums and musical performances.

Besides his many skills of artistry and technical competencies, he would easily climb trees, repair the tiled roof of his home and drive a van that he purchased and modified to have the clutch, accelerator and brake on the dash board at his hands reach. His life’s journey was one moving melody of motivation.

He joined me as a motivational speaker at corporate trainings. Once when asked whether ‘he felt bad that he could not stand on his legs’, his response was prompt, ‘Do you feel bad that you cannot fly like the bird does?’ He believed in counting his blessings rather than the shortcomings.

His positive attitude made him an effective teacher and a loving personality to family and friends. He took on all odds but succumbed to a road accident. Despite his early exit, Agostinho Fernandes’ lessons will live on to inspire the ones who met him.

Polio could not stop Agostinho from standing on his feet

Passion and determination led to many a stimulating feat!

- Pravin K Sabnis

#mondaymuse20thYear #pravinsabnis #since2004 #motivation