Carpe Diem

In 1989 movie ‘Dead Poets Society’, Robin Williams plays teacher John Keating who gets his class of male students to step close to a photograph of achievers from a previous generation... and whispers in the background: 

‘You've walked past them many times. I don't think you've really looked at them. They're not that different from you, are they? Invincible, just like you feel. The world is their oyster. They believe they're destined for great things, just like many of you. Their eyes are full of hope, just like you. 

 

Did they wait until it was too late to make from their lives even one iota of what they were capable? Because you see gentlemen, these boys are now fertilizing daffodils. But if you listen real close, you can hear them whisper their legacy to you. Go on, lean in. Listen. 

 

Do you hear it? Carpe. Hear it? Carpe. Carpe Diem. Seize the day boys. Make your lives extraordinary.’ 

 

In Latin poem, Odes by Horace, we find the line ‘carpe diem, quam minimum credula postero’. It means ‘Seize the day, put very little trust in tomorrow (the future)’. The verse says that the upcoming is unforeseen and we should not leave future happenings to chance, but rather do it now!

 

The gist of ‘carpe diem’ is not to ignore the future, but rather to skip procrastination and do things on time. In the film, Keating urges his students to follow their heart and break free from indecision. He inspires them to unite passion with timely actions related to a set of purposeful goals. 

 

Carpe Diem! Do not be stalled by procrastination
Connect to passion, purpose and timely actions!

 

~ Pravin K Sabnis

 

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Turmoil

‘Smooth seas do not make skilful sailors’ - African proverb

 

The test of the skill of a sailor is his ability to manage the challenges of a rough sea. And the biggest challenge is in the mind. Will self-doubts overcome belief? Will wild winds blow holes in our purpose? Will the turbulent waves drown down perseverance? 

 

The dictionary explains perseverance as steady persistence in adhering to a course of action, a belief or a purpose. Yet, often we are derailed by the changing tracks of chaotic challenges. So often, our craving for peace results in running way from turmoil. 

 

Craving for selfish peace in the midst of turmoil is akin to sterile thinking. It will never enhance your acquired skills. On the other hand, the biggest achievements in arts, science, and also in history, are the outcome of turbulent thoughts taken head-on by resolute minds. 

 

Do not sing a loser’s song,

Take the turmoil head-on!

 

~ Pravin K Sabnis

 

MONDAY MUSE now into the 21st year, is written by Goa based Corporate Coach, Pravin K. Sabnis, since the first Monday of 2004. Send feedback to 8698672080 or 9422640141 or unlearning.unlimited@gmail.com

 

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Obituary

Alfred Nobel was inventor of dynamite. He later created other explosives. They brought benefits to engineering but were also used for war. He believed that his weapons would create deterrence, ultimately proving to be a boon to mankind. The exact opposite happened.  

In 1888, Ludwig, one of Alfred’s brothers, died while visiting Cannes. A French newspaper erroneously confused the deceased’s identity with that of Alfred and published a scathing obituary entitled, ‘The Merchant of Death is dead.’ It condemned him for his inventions.

 

The error was later corrected, but life had granted him a rare opportunity of reading his obituary. It horrified him and it led to a re-evaluation. He realized that the end-result of his life’s work was to be worldwide condemnation. Fame and fortune now felt like a burden. 

 

He decided to establish a positive legacy. He wrote his will to reward those who selflessly worked for society. The Nobel Foundation laid down five categories - Chemistry, Literature, Medicine, Physics, and Peace. Alfred donated almost his entire possession to the Foundation.

 

His last testament indicated a sense of apology with a strengthened resolution to work for the Peace. An erroneous obituary, a mistaken identity altered the destiny of Alfred Nobel, and made his legacy synonymous with peace.

 

Imagine your obituary and what it might say

Change track now… on what you do today!

 

~ Pravin K Sabnis

 

Greenhorn

At the Installation Ceremony of a one year old Samraat Club Balli Mahal, the young President and Secretary mentioned about being rookies despite their stellar performance. As State President, I admitted that I was a greenhorn too. After all, I was in this position for the first time.

 Interestingly, in organisations where a new President and Board of Directors are installed at the start of the activity year, more often than not most are new to their role. They are rookies… greenhorns… a person who is new to or inexperienced to a particular role and responsibility.

 

A greenhorn will not have the ‘burden of experience’ and is likely to be more open-minded and enthusiastic to learn and apply that learning. The experienced ones have to put extra effort to have a fresh approach to what they may have done before.

 

We must choose to have the clean slate that a greenhorn brings along. We should opt to be eager to learn new things. We must embrace new resolves to empower a newcomers approach. Even the experienced, when cast in an old role, should reclaim the attitude of when they were greenhorns.

 

The score book doesn’t really mind…
when greenhorn turns into a true find!

 

~ Pravin K Sabnis

 

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Grabbing

36 persons attended Pedro’s party. He had brought 40 return gifts. Yet he was unable to give the gifts to two persons. Obviously six gifts were grabbed by a few unscrupulous persons.

 

From shop-lifting thefts to grabbing things meant for someone else is bad behaviour. Ditto for people who take gifts intended for others. That can be frustrating and hurtful, especially if the gift held sentimental value.

 

The psychology behind people taking gifts intended for others is complex and multifaceted. The motivations could be acting on impulse without considering consequences or taking advantage for personal gain or plain lack of empathy and respect for the giver’s feelings.

 

The psychological factors could range from excessive self-interest and entitlement; low self-esteem; difficulty regulating impulses; antisocial personality disorder; and cultural or environmental influences where taking others' belongings is normalized.

 

The consequences could lead to damaged relationships (eroding trust and respect), guilt and shame (internal conflict and self-blame), social consequences (loss of reputation and social standing) and personal growth stifling due to reinforcing of negative patterns.

 

We must embrace model respectful behaviour and demonstrate consideration for others' property. We must set boundaries and encourage empathy and compassion. If not, we must seek professional help for psychological concerns. But grab we must not!

 

Your trustworthiness should not be eroding

Do not succumb to the ill habit of grabbing!

 

~ Pravin K Sabnis

  

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Racing

Racing is often viewed as a contest where one person emerges victorious, while others are left behind in defeat. This narrow view overlooks benefits and accomplishments that every participant achieves, regardless of their finishing position. 

 

Nobody loses in a race! Each racer gains invaluable experiences, skills and personal growth. Racing is not solely about crossing the finish line first. It is about the journey, perseverance and self-discovery. It is about pushing boundaries and exploring potential, building character and resilience

 

The true rewards of racing extend beyond the winner's podium. We improve our competencies and capacities. We emerge mentally tougher and confident. We gain opportunities for personal reflection and self-improvement.

 

Success in racing should not be measured solely by finish times or positions. Completion itself is a triumph. Personal records are to be celebrated. Overcoming our own obstacles is victory. After all, success is in the journey, not just the destination.  

 

Let’s learn from those who run despite major adversity and personal challenges. Let’s also run for lofty reasons like the charity runners, who raise funds and awareness for noble causes. Let’s run for fun like recreational runners, who find joy and community in the sport.

 

Winning is not just a final position

Racing is really about participation!!

 

~ Pravin K Sabnis

 

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Meraki

Last Saturday, I had the pleasure of attending an interschool English Language Festival: Meraki 2.0 organised by Holy Cross High School in Bastora, Goa. It sought to promote the love for language by engaging students through a plethora of events to exhibit their talents. 

Meraki is a Greek term that means to do something with soul, creativity or love; to put something of yourself into your work. It's about pouring your heart and soul into something, and doing it with passion, care and dedication. 

 

Meraki is about adding a piece of yourself to whatever you do; and making it special and meaningful. In Greek culture, meraki is often used to describe the act of cooking with love, but it can apply to any activity, skill or endeavour. 

 

When you meraki something, you're not just doing it, you're living it! Meraki is a beautiful concept that encourages us to bring our real selves to whatever we do… to make it a reflection of our love, passion and creativity.

 

With love and flair, create and share

Meraki, meraki… show that you care!

 

~ Pravin K Sabnis

 

 

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