So which future will you choose?

It was the most stunning view from the cruise which was taking us to the Phi Phi Islands. The perfect blue sea with perfect green islands and the perfect breeze…well perfection doesn’t last too long or does it? All of my senses were overwhelmed with so much beauty to be soon intruded with this question from the tour guide. 

“Are you interested to go for sea diving? Please give your name in 5 minutes if you wish toooo”, she said in her musical Thai accent 

I had only 5 minutes to think to decide whether I was to go or not? All the beauty suddenly vanished and I was debating internally and here goes my debate. 

This was the one opportunity not to come again in a long long time.

But what if I drown? I am hardly the swimmer. 

But there was a qualified instructor and I couldn’t die.

Still. Even Sumit was not accompanying. 

You should take the plunge. You have the courage and you could do it. Just this once, it’s worth a try. You have never done anything courageous. How about this one to prove everyone wrong?

What if there is a rare deadly snake or something down there?

There have been no such thing so don’t hallucinate and So Just go for it.

The next moment I had my name written for an experience which I will remember for the longest time ever. 

It not only ended in an amazing experience but also a realization about decisions. We are always making decisions and while making those decisions, we are making choices. So in those moments, picture yourself in the different future possibilities of different choices which are available as a result of the impending decision. Which future looks more promising and contenting? Which future brings a broader smile to your face and a sense of inner peace and greater achievement? And which future will be worth it in the end, in a long long time to come?

Hate you, hate you, hate you

Life was so much simpler without cheese, chocolate, donuts and junk. I mean seriously what do these International junkies want? To make every kid of our country diabetic or person of every class in this country to look like a burger? 

Every time you switch on the television, you have KFC advertising the zinger meal for a price that seems to cost cheaper than a cheap soap? Switch to the next channel, there you have a super thin model gorging the new Lebanese roll from Dominos which are baked in exotic spices. You clench your teeth in anger and switch the television off and rather pick the newspaper up. And there it is, the juiciest, largest and the most scrumptious Dunkin Donuts burgers in vegetarian and non-vegetarian varieties sitting on the first page of the newspaper. It seems to be inviting you so lusciously that you are already drooling. 
Aarghhh!!! 
And if you are already not going mad with hunger, the following pages will tell of of the new Starbucks round the corner or a new Auntie Anne’s or a Cinnabon. 

So what has changed? Why have we got a hungrier lot?

In early days, we had our share of samosas, dahi bhallas, mithai and gol gappas selling in the next door sweet shop but the differentiator being that the 'halwai' never got innovative. This 'halwai' was utterly satisfied with frying the same stuff for years with the same ingredients and the same accompaniments. No offers on birthdays or a discounts or a new recipe to get us excited. The only addition was the annual meager price increase. 

But these international junk sellers have to be given credit for driving the buyer needs with innovative creations (every now and then) and being able to market it equally innovatively. Every time there is some new endorsement, no matter how good it looks, I just know it won’t taste as good as it looks but can’t seem to get it off my mind till I have savored it. I hate these international junk sellers for their innovations and I hate them for their marketing and I hate them for giving our society so many calories.

Are you carrying too much baggage?

I have to admit that the more I meet people I realize that humility and being open minded is so crucial not only to make you a good person but also a good professional. 

I met some CLOs, Global HR Heads, CEOs and COOs (of Global Giants and starts ups) at different seminars and conferences. Just to listen to these modest C-Executives was so inspiring and these were the people who were most appreciated as well. Post the session, these are the people you will find surrounded by a large group of listeners either appreciating them or getting clarifications from them. Hats off to their patience for speaking to each and every person not thinking what their title is or who they work for or how inexperienced they are. They listened so intently and responded with equal enthusiasm. These executives also happen to be Key Opinion Leaders on different subjects on the Social Media sites and open to sharing their ids with everybody. 

If we really notice, it is the simple attributes which differentiate managers and those who lead.
 

Even after years and months, I clearly remember the names of these inspiring professionals. To be likeable, approachable and most importantly respected, you do not have to assert your title or carry the baggage of the brand you work for.