“The successful warrior is the average man, with laser-like focus.” –Bruce Lee
“Many of life’s failures are people who did not realize how close they were to success when they gave up. ” – Thomas Edison
By reading the above two quotes don’t make an perception on how this article is going to shape out. I sit on this Monday morning feeling vibrant enough to jot down few essential principles that we know but generally don’t focus much on in our pursuit of daily goals and challenges. I am equally writing for my fellow student friends as well as professional brothers and sisters. Hope you are geared up.. Lets begin !
1. Live in this Moment
One of the biggest challenges in the professional’s life is the Mind of the professional. Surprised ! .. Let me explain you. See a trader earns by selling inventory while professional have his time as his only inventory, isn’t it !
So, your time coupled by mental quality of that time makes your inventory. Keeping this in mind it is so crucial for one to live in the present moment {Recall the pepsi Ad – “Live it Abhi”}. This will help you to use more percentage of your mind at any present moment.
“As soon as you honor the present moment, all unhappiness and struggle dissolve, and life begins to flow with joy and ease. When you act out the present-moment awareness, whatever you do becomes imbued with a sense of quality, care, and love - even the most simple action.”- Eckhart Tolle
2. Focus on your strengths
We all have imperfections. Infact it is these imperfections that make us perfect. The pursuit of weakness to convert it to your strength is good, I am not against that, but I believe in the good to be made better and the better to made further better !
So, in order to create the skill that you intend to create, the first step has to be to focus on your strong zone, believe me this zone even if small in radius it is strong enough to carry you places. Work on this zone and ensure that is capable to earn livelihood as well (otherwise, the realities of world will scare you more !). In order to develop focus, your ability to say ‘No’ to the distractions shall be your key sword.
“If you want to make a permanent change, stop focusing on the size of your problems and start focusing on the size of you!”- T. Harv Eker
3. Enjoy your Uniqueness
So your idol may be Sachin, Messi, Ronaldo, Mr. Palkhivala (Eminent Lawyer) etc. Note one thing common in all of them, they get inspired from others but they don’t imitate others!
One needs to learn this crucially. I remember one quote that perfectly fits here … Read this!
“Be yourself; everyone else is already taken.” - Oscar Wilde
How does that sounds, It is true. You love taxation for example, be passionate about it and go deep in that. With time you will realize that your skill coupled with uniqueness starts expressing itself.
4. Create a awesome environment
In what environment we work plays a major role in our creativity and thought process. Remember, the last time you went to natural place with open sky, how you felt … obviously liberated and creative as if mind is running like stallion. Similarly, if you make your work environment little more motivating (use quoted wallpapers, soothing walls etc), it will create a positive impact on your and your colleques working productivity.
“Be a yardstick of quality. Some people aren't used to an environment where excellence is expected.” – Steve Jobs
5. Be Fearless
This is most critical among all. See as we will grow in any dimension of our lives, life becomes challenging and full of turbulence ... My advice, fasten your seat belt! You will take most of your decisions with confidence and in concurrence to your dreams if you practice fearlessness.
“You know there are going to be tough times as you go about changing your life, so brace yourself and you will be able to handle them. When you get into your seat on an airplane, what is the first thing they tell you to do? Fasten your seat belt. Brace yourself for the turbulence.” – Les Brown
6. Realise the theory of Essentialism
I am not endorsing the author, but try to read this meaning manuscript by Greg Mckeown - The Disciplined Pursuit of Less. It is not about gathering all what you can gather, it is about choosing and being patient that what you intend to choose will build up.
This theory of essentialism simply means choosing less but better instead of accepting each and everything that comes your way. One thing that the professional needs to passionately work on is magnifying his or her skills. There is no doubt about that. To work on your skills, you can’t be messy with everything the world has to offer.
“If you don’t prioritize your life, someone else will.” – Greg Mckeown
7. Keep Learning
Knowledge is very important to have but very difficult to earn. In professional life, the key is to keep learning the technicalities and absorbing the same in your analysis. The learning can come from several sources like journals, friends and books. But learning is not always academic, say for example your every departmental representation or tribunal hearing will teach something new if we realize that.
Before parting ..
I wrote this to share my views on the professional’s life and our role to guide the coming breed of professionals in making our fraternity a globally recognized force. As our Hon’ble PM say (I fully endorse the view) –
“Mana ki andhera ghana hai. Par diya jalana kaha mana hai !.
Thanks, I hope it was worth reading !
About the Author
Author is practicing Chartered Accountant based in Pitampura, New Delhi. He is keenly interested in Indirect Taxation, Corporate Laws and Transfer Pricing besides being a writing enthusiast and a blogger.
He can be reached at ankitgulgulia@gmail.com. Available on facebook, twitter, linked In and Google Plus.
By CA Ankit Gulgulia (Jain)
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