Post-Diwali blues kick in.
It’s a bit of a different feeling when birthdays and festivals come to an end, especially the latter. So many things going on – purchases, arrangements, invitations, gifts, sweets…the grand culmination where time passes much faster than it should…and then the post-event lull. We are luckier since we seem to have an extended celebration for the better part of November, and then in December as well, with Christmas and Secret Santa. Overall, a busy last two months of the year!
Also, this morning, I had a short call with someone, a call that left me very happy at the end of it. I was shown a system, developed by this person, from scratch…someone who has never claimed to be a tech expert, but has always shown a willingness to learn, adapt and excel.
The system itself was good, but what blew me away was the fact that the person had gone beyond her comfort zone and demonstrated the very essence of 10 Leaves as a firm – Keep on Learning. The validation of a premise that I strongly believe in, and hence the delight.
Hard work and diligence always pays off. Here is a snippet that I chanced upon a few months back:
I went to work at six-thirty in the morning. By seven-thirty or eight o’clock, all potential renters visiting Cambridge had called our company and booked their apartment-viewing visits with whoever was there. I, of course, was the only one who bothered to come in early to answer the phone: The adult “professionals” who worked for this company (I was “the summer kid”) started work at nine-thirty. Then, all day long, they sat in wonderment as person after person walked into the office asking for Mr. Bloomberg.
It’s said that 80 percent of life is just showing up. I believe that. You can never have complete mastery over your existence. You can’t choose the advantages you start out with, and you certainly can’t pick your genetic intelligence level. But you can control how hard you work. I’m sure someone, someplace, is smart enough to succeed while “keeping it in perspective” and not working too hard, but I’ve never met him or her. The more you work, the better you do. It’s that simple. I always outworked the other person (and if I hadn’t, he or she would be writing this book).
On the fitness front, I am going all guns blazing, but the knee seems to have a few complaints in the process. And so I am behind on the stretching and martial arts front – keeping it lighter rather than to aggravate it and cause more issues. Should be fine in a few days – while I keep going with the rowing and upper body. Wish me luck!