Stick to Ethics, Stay with Basics
-Amlesh Ranjan
Two suicides, two different strata, geographies and domains, one, by an entrepreneur, with a reported net worth of 3.6 billion US$, and the other, by a Frontline Sales Person of pharma industry sent ripples across the nation. Both, reportedly, under extreme stress and pressure, unfortunately decided to end their lives. Two different individuals, two different circumstances, one down south, one up north, but two precious lives lost. It is not just sad, it is disturbing.
Swami Vivekananda said, “Each Soul is Potentially Divine”. Each person has a place and purpose, not just for self and the family but, for the society as well. All have a journey to realize their potential, which has its peaks and troughs and it will end eventually but it should not end pre-maturely or, un-naturally.
Roman Philosopher, C. Seneca said in mid-1st Century, “Throughout the whole of life one must continue to learn to live, and what will amaze you even more, throughout life one must learn to die”. The path may be treacherous, but one must not jump off the cliff. The going may not be as per expectations, but one must not quit. Keep the faith, come what may. As Oscar Wilde said, “When it rains, look for Rainbow, when it’s dark, look for Stars”.
While the overt expression may be Love, Success, Security, Growth, Prosperity, Entertainment, Enlightenment …, all of us are consciously or, sub-consciously chasing Happiness and Harmony in our lives. In my own journey which has had its own highs, lows and plateaus, Happiness & Harmony in every aspect of my life, regardless of the circumstances, has been an avowed goal and yes, a mantra…
STICK TO ETHICS
Our Values are at the core of our Life and Career. In fact, the life foundation is laid on the Values that we inherit and imbibe, right from our birth. Being Values oriented means- that we truly and honestly care for every individual in our personal, professional and social life; that, we operate from highest levels of Integrity and Solidarity towards our family, the organization and the society; that, we are completely adherent towards the just and fair norms that have been set to conduct our roles and responsibilities; that, we do not compromise due to any adverse influence or, succumb to any pressure; that, we do not chase happiness, accomplishment or, riches by wrong means. “Values are truly, the universal laws of our being”.
Quoting the Roman Emperor-Philosopher Marcus Aurelius, who said in mid-2nd century, - “If any work is done in harmony with the inner spirit that we share with the gods, there is nothing to fear; for when we can obtain benefit from work that moves on an easy path and obeys the laws of our being, we should not expect to come to any harm”.
It is when we slip on our ethics that we expose and subject ourselves to uncertainty, insecurity, negativity and pressure. Values are the moral fabric of our life and universe. If we adhere to the Values in all spheres of our life, we will be in harmony with ourselves and the world around us.
In the pursuit of dreams and goals, pressure and stress have become part of our modern life, but we can turn it into a channel for happiness if we are un-compromisingly adherent to the Values. In her book, ‘Atlas Shrugged’, legendary author, Ayn Rand wrote so beautifully, “Happiness is that state of consciousness which proceeds from the achievement of one’s Values”.
STAY WITH BASICS
Quoting Marcus Aurelius again, “When you arise in the morning, think of what a precious privilege, it is to be alive, to breathe, to think, to enjoy, to love”. Each one of us, we were born to first love ourselves and then love and care for all around us. Our world, personal, professional, Social or, environmental is meant to be continuously nurtured and cared for with love because, “Between two dates, Love is all that matters, rest are details”. By giving and by receiving love and care, we create an ecosystem around us which lets us cherish the heights of happiness and, also helps us cope up with the depths of despair. To live, is to love.
One of the greatest Sanskrit poet & dramatist, Kalidasa wrote, “Look to this day for it is life, the very life of life. For yesterday is but a dream And tomorrow is only a vision But today well lived makes every yesterday a dream of happiness and tomorrow a vision of hope. Look well, therefore, to this day Such is the salutation of the dawn”. Let’s live, every moment, every day to the full.
Living to the full is also about what we contribute towards our world. All of us do some job or, another and irrespective of the domain, vocation or, position, we will have some core defined roles and responsibilities. Let us first, ensure that we are doing what we are expected to do with full dedication and consistency.
A Sales person must visit the assigned number of customers, the decided number of times, conveying the intended message. A Leader must set direction, provide resources, ensure motivation, promote development, manage obstacles and create future. If we are ensuring the basics, results are bound to come, and we do not have to endure pressure. And even if, the desired results don’t come, be at peace with yourself that you have done your best. A great aspect of basics is, upon it, even innovation and creativity work like multipliers. Pressure, if at all, should be, self-inflicted- “To Deliver the Basic”.
Yes, Life, Career, Business are not always easy, possibly not meant to be so. The peaks and troughs in our journey do trouble us but keeps it interesting. Let us always remember that our Life itself is a Gift and our Relationships are the true Blessings. The storms will come but, it should not divert us from what is really of essence in life. It should not drive us towards losing the precious gifts and blessings of our life. In our personal, professional and social journey, we may get lost, but let’s come back to the pursuance of our goal of Happiness and Harmony and let’s always remember the mantra, “Stick to Ethics, Stay with Basics”.
---------------------------------------
#values #love #life #relationships #happiness #harmony #donotquit #livetofull #dotheduty
DISCLAIMER: The views expressed are made in an individual capacity.
