How to Excel When Chips are Down

By Joginder Singh

No secret of success will work unless, you do. The one thing, that matters, is the effort. All our good or bad luck, centres on it. Our past performance has determined as to where we are today. Where we will be tomorrow, determined by what we do, today. We can never have situations in life, as we want. There will always be a gap, between what we are and what want to be and where we want to be. The gap is for us to bridge. ?It can be done?. The world salutes achievements and what you have done and not what you intend to do. Our job is to do our best. Then be sure, that like an equal and opposite reaction, the best will bounce back to you. This book is aimed at provoking you to do better than what you have done as some times, the difference between achievement and superb achievement is little more work and persistence. Keep in view that nobody in the world has drowned in his sweat.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Diamond Books
• Release date: Dec 7, 2021
• ISBN: 9788128829574

Book preview

Straight From the Heart

Motivation always, has been, and will continue to be an integral part of success and winning, along with focus, determination and commitment. However, unless we are motivated, there is no way, we can cultivate all other qualities those are necessary for success. Motivation has to come from within and it is up to each one of us to create a situation, in which we do not allow de-motivators not to come near or overtake us.

We are all tend to get dejected and down hearted, from time to time. Nobody has the immune to depression. A daily dose of motivation is essential, to reinforce us, to cope with challenges, which have a tendency to pull us down.

Being motivated, self induced or inspired by others, enables us to elevate our spirits, restores our confidence and ignites our creative energy. We need it not only most of the time rather at all times. We should always accept the changes with an open mind. We would find ultimately, that the results would be better than expected.

Our achievements build both our self-esteem and self-confidence. Not only should we boost our own self-esteem, but also of the people whom we come in contact. Whatever good deeds we do, also elevates our self-esteem and our self-worth because of that deed and by stretching our mind for doing something new. We cannot build our self-esteem on poor financial management. For self-worth and self-esteem, good finances are the bedrock. At the same time, we need to enjoy life and be humble and full of love for fellow human beings.

Self-esteem is the result of doing our best. If a man is a street sweeper, he should sweep streets like Michelangelo painted or Beethoven composed his music, or Shakespeare wrote his poetry. He should do his job so well, that even heaven and Earth will say, here is a great street sweeper who is doing a superb job.

For building up our self worth, half measures would not do. The one thing that matters in attaining excellence is the effort, we put in for it. It is worthwhile, that our sweat never drowns us. Sweat in any case, is the perfume of achievement.

No one can defeat us, unless we ourselves are willing to be defeated. Before others do, we first defeat ourselves. If there is pain, there will be no throne, and no glory. Victory has hundreds of fathers and grand fathers. However, nobody wants to be a part of the failure, and own it up. Failure is an orphan. No triumph is accidental or is the result, of being lucky. It is the work, work, and work, which is responsible for it.

Nobody would be interested about your previous achievements. They recognize you, for your present efforts, feats and achievements. However, success requires, plough, when sluggards, take it easy and just sleep. We can attain any goal or aim gradually. You can stand for centuries, before any bird, which you might consume, as any food flies to your mouth. There is no easy road to success. Often it involves saying ‘No’ and closing the door to indicate that you are not at home and then work. I do it quite often, to prevent others from wasting my time, or involving me, in their disputes or problems as an unpaid arbiter.

Whatever talent you may have in mind, bear in mind, that it is nothing without work and success. We should keep on being up and doing. Just sitting even on the right track, is dangerous, as you can be run over. While we can do two things at a time, it is vital to focus and do one thing at a time.

Let others Not Manage Your Life

Most people, list the tasks to be got done, during the day, with the hope, of getting more to be done. While there is nothing wrong in having a to do list, as it gives you a deadline to accomplish what you want to do, yet at the same time, we have to make sure that we have not allowed ourselves to be trampled by the routine and mundane tasks. Everyday tasks make our existence most comfortable. There are few activities, like the shopping, which cannot be fully and specifically completed, unless, we have a detailed list in front of us. If we do not have a complete shopping list in front of us, we are apt to skip a few things, and then again possibly run back to purchase the same completed.

As the time in life, is limited, we have to classify and sort out, what should be done and at the same time, what should not to be done as well as what should be got done from others. Most of the people send invitations routinely, to all and sundry, whom they might have met.

It is not necessary to accept every request for your presence, unless the same fits in with your priorities and you feel that there is a special advantage in attending the same or you are a close family friend. Last week, I had an invitation, for a garden party, at one of the top industrialist’s house. I had met the man a couple of times, and beyond saying polite "Hello’, there was no other exchange of words. It involved two hours of traveling plus two hours at the lunch, which normally preceded by one hour of drinking session.

Within a few minutes of analysis, I concluded, that not going would save four hours, which I could use more productively. So a polite email, with a suitable justification been sent. It saved me the whole day, plus the tiredness of sitting in the car for two hours. The time so saved, enabled me to write this piece.

Most people do not even extend this courtesy of conveying timely regrets, to their hosts. When I ran into him a few days later, he told me that he had received my email and thanked me for informing about my inability to attend the lunch, well in time. He said that I was the only person, who had sent him the regret, whereas the other twenty-five invitees did not even bother to have that much courtesy.

Put only those things on your do list, which are vital for your work, life and existence. You can always have a negative list of the things, not to be done, by you, but by others, either on delegation or even, on payment basis. If you start doing everything yourself, as many people try to do, you will be driving yourself crazy for the same.

You can have two lists, one to DO and the other A Winners List. By having and completing tasks on A Winners List, you will feel a sense of achievement. A Winners List should not be a one-day affair, but something needs to be pursued day after day and every day. It is this list, which gives a sense of fulfillment.

Also, put on this list the things that you have accomplished in the face of heavy odds. They will remind you of the strength you have as the inner strengths and capabilities, you possess.

The other list, that is to do list, is important, but it should be taken up after you have finished is, whatever you wanted to complete. If we want to be successful, we should devise ways and means for proficient decision-making and become adept in problem solving. These qualities can only help you to lead and inspire others. Best is to have an open mind and not be dogmatic, that you know the solution to every problem. There are different variables at any given time and they should be, taken for consideration for taking the right decision. Even the little things, we do, can make the big difference. The line, which separates the winner, from the loser, is razor thin. There is a difference between people. Two persons start a project. While one finishes it, the other is still mulling over, as to how to go about it. May be the time factor, between the two might be only of minutes. However, the person who finishes his job well and in time has the winning edge over the other. The difference between the topper and the second person might be only of a fraction of marks or a few marks. However, all recognition goes to the person, who is ahead of others, even if be one point. The same is true in horse racing, where the winning horse earns ten to fifteen time, against the second best. It is, only by doing our best, we can be the best. Nothing works, unless we do. God gives every bird and every creature his food, but he has to work for it. God does not throw the same in his nest. If you want to believe in luck, please do, but remember, the more hard you work, the luckier you would be. Opportunities missed by many because when it comes it is dressed in the overall of hard work, to which there is no short cut.

Be Your Own Master

Happiness is something relative, as we could always be smarter, more educated or have a better job or be more beautiful or handsome. Happiness is transient and brief. However, we can find happiness, in small things in life. Nevertheless, some people make a career of being unhappy. We should be willing, to be open, to the idea of happiness. You should adopt an attitude of discovering happiness, even in the most unlikely places. We should be like children, who find happiness in mud and water puddle. If you are all the time inquiring, whether you are happy, you cease to be so. You should be normally happy, without being conscious of it.

We should not compare our own happiness with others, as it will make us, unhappier, under the wrong impression, that others are happier than we are.

The reality is that everybody is happy or unhappy in his own way. There are truly no degrees or distinctions or categories of happiness. Either you are happy or you are unhappy.

The best policies is, not to ask yourself, whether you are happy or unhappy, but go on living, as life comes your way. The happiness lies, in how, we view things or react to them. If you spread happiness, you get happiness, exactly like a perfume, which in spite of pouring or sprinkling on others, still leaves traces, on your hands. Happiness is truly some thing, which resides in our thoughts and minds.

A vast majority of people, lead hectic lives, rushing around, getting work done, taking care of errands, running here and there. They do not take the time, to slow down and observe, what is happening around them. Take time to concentrate on what is in front of you. You would get, a surprise of life what you see around you, and what you would not have noticed earlier. While being driven to a function, I can see beautiful greenery of the ridge in New Delhi around me. It is a very soothing and peaceful sight around.

At the same time, I see a jam-packed auto rickshaw transporting ten children, against its legal capacity of two. It shows not only that Indians have ingenuity, but also their contempt for the traffic laws.

Make an inventory of at least two things today and every day, about which you feel proud. These may be qualities, like good health or a cheerful smile, or cogent thinking, or good speaking capabilities, which might be unique to you. You have to like yourself before others like you. Love yourself and others will love you. You must be most comfortable yourself, with yourself. Conserve your energy for doing the things, which matter to you most, instead of wasting it, on trivial matters. It is not the jogging, or climbing or walking which wears us out and annoys us, but the sand or pebbles in our shoes.

We should not limit ourselves, by what others feel about us, is right or wrong. Our patterns of thinking are, inherited, at least during the initial stages of our lives. As children, we copy our parents, both in their social and religious beliefs. Indeed, some of their ideas automatically programmed in our mental web and we consciously and unconsciously repeat them.

It is just like a computer program, on the computer. While we can delete the computer program with a click of the mouse button, a still more difficult task awaits us, if we want to undo Our old thinking patterns. For human beings the methods available are through their own thinking and brain and sometimes through medication or meditation.

The time we have on this earth is too short. We are not going to be here for eternity. Let us begin doing, whatever we want to do, at this moment, as this is the only moment that is under our control.

We must not, let others bring us down, by their negativity. Negative approach is a major risk, to our self-confidence as well as our well-being. Whatever we do or feel, it is a fact, that negativity of others, rubs off on us. One way is, not to be around them and avoid them as much as we can. We can recognize a negative person, by his conversation and his constant harping as to what is wrong with the world, with other people and with his life. It may not always be possible to avoid them, as they might be working with us or the negative person may be our boss. However, the better course would be to find an excuse to leave their company. A positive person should try to rub his cheering and encouraging attitude on the negative person, so that he spreads joy and happiness all around.

Be Clear about Your Objectives

Doing our best honestly is the most important passion.

Every time when we cheat others, we try to justify it, as well as lie, to protect our point of view and ourselves. If you want to feel worthy of success, you must have a high-level self-esteem for yourselves. Some people act or live, with an eye on, as to how others would feel. If you are always seeking, or functioning with a view, to get approval or approbation, from others, then you would not be able to do your best. As long as you feel, that you are doing the right things, do not waste your time, worrying about other’s perceptions. Irrespective of the field, we are in,