Lenses Of Life...

As part of my journey as a Performance & Career Coach, I do meet many professionals who are going through their professional struggles. Some of them are working professionals, some of them are job seekers and some of them are struggling entrepreneurs. Though everyone has their own set of challenges and life experiences to share but surprisingly when you dig deep, most of the experiences are quite similar (if not exactly the same). As a Coach and also as an HR professional, I could imagine the mental and emotional state that they go through while narrating their stories.  

I have realized that sooner or later most of us face life-changing scenarios which can make us or break us. For the benefit of you all, I have compiled a list of SIX FACTS named 'Lenses of Life', that I have gathered during these interactions which can be a good reflection point. If you reflect & co-relate, it will be helpful to you to navigate through your life much easier (especially when you are facing a crisis or going through a rough patch in life). 

By no means, this is the story of one individual or of one category of people. These are the life experiences of many which I tried to put across through these statements bundled as ‘Lenses of Life’. 

1. Friends are not Forever: Contrary to what people want you to believe, your friends (and sometimes even your family members) will not always be a pillar of support to you. Some battles will be lonely and full of hopelessness but you have to fight it out. Crying babies do not always get chocolates! 
2. Differentiate between 'Sympatheziers' and 'Supporters': All those who will lend you an ear will not lend you their hands (reverse is also true). Most of the time, this support will be from the people you least expected from. People who are closer to you or have assured you of help will be the first to distance from you. The sooner you differentiate them, the better it is.
3. Plan B is not always the exact replacement of Plan A: We all have been reminded that we should have Plan B in place but very rarely we were told that Plan B requires to be as solid as Plan A. Therefore, plan B will yield only if you have invested your time and energy with all sincerity into it. You cannot afford to lose both at the same time!
4. Life is never going to be Linear & and Sequential: Fairness, equity, equality are nice words, and one should always have optimism around it. However, be prepared to deal with life if things are not moving as per your expectations. Sometimes you will get more than what you deserve and sometimes you will struggle to get what you deserve. Accept it and move on in life.
5. Differentiate between Idea & Executable Idea: The 'idea' is good, 'the executable idea' is better, 'the profitable executable idea' is the best: Funnel will get narrow at each stage so real success is in understanding the difference and mastering the art.
6. Passion Vs Profession Dilemma: Most of the depression is around choosing between your passion and your profession. For most people, it is not the same and there is absolutely nothing wrong with it. Very few are privileged to make their passion their profession and earn their living from it. Rather than cribbing and complaining, muster your energy to excel in both fields simultaneously. Just remember that - Passion is for satisfaction and profession is for compensation.

As we know life is a journey, the reflection of these lenses will also change as time progresses.

Therefore, stay happy, stay focused and if needed refocus your life lenses...!!