A message to Nitesh from 2011!

As I move about to into the next decade of my life, I started reflecting on something I have seen Lewis Hamilton put out a video on. The video is titled "A letter to my younger self"

Inspired by the above and the phase in my professional and personal life I find myself, I was wondering what would be my reflections and thoughts shared with my younger self; maybe a decade back. As I reflect back on 2011, I was in London working with Infosys on a huge transformational program for one of the biggest telecom providers in the world. The last 10 years have been huge from a journey, experiences and learnings perspective.

So here is a letter to myself 10 years back!

Dear Nitesh,

Hope you are doing well! Good to see you enjoy the work in London and the exciting phase in which the program is going. You have an exciting year coming up; and for the next few years to come, here are some lessons that I want to share with you:

1. Success eventually comes, don't chase it too hard: Yes, you like most professionals want success. You will think about recognitions, promotions, hikes and while these will come when they have to, you end up getting frustrated at the pace of the development. The irony is that initial hikes, promotions and recognitions sure mean a lot; but you have a career spanning 40 years. Being slow but steady and consistent is critical. You dont want to be the hare or someone who burns himself out chasing dreams too fast but the tortoise who moves slowly but decisively!
2. Stay focussed on the bigger purpose: You like everything to be perfect. When you think about something or work on something, you want them to happen based on your defined timelines. That means you get frustrated at the pace of progress or the lack of it in some cases. The reality is that rather than chasing everything, be focussed on the bigger purpose. If you have 10 things that need to be done, not all 10 items are equally critical and hence prioritise what is most critical and influence stakeholders to complete them on time. Trying to make too much happen is like setting yourself up for failure which is not helping with the bigger purpose.
3. The importance of sleep and hobbies: They always say that All Work and No Play makes Jack a dull boy. Yes, you do have some hobbies like playing some instrument, reading blogs, watching movies etc but they get sacrificed when work increases. On the sleep front, you often target an exact 6 hours as that is the bare minimum. There is no substitute to a calm and a relaxed mind; which one gets based on quality time spent with family, friends and hobbies. This will mean that you are mentally more agile and fresh when you get to work emphasising the importance of quality over quantity! So, take care of yourself and ensure that you sleep well and give yourself quality and quantity "ME" time!
4. The power of silence: I know you like to take matters to a logical conclusion. It may not sound appropriate but sometimes (esp in contrarian views/situations), just saying nothing is better than negating the person/point/line of argument. Silence allows you the power to have made the point yet said nothing that spreads negativity. Use this tool judiciously too, as in most matters and situations, logical conclusions are best for sure.
5. Importance of Hard Work: You will always hear that there is no substitute to hard work. It is completely true. No matter how gifted you may be, or whether you are successful or not, never let this quality slip away. Yes, enjoy life but when you work, work hard. Give it the best you have, no matter what you do.
6. Importance of Discipline: You are fortunate to be born in a family where discipline is natural. Being an early riser is in the genes and keeping to schedules and commitments has always been a good trait. This is surely one quality you must continue forever. Infosys once defined its strategy and positioning around Predictability. Discipline will ensure that people know what to get from you. You should always meet their expectation on deadlines but surely aspire to outperform on output!
7. Importance of Being Genuine and Authentic: I know you believe in this aspect. In hindsight I have experienced that this may not always be desirable and on occasions it may work against you; as you may want to stand up to your views/principles/beliefs. But, in the long term this would serve you well. It is always better to have people who may dislike you because you don't toe the line; but they would surely respect you for what you stand for.
8. Be Grateful Always: You have so far had incredible leaders and who have seen you at work and who you influenced you. On the personal side too, you have an incredible family and friend circle and you will continue to be blessed with many in the future as well. Ensure that you are always thankful to each one of them for what they have taught you directly and indirectly. Only when you do that, will you be able to yourself leave a mark on your juniors and colleagues and more importantly it would teach you to be grounded.
9. What happens, happens for the "BEST": If there is one last but most important lesson you need to imbibe is what Madhuri and I have repeatedly realised time and time and time again. Whatever happens, absolutely happens for the best! Never have regrets, never reflect on past decisions but always move on. There is a reason why things happen and life has its uncanny ways to teach us and it is only with experience that we learn it.

So, wishing you all the best! Take care of yourself, remain positive and calm at all times. Be assertive and not aggressive and enjoy what you do. You have a blessed 10 years ahead of yourself. Enjoy every moment and remember to be thankful to those around for everything that they do for you.

Love and Warm Regards,

Nitesh