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Don't get overwhelmed by the challenges India poses - Don't let your passion overwhelm you

 Don’t get overwhelmed by the challenges India poses 

Don't let your passion overwhelm you.   

Dinesh K Kapila 
Many of us are passionate about nation and it’s progress. Some who are in a position, how so ever the role or position, can certainly contribute much much more to development. But do not get over over involved or distraught to the extent you lose your own joy of life or the company and comfort of your friends and family. This is a perspective which comes with time but is most important to explain to yourself, there is only so much you can do and contribute. And any programme or institution  or policy in a developmental context does not change overnight or in response to the market but is often addressed after extensive rounds of consultations among the stakeholders and is then calibrated carefully. Speedy technological changes in the private sector cannot be acted upon or reacted too in the a government or its major institutions until and unless the impact and context is well understood and it’s manifold implications. 
It’s like a supertanker changing it’s course or coming to a stop. It is carefully planned as compared to lighter freighters. This I would call innerstanding as compared to understanding is vital so as to lead the quality of life one needs to lead to have a happy life including with the family and friends.Some services may accommodate the over passionate or overwhelmingly focused by a move up the ladder as per policy but most do not. It does not also pay to develop a high moral posture or consider colleagues or stakeholders as uninvolved. Often they understand the context much better. Even if the official machinery is often emotionally distant from the developmental process, it is better to work through them rather than by hectoring or pushing endlessly the agenda or viewpoint. A passionate one sided focus often turns off offices and colleagues. 
I would extend my advise and reasoning to the private sector professionals and young professionals too. Passion is fine but draw the line at that, do not let it overwhelm you or your sense of happiness and joy of life. Once you cross that fine line, it could lead to isolation and a sense of being excluded by others. Without realising that your single minded focus has impacted your relationships. 
In this context I reached out to an individual I consider as highly focused but in danger of losing his peace of mind and his joy of life. He works in an institution or organisation in a reasonable capacity. I reached out to him as below -,
I am a Mentor to many and Counsellor in a way.
You have to bear in mind the following and do read carefully - 
1. What are your priorities - most pressing in life. Is it your family. And it’s well being. 
2. How important is your job and career advancement to you. And how does it translate into happiness in your family. 
3. Are you responsible for all that happens in this world. Or in the organisation or economy. Can you change everything. 
4. Hierarchy counts and will always. Sometimes acceptability comes with age and designation. That is the way it is. 
5. Is life fair. No. Then accept it. 
6. I am not downgrading your thoughts. Just Giving you a perspective. Think about other things - life has much more to offer. 
7. So learn to compartmentalise your life. A part for thinking and passion on poverty to development and a part for family and career and enjoyment. 
8. Do not mistake lengthy statements for content and thoughts. Condense it. 
9. Do not preach consistently but seldom. Others are equally intelligent.
10. Read a lot but do not let it overwhelm you. I see it overwhelms you. 
11. So slow down on the details. Messaging And pushing. And do not think this is the only option.
12. Network and meet people and specially committed senior professionals and gain insights and understand how initiatives evolve slowly and are calibrated. 
13. Try to sleep well. Take a tablet if you have to. You must cool yourself. 
14. Look around and meet friends and laugh, admire good things and indulge a bit. Lighten up. 
I have not met you or know you. But I thought I should reach out to you. Do see this dispassionately. 
Thank you
Best wishes
Dinesh

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