Ten Golden Rules

As I stand glancing out of the glass window from my hotel room in Thane, I realize it has now been more than four months since I joined my new job. I have made it a point to take a break from the tiring work schedule every now and then. Off late, I have begun to enjoy my company without any complain. I keep myself busy. The transition from being a passionate individual to a composed one has happened, without a conscious effort. Guru ji would be proud of me. I believe he knows all that which has been happening to me. Unlike most other people around me, I do not feel comforted or disconcerted by material pleasures. I understand this means that I have grown a lot. Whenever I remember Lord Krishna or Rama or Shiva or even Ganesha, I try to do it with gratefulness in my heart. I am making a conscious effort to not let success get on to my nerves. Time and again, I remind myself that everything in this life is temporary except the all-pervading holy name of the almighty. This life and all the lives I will ever live are dedicated to His feet. I know that this body will perish one day and so will all the material achieves. The relations I am bound with will also vanish and everything will disappear when the time arrives. All this knowledge ensures that I act without any attachment and perform my work without the slightest of hesitation. Just like Arjuna, even I get jitters but every time that happens, I make it a point to remember the holy name of the Lord and continue working like a karmayogi. Back in 2006, one of my colleagues shared with me the ten golden rules he follows to handle stress at work. I was deeply impressed and have been following them since. I am listing them down here. 1. Never say never: Nothing is impossible for a man of strong will and determination. 2. Always act on facts, not assumptions: It is not healthy to move forward without proper idea of what one is getting into, unless there is no other option. 3. Never generalize: Every situation is different. One can learn from prior experience but every situation should be approached afresh. 4. Accept your feelings: Do not deny who you are. Stand up for what you believe in. Acceptance is the first step towards positive improvement in self. 5. Accept responsibility for yourself: Do not be ashamed that things did not go well. Accept it humbly if you failed but learn from your failure and ensure it does not happen again. 6. Abandon false hopes: Believe in yourself and your abilities. Remove false expectations to live positively. 7. Step back from your problems: Everybody has problems. If you cannot solve yours, forget yours and concentrate on the work at hand. 8. Simplify your lifestyle: Live a simple life to stay healthy and happy. Do not pretend to be someone you are not. People who love you will love you and be with you anyway. 9. Spend time with nature whenever possible: Learn from nature. Spend time with it. It will give you strength and courage to carry on even in the most difficult situation. 10. Make and take decisions with courage: You are born to lead. And what good is a leader who cannot take decisions? Take every step with courage. The almighty will guide you in your efforts.