2014 Reflections

As I reflect upon 2014, I realize that it has been a year of learning. An year where I realized a few hard truths about myself as a person, both in terms of positives and in terms of where I needed to be. It was also a year that challenged my perceptions and forced me to question my pre-existing beliefs. Yes, there are many reasons to be grateful for 2014.

I also understood that pure idealism was not a viable option and it has to be backed up with dosage of pragmatism. Yes, Money is important and it plays a bigger role that what we think it does. This year, I learnt the value of the need to aspire for financial goals. As the tamil saying goes ‘Thanakku minji daan Daanam’, contribution to society at large cannot be achieved without one first realizing one’s individual goals.

I also realized that at times, it is important to focus on self. Only when the self needs are realized will we have the energy to focus on contributing to others, including our family. And if this requires sacrifice, one should be prepared for it. As I started for US, leaving behind my parents and the country I love, I realized this and it only adds weight to my responsibilities and action in the coming years.

Most importantly, i have realized the need to take baby steps towards personal development and not to beat oneself up over past failures. It is good to aim high, but being an idealist, I have generally overestimated my capabilities and underestimated the effort needed to achieve a goal. This year though, on a day to day basis, am going to be focused on hard work and efforts vis-à-vis goals and on being energetic all the time. Energy and Efforts are my mantra for this year, every single day.

There are still areas that I need to sort out, but as I begin to focus on being a better person each day, I hope the universe will sort them out J…Wish all of you a fantastic year in 2015 and may to achieve happiness and success in whatever you aspire for!

Love

Manoj