When I was a kid, I didn’t really enjoy school. I felt burdened with the subjects, homework, and all the expectations of me. I thought once school is done, I’ll be free.
But in my 11th and 12th, I pursued something else— cracking the competitive exams and getting into a good college. I worked towards that singular goal. Getting a seat at a prestigious institute meant everything as it guaranteed a well-paying job and a secure career. I got into BITS, Pilani and I felt I had finally done it.
But the elation quickly evaporated, and I soon found myself drowned in the coursework and assignments. And a sense of worry about maintaining a good CGPA, a metric that would assure placement at a reputed, well-paying company. Later, I did end up at a great company, but by then, I already wanted to get into the IAS. In the next few years, I worked towards it and believed that once I get in, I will not have any problems whatsoever.
I finally succeeded in getting into the IAS and just before going to LBSNAA I thought, this is it. It was going to be the best phase of my life. In fact, it was a great time at the academy, but it was not without any worries. I injured my right knee, and I couldn’t walk properly in all of my Foundation Course. “This knee injury is stopping me from truly enjoying my time here,” I used to tell myself.
You get the point. In all these instances, I thought that freedom and happiness are found in the next rung of the ladder. “Damn, if only I can get this, I will be truly free forever.”
But my experience so far has taught me that it doesn’t work that way. We work towards a goal, thinking that it’s the perfect solution to all our problems. But once you cross a milestone, it quickly becomes the new normal. Your original issues and worries will be replaced by a different set of issues and worries.
What we believe to be true
What is actually true
Taken from the book: The Happiness Equation
Don’t assume that the next shiny new gadget or a pay rise or promotion will solve all the problems forever. In fact, the joy we get in achieving something is rarely in the act of finishing that task.
Think of the happiest moments of your life. Eating a super-delicious meal. A fun day out with friends. Watching a beautiful movie. Reading a fabulous book. The joy in them was never about finishing or ticking them off the list. It was in relishing it. In the words and sentences of a book, in the tiny little delicious tastes of the meal, in the little jokes and banter with friends. When you are playing a game, if we are constantly worried about the scoreboard, we will not win the match. And certainly, we will not enjoy the game. What’s the point of playing if we don’t enjoy it?
To have a goal is essential, but to think that achieving it provides lasting happiness or meaning or identity is faulty thinking. We will always have problems and issues to solve. Ask yourself, would you want a life with nothing on your to-do list? I don’t think so.
We must always try to aspire, learn and grow. But we must also choose to find joy and happiness in the present moment and not postpone it until we reach an imaginary milestone. The joy is always in the journey. While climbing towards the summit is important, sometimes we must remind ourselves to look around and enjoy the beautiful view!
Very true lines sir….
I don’t know how your emails and blogs say just the right thing! Everytime I read your words, every single time, I feel like that had been just what I had required someone to tell me. Whatever you say is all so simple and basic, it feels so true and apt.
Thank you for your wise words and for making things look simpler and life lighter.❤?
What a heartwarming read. Happiness, the joy and the beauty of life is in the moment. Let’s seize it.
Ur inner monk always speaks with us through ur writings… Tq soo much for this sir… One have to live every day as if it is the last day of one’s life..
Kind of Dhoni thing. Said this when India didn’t had enough pace bowlers in 2014-15 Test series in Down under.
Always enjoy the process and get involved into. Not Looking at the results. RESULTS wil automatically come as we start enjoying it.
Many people tend to just focus on results and boom.. they are nowhere after sometime.
Thank you so much sir !
Write more and more for us sir!???
Very nervous about preliminary, being more precise is current affairs.
Really nice blog post sir . Grateful for your guidance
hi sir your feel of thoughts really goes deep into the hearts.
thank you
Truly inspiring! ??
Inspiring Sir..
Success is not a destination , success is a journey
This blog would have been more pleasing had you felt the same when you were preparing.
But I must say your blogs are the best.
Thanks a lot sir for your heartfelt ,inspiring and thought provoking piece of writing. It’s a wonderful piece of writing both for the strength of your personal thoughts and the importance of topic.
I eagerly wait for your posts. Please keep writing to inspire others . You are an honest to goodness person. You are truly an example of a person who aspire to inspire. Your writings acts like a spirit booster and enkindles our soul. Your writings reflects the saying SIMPLICITY IS THE ULTIMATE SOPHISTICATION.
This piece of writing gave us the perspective that there is no way to happiness but happiness itself is the way.
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Thank you sir, for all the effort you take inspite of your busy schedule to enthusiase the aspirants, your posts help us overcome our challenges we face regularly apart from the help it gives us in our preparation it makes us better human beings and helps us look at the world in a different perspective…????
Thank you sir it’s really help me to grow up toward my success
I like to read you sir.
Thop
Sir are you posted as an additional collecter in Bhadradri kothagudem?
Well written.
Completely agree to the fact that it’s the journey that must be enjoyed.
It’s a great article for aspirants . Thank you so much sir.
Sir, thank you so much for theses words of motivation. This anecdote is worth appreciable. I’m a big fan of u anudeep sir. U r my favorite IAS officer. Looking forward for more such amazing post of yours.
Sir
I always awaiting for your blogs and pics
These always inspire me
Anu annayya I’m really feel very proud feel..bcoz everything in life is very important..and .. success begins one step only…and enjoying journey in few members.but it was an amazing…tq so much anna
Thank you sir.i am happy to read your blog.
It is inspiration and then I knew how I effort my vision.
True… So it happens with everyone.. I was thinking I am d only one who is not enjoying
Sir..Once Experience Heartfulness
Kanhashantivanam Worlds Largest meditation center…as uh mentioned mindfulness
Visit The Ashram.????
Amazing!
Sir,When will u reply to my mail?
Enjoy the journey? Pls tell how also…
I eagerly await your articles ….
Jai Hind ! Sir .
It great sir. I am great full for this Knowledge.