When we are in dire straits, we always look for the light at the end of the tunnel. We always look for a better life. A better place to be in. A better lifestyle. We Aspire.
Without aspirations life gets stagnant. We always need something to challenge us. To make life interesting. That said, we need to be in touch with reality too. As we say in Tamil, “Parakarthuku asai patta irukardhum poidum”.
Is there a balance between our aspirations and being grounded? Great Indians like Abdul Kalam have told us to dream big and to make that dream a reality. I strongly believe that the golden mean is “setting the expectations right”. I believe that expectations are the key to moving forward.
Aspirations to reality is not a simple flight with a single boarding and de-boarding. Rather it is a ‘town bus’. If the conductor tells you “Erangi eru pa”, you have to get down at that bus stop willfully and get back on. There are many ups and downs. We set realistic goals and a measured journey as we move from a dream to a reality.
That said, a dream to reality is where the real struggle is. Which brings me back to my topic.
Aspirations and continuity.
Continuity is being cognizant of what my current position is. Aspiring to be an IAS officer when fighting for my daily food seems far fetched. That is why such success stories on LinkedIn, are heart warming and you genuinely want that person to do well in life.
Continuity also means what my current situation is. An aspiration can only be built on top of my current situation. Being in the Present is one of our biggest presents. It is always good to take incremental steps towards a goal rather than take a giant leap of faith.
Aspirations and Continuity go hand in hand. The roadmap from dreams to reality needs to have many pit stops where you reflect on the way you have come and the way forward.
Peace out.