Planning is an essential tool for constructing a meaningful life and fulfilling our responsibilities towards others.
Deependra Shanker Agarwal
The real problem isn't planning itself but our perception of it. As the American meditation teacher Joseph Goldstein puts it, "a plan is just a thought." We often treat our plans as if they are a lasso thrown from the present around the future to bring it under our control. However, a plan is merely a present-moment statement of intent. It's an expression of your current thoughts on how you'd like to influence the future. The future, of course, is under no obligation to comply.
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When we have too many activities to fit into our schedules, we feel unpleasantly busy; when there are too few, we feel bored. If we manage to keep up with our schedules, we congratulate ourselves for 'staying on top of things' and feel justified in our existence.
Where There Is No Struggle, There Is No Strength
Suffering doesn't hold you; you hold suffering. Don't try to understand life; live it. Don't try to understand love; move into love. Through living and experiencing, true understanding emerges. The more you know, the more you realize how much remains unknown.
In Life, There Is Always a Choice
How do we overcome fear? We cannot overcome something that doesn't exist. Fear is a creation of our minds, often based on scenarios that never come to pass. Think of the 100 things you feared; 99 of them likely never happened. We can't overcome something that doesn't exist. Instead, enjoy the fear. We create it, much like a producer makes a horror movie.
What Is the Goal of Life?
There is no goal of life. Life is a goal in itself. By pursuing power, money, prestige, or other ambitions, we sacrifice our lives for meaningless pursuits. This realization often comes only at the time of death, with the shock that we were so focused on achieving the 'goal of life' that we forgot to live. Goals are always in the future, while life is in the present moment. Striving to achieve life means missing it. Living people live.
Achievement is driven by ambition, which serves the ego. None of our achievements-power, knowledge, or material gain-will give us life. All achievement is the ambition of our ego. In pursuit of these goals, we lose our lives to trivial things.
Ultimate Happiness Comes from Being Conscious
Humans, unlike animals, have the burden of consciousness. Animals are inherently happy because they don't have to choose; they simply are.
A Simple Way to Look at Life by Deependra Shanker Agarwal
It's worthwhile to periodically reflect on our lives from a macro perspective. Even if we're moving at a great pace in the desired direction, ticking all the boxes, we must ask ourselves if we're driving in the "right" direction.
In the words of Charles Einstein, life was supposed to be more joyful, real, and meaningful. The world was meant to be more beautiful. We weren't supposed to hate Mondays and live only for weekends and holidays. We shouldn't raise our hands to pee or be kept indoors on beautiful days. Are we killing time, or is time killing us?
Spiritual leader Osho says that accepting yourself as you are is the most challenging task in the world because it goes against our training, education, and culture. This leads us to live socially acceptable but unfulfilled and stressful lives.
Chronic Stress and Its Impact
Chronic stress and depression are linked to increased risks of heart disease, obesity, diabetes, and other chronic conditions. According to the American Institute of Stress, stress is implicated in at least 75% of all doctor's office visits. Prolonged stress weakens the immune system, making individuals more susceptible to infections. The percentage of 'Insecure Overachievers' in our society is growing rapidly, as the race is not about having enough but about having more than others.
Two Main Barriers to Living a Life of Choice – Consciousness and Fear
Lack of Consciousness: A Barrier to Fulfillment
The money left behind when you die is the time of your life wasted earning it. Many fail to live fulfilling lives and become consumed by the pursuit of material possessions due to a lack of consciousness. Consciousness refers to awareness-of one's true desires, values, and the impact of external influences on their decisions.
A lack of consciousness leads individuals to prioritize external validation and material gain over personal fulfillment and inner growth. They conform to societal expectations, chase after superficial goals, and measure their worth by external achievements rather than internal satisfaction.
Eckhart Tolle aptly states, "Most people treat the present moment as if it were an obstacle they need to overcome. Since the present moment is life itself, it is an insane way to live."
The Role of Fear
Fear is a significant barrier to living a fulfilling life. It manifests as fear of failure, judgment, or uncertainty, preventing individuals from pursuing their true passions and embracing personal growth. The idea of opting out of the race and imagining our peers moving ahead can keep us trapped. We need to understand that we are not opting out of the race; we are merely changing our sport.
Fear is a powerful force that holds us back from living authentically and pursuing meaningful goals. It fosters reluctance to step outside comfort zones and take the risks necessary for personal fulfillment. "The greatest fear in the world is the opinion of others, and the moment you are unafraid of the crowd, you are no longer a sheep; you become a lion."
Minimizing Stress and Finding Fulfillment
- Actionable Tips:
1. Conscious Awareness: Practice mindfulness to become aware of your true desires and values.
2. Fear Management: Embrace fear as a natural part of growth. Understand it, but don’t let it control you.
3. Present Living: Focus on the present moment and find joy in daily experiences rather than future achievements.
4. Simplify Life: Reduce unnecessary activities and commitments to avoid feeling overwhelmed.
5. Seek Inner Fulfillment: Prioritize personal satisfaction and inner growth over external validation.
- Step-by-Step Suggestions:
1.Mindfulness Practice: Dedicate a few minutes daily to mindfulness meditation to enhance self-awareness.
2.Journaling: Write down your fears and analyze them to understand their origins and impact on your life.
3.Goal Reevaluation: Regularly reassess your goals to ensure they align with your values and true desires.
4.Declutter: Simplify your schedule and environment to reduce stress and focus on what truly matters.
5.Self-Acceptance: Practice self-compassion and acceptance, embracing your authentic self.
Life's true essence lies in the present moment, not in future achievements. By practicing consciousness and managing fear, we can lead fulfilling, meaningful lives. Let's focus on living authentically, finding joy in the present, and simplifying our lives. Remember, life is not about the race; it's about the journey. Embrace it fully, and you'll find fulfillment and happiness in the here and now.
About Deependra Shanker Agarwal-Deependra Shanker Agarwal, a titan in entrepreneurship and investment, has led Shanker Group to unparalleled success across diverse sectors for over six decades. His strategic acumen and resilience have driven remarkable growth, notably in the steel plant sector where he achieved significant milestones. Today, Agarwal leverages his expertise to mentor budding entrepreneurs, sharing invaluable insights gleaned from his illustrious career.
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