The transformation happened at the old boys’ school reunion in a plush heritage resort up north of India.
Till then, I was just like every other successful entrepreneur whose only pitch to ‘stardom’ was a gruesome, soul wrenching description of the journey from scratch. This, most always began, as a nondescript poor soul whose family could prove to western research scientists that two meals a day, which was all that was affordable then, was sufficient to cure obesity globally! Of course, all this had to be additionally punctuated with school dropping outs, working all night to make both ends meet, and so on. All this just to inspire a bunch of hopefuls!
So, how did the change manifest in me?
During those two days of sheer adolescent reminiscing and attempting to play games that most often got hampered with uncontrollably wobbly paunches, we gathered around a well-lit bonfire to share our life’s chronicles of the last 4 decades amidst several pegs of single malts. When it came to me, I gave them all an exuberantly heady account of my life from a waiter to a CEO and my subsequent traverse as a successful entrepreneur, punched up with very generous dollops of several rag stories to the ultimate riches.
Shortly after, I received a request from the Food and Beverages General Manager to meet with his large army of waiters, stewards and captains. Some of them had happened to hear my story and wanted me to share it with the rest of the F&B Team. Well, I was happy to oblige.
It was my sudden and absolute mindset transformation, during the interaction with them, that completely surprised me. Till then I had been the typical Inspirational bonhomie guy like a million others. But as I spun my merry tale around them, I realized that an ethereal set of moments were unveiling themselves: In my eyes they began to see a possibility; in their eyes I could see a newborn aspirational desire emerging – a definitive feasibility that even a waiter can eventually become a CEO and beyond…
It is at that very moment I metamorphosed from being just a mere inspiration to becoming an awe-inspiring ASPIRATION.
Now, how did I become an Aspiration for them? In 6 amazing ways, actually:
- While I practically described my journey, an Action Oriented Impact happened. They could very clearly visualize that I had engaged in actions that had led to tangible results.
- Throughout my journey, I had never focused on perfection. In fact, I had constantly Embraced my Imperfections because none of us are flawless and hence, embracing my flaws helped to develop my resilience.
- As I showcased my journey, they found it Realistic and Relatable. After all, I had begun from where each of them was – as a waiter. I willfully shared all the ups and downs, the pain and joys, the tears and the laughter. The path could be visualized transparently and realistically by them.
- As I spoke, I Celebrated my Individuality. I talked about what it took me to discover my unique strengths and qualities as I traversed. And how I used them to find my own authentic path instead of emulating someone else’s journey.
- As I journeyed from the foothills to the summit, I constantly Balanced Success and Wellbeing. I always prioritized a holistic approach to success mixed with wellbeing. This perspective invigorated a healthier and more sustainable pursuit of my goals which resulted in a healthy and joyful life altogether.
- And finally, my dream to Craft a Legacy to give back to the world filled with decades of my experiences, knowledge and wisdom gained from it all. That one eventual desire, seeped in spiritual purity, to positively impact as many lives as possible, leaving behind a meaningful and enduring influence forever. This sealed it all!
Evolve. It’s the only Continuous…
Ciao for now. See you soon.
Anand
Disclaimer: None of the contents featured in my blogs/vlogs/articles/podcasts are AI generated. Each of my expressions are undeniably my very own kaleidoscope of experiences from the archives of my life, put together to inspire you…forever!
Connect with me to traverse a journey filled with inspiration and empowerment for a lifetime! Would be delighted to welcome you into my world 🙏🤗
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See you soon…
Anand
Celebrate Life…Celebrate being YOU!
