Life is the greatest coach… We need to adjust our approach!

 

Hazaaron khwahishein aisi…
Hazaaron khwahishein aisi ke har khwahish pe dam nikle,
Bahut nikle mere armaan,
Lekin phir bhi kam nikle!

This timeless couplet by Mirza Ghalib beautifully captures the endless nature of human desires. It resonates deeply with many of my contemporaries, reminding us that no matter how many aspirations we fulfill, there will always be countless more waiting to be realized.

Looking back at my life of over four decades and career spanning over twenty years, I often find myself caught between two feelings: there’s still so much left to achieve and I’ve already achieved more than I once imagined.

Some milestones were within my control, and I reached them with determination. Yet many others were shaped by forces far beyond me—economic recessions, job market shifts, the pandemic, and even the way people perceived me. These external factors delayed certain goals. For instance, my MBA was postponed by six months after I fractured my leg in an accident. Similarly, my PhD journey stretched longer than expected; it took two years after submitting my thesis to finally defend it, largely due to COVID-19 and other circumstances.

Eventually, I did achieve these qualifications through grit and perseverance, though not within the timelines I had envisioned. Even job promotions arrived later than I had hoped. But each delay carried a hidden gift—it taught me resilience.

Then, just before my birthday this year, I turned a new page: I became a certified Life Coach. And honestly, it wasn’t only about coaching others—it was about coaching myself. It was about learning to accept who I truly am.

For years, people have tried to box me into identities:

• The no-nonsense government officer.
• The easygoing guy who’s always smiling.
• The intellectual who dissects life through philosophy.

The truth? I exist somewhere in between all of these.

Society—whether relatives, acquaintances, or colleagues—often prefers people who shine just enough, like the rising or setting sun: gentle, warm, and tolerable. But when someone radiates at their peak, like the midday sun, it unsettles others. Success and happiness don’t always invite applause; sometimes, they attract resentment.

I’ve learned that not everyone will celebrate your wins. Some may even feel more content when you stumble. But here’s the lesson I carry forward: when life gets tough, never doubt yourself. Because People will always judge you by your achievements, but only you can truly judge your own capabilities. That’s why I stopped chasing external validation and started listening to myself. As I often say:

Ilaychi ke daano sa muqaddar hai apna…
Mehak bikhari utni, pise gaye jitna.

I continue sharpening my skills, regardless of what others may think. My Life Coach Certification is a reflection of this mindset.

I still remember a colleague doubting whether I could drive from Pune to Ooty and back in my decade-old car (with my so-called F1 driving style). But thanks to my prior experience, I was confident. Not only did I conquer Ooty’s Dodabetta peak, but I also explored Coorg and Wayanad—all in a single week’s vacation. In total, I drove nearly 3,000 km single-handedly in just six days.

Of course, there were moments when even an “F1 driver” wonders if something might be wrong with the car. But instead of playing the victim card, I chose to shift my perspective and remind myself:

Saiyaara tu to badla nahi hai…
Mausam jara sa rootha hua hai!

This is exactly what the certification has taught me: life becomes easier when you change your perspective. Thoughts give birth to emotions, emotions shape decisions, decisions drive actions, and actions create results.

And if the results don’t align with your expectations, don’t blame the situation or another person. Instead, change your thoughts. Focus on what lies within your control. Life may be unfair, but it is also a coach—you just need to adjust your approach.