Where is your paint can?


A man landed a job painting the yellow line down the center of the highway, by hand. After three days his foreman complained about the job he was doing. “Your first day out, you did great,” he said. “You painted that line for three miles. Your second day wasn’t bad. You painted two miles. But today you painted only one mile, so it looks like I will have to fire you.”

On his way out of the foreman’s office, the employee looked back and said, “It’s not my fault. Everyday I got further and further from the paint can.”

This humorous story illustrates how we can complicate our lives at work and at home, if we are lacking insight into how we create additional stresses in our lives. Many times we look to a time management seminar or a book to tell us how to gain more time. Perhaps, we might do better to ask, “How can I simplify my life?”

Here is a brief questionnaire that can be used to evaluate whether you are unnecessarily making your tasks more difficult.

1. What systems do I have, or need, that will make sure that I use my time, resources and materials in a practical manner?

2. In what ways am I making my job more difficult because I walk back and forth between the unfinished “yellow line” and my paint can?

3. Have I let a habit lock me into a routine that is not only counterproductive, but also costs me time and a peaceful existence?

4. How can I further simply my life at work and home so that I feel more in control and more productive?

5. What unnecessary steps can I eliminate at work that will reduce the stress that I feel?

Like the man painting the yellow line by hand, if we fail to plan how to accomplish a task. We then lose sight of our ability to re-evaluate our activities and we may find ourselves walking the same path over and over again, but accomplishing less and less. If this becomes a habit, we may find ourselves on the road to burnout.

Taking a few minutes to analyze situations in which we have left our paint can far behind, rather than bringing it along, can lead to a happier more productive life.

Affirmation for the Week:

“I live and work in a simplified manner, and I frequently look up and survey my life to determine if I need to make adjustments.”

Have a fulfilled week!

Slow day but hectic work


Normally hectic work days moves fast. But this time it was otherwise;

  • As usual replying to email and interacting with people.
  • Then worked a bit on the wired frame for the new project.
  • Dropped Dad in office.
  • Then had a conference call with a friend to get information about some green projects.
  • Then had a Board meeting with Bala after a long time.
  • Then moved for a meeting with Kavi and discussed some new plans.

Are we acting?


Yesterday didn’t plan much to spend some time with my friend. As usual i slept long and started the day by evening. Then I picked my friend and went to Marina beach and from there I took him to a Roof-top restaurant near my house.  We started a formal conversation and after gulping some pegs it became too informal.

I’ve always admired this guy for his self-confidence and enjoying his life to his fullest. He is in his early thirties and still not married. Until yesterday I thought he is pushing his marriage for the sake of his career. Even i strongly believed marriage is a stumbling block for ambitious people like us.

But I was in for a rude shock. This guy on his high confessed that he wanted to get married and he badly needs a companion. I’ve seen a lot for friends who were very desperate for marriage and they have obviously shown that in their behavior.  But this guy has never once he has shown those symptoms.

From then on I was wondering if we are all living a false life? Are we acting?

With this experience I can say we are all living with a masked face…

Onsite offer


I was in flight, was going to onsite once again. was very happy plane takes off, n takes me to the sky. i looked outside the window, nice evening scene, feels like heaven.

i just lost myself in that beauty. Someone’s voice disturbed me “excuse me sir, would you like to have something?”   i turned back, and was surprise to see my beautiful old schoolmate, Saakshi.

“Hey Saakshi, is that you, how come you… Wow, you looks still the same, pretty.. In this Air-hostess suit”

“Saurabh, wo…..w, I cant believe this is you.. ohh sorry I am on my job, will talk to you later” she left smile on my face. I coudnt believe in my eyes, It reminded me my school days memories.

How crazy i was about her, always followed her after the school, wrote love letters, but never dared to give one of them. Always looking at her in the class, from last bench. she was the queen of our class. I fought with 2-3 other guys for her, how stupid I was.

I coudnt stop myself, looking at her again, I was amazed to see that, she became more beautiful then she were at school. She too looked at me and smile, then she said something to her fellow air-hostess, then they both started smiling.

I was clueless that wat happened. her colleague was also damn pretty. Oh my god, today you fulfil one of my dream.

I thought of going there and having chat with her, but i knew that, its her job, so I stopped myself. Again started looking outside the window. We were above the clouds making an awesome scene outside, also inside, because of her smile.

I got some courage, and pretended that I am going towards toilet. I looked at her, she understood what I desired. She came toward me and said : “extremly sorry yaar, I couldnt talk to you much, so say how are you, where have you been these many years, and whats your success story? for what purpose you are going?”

“hmmm… i was always there, it was you who left everything after school, i searched you, so many places wherever i could, but no existence of you. Then i completed my college, got a job in such a nice company, i didnt know, my company will give me this much, still i m going for an onsite job, dont know when will return back. you know, i got everything in my life except someone, with whom i can actually share my world, my success. someone…”

I looked straight into her eyes.. those blue eyes, i think she got the answer, who is that ‘someone’ with some pain in her eyes, she said, “sorry got to go,will give you my number”

I again, sat back to my seat,very silent, looking outside, and hoping some answer. It was dark outside by that time, some thunder in cloud, just like inside my heart.

Then suddenly, plane started getting hiccups.. everone got scared.. I saw Saakshi running towards mic, she made an announcement, that dont be panic as they are facing a storm outside. But plane started shaking badly, everyone started feeling its the last moment of their lives…

I keep on watching Saakshi, and she to me…

Then something hit my back hard and there was a complete darkness in front of me..

Deep silent, but i could still feel the shaking plane, and people’s scream..

Then someone shouted… ‘Saaaauuuuraaabhhhhhhhhhhhh !!!!!’

“Saurabh, wake up you are again sleeping in office, wake up, i need that report urgently”

Damn.. I looked here-there, same ODC, no Onsite, no plane.. no Saakshi..

I stared at my PM in anger.. Because of you only, that plane crashed!!

I STILL DONT KNOW, WHY IT HAPPENS DAILY BETWEEN 2 TO 3.

Story of Wilma Rudolph


Wilma Rudolph was born into a poor home in Tennessee. At age four, she had double pneumonia with scarlet fever, a deadly combination which left her paralyzed with polio. She had to wear a brace and the doctor said she would never put her foot on the earth.

But her mother encouraged her; she told Wilma that with God-given ability, persistence and faith she could do anything she wanted.   Wilma said, “I want to be the fastest woman on the track on this earth.”

At the age of nine, against the advice of the doctors, she removed the brace and took the first step the doctors had said she never would.

At the age of 13, she entered her first race and came way, way last. And then she entered her second, and third and fourth and came way, way last until a day came when she came in first. 

At the age of 15 she went to Tennessee State University where she met a coach by the name of Ed Temple. She told him, “I want to be the fastest woman on the track on this earth.” Temple said, “With your spirit nobody can stop you and besides, I will help you.”

The day came when she was at the Olympics and at the Olympics you are matched with the best of the best. Wilma was matched against a woman named Jutta Heine who had never been beaten.
The first event was the 100-meter race. Wilma beat Jutta Heine and won her first gold medal.

The second event was the 200-meter race and Wilma beat Jutta a second time and won her second gold medal. 

The third event was the 400-meter relay and she was racing against Jutta one more time. In the relay, the fastest person always runs the last lap and they both anchored their teams. The first three people ran and changed the baton easily. When it came to Wilma’s turn, she dropped the baton. But Wilma saw Jutta shoot up at the other end; she picked the baton, ran like a machine, beat Jutta a third time and won her third gold medal.

It became history: That a paralytic woman became the fastest woman on this earth at the 1960 Olympics.  

The moment you read this story, your mind reminds of that similar pseudo-inspirational moment in “Forrest Gump”. 

Who in this world is free of problems? Successful people do it in spite of, not in absence of, problems.

Most people never run far enough on their first wind to find out they’ve got a second.  Give your dreams all you’ve got and you’ll be amazed at the energy that comes out of you.

Chilled out for the day & a day of co-incidence


I’ve decided to take some break form my normal work and do something interesting. That is when I got a message in FaceBook from a person whom I befriended last week in the bus. He was telling me that he wanted to become an entrepreneur and wanted to spend sometime with me to understand / get some of my thoughts on Entrepreneurship. I though that would be the best thing to take a break.

Before getting ready I got another message in FaceBook from a Student. He was asking my thoughts on MBA. This guy has just completed his Under Graduation and wants to pursue his MBA immediately. He said he has not attended any campus interview to continue his studies and also his parents wants him to have a Post Graduation before he going to Job. I recommended him to work for 2 – 3 years before doing a MBA. I’ve shared as must as example as possible. But it is upto the boy to take my point and to convince his parents.

Then I was going through the success story of Mr.Ganapathy of Dosa Plaza which raised my energy. Please go through this link to read about his story “Once penniless in Mumbai, now a crorepati!”

Only then I remembered about the Success Story of another person whom I read a month back and contacted him immediately. I was glad to get a polite response form him and most probably I’d be meeting him tomorrow.

Then I picked my bus mate and spent good time with him. We were sharing our thoughts, plans and ideas. It was mutual learning and infact he had good network of friends who would be of good help for me in my business. So, it was worth the time to spend with him.

Finally when I was about to close the day I got a SMS from a new visitor to my blog;

I have come across your blog by accident. im a sri lankan tamil living in uk.keep da inspiring work sir.god bless .raj ramanan

and immediately he called me. That was very motivating and I was happy that people recognize the small success I’ve made and not it is time to work hard to sustain the success.

A nice meeting & a new friend


Today I had to give an appointment to Deutsche Bank folks because I was chased by their pre-sales caller from Mumbai for almost a week. Then as usual I was late for the meeting because my previous meeting got stretched.

I allowed this guy to talk for couple of minutes where he lists his clientele, products etc. After listening to everything I asked him;

What will they do if they get a proposal from a Startup with an idea?

He said he (the Bank) cant help them. Then I said that is where I’m positioning myself and I wanted to help those people by Seed funding them since they are denied a chance with Biggies.

Then we because close on a personal note and he was talking about his entrepreneur wife who runs a chain of Pre-Schools. I’ve never seen an husband talking that high about his wife. In fact I wanted to meet her and have an interview of her in my blog.

Then we We discussed a lot about other business models, ideas etc. Finally what started as a Business Meet ended as a Friendship Meet and would be glad to meet such energetic guys.

Pointers to lead a better life


  • Take a 10 – 30 minute walk every day and while you walk, SMILE
  • Sit in silence for at least 10 minutes each day
  • When you wake up in the morning complete the following statement.
    • My purpose is to _______________ today.
  • Live with the 3 E’s: Energy , Enthusiasm and Empathy.
  • And the 3 F’s: Faith, Family and Friends
  • Spend more time with people over the age of 70 and under the age of 6
  • Dream more while you are awake
  • Try to make at least 3 people smile each day
  • Realize that life is a school and you are here to learn, pass all the tests, problems are simply part of the curriculum that appear and fade away like algebra class, but the lessons you learn will last a lifetime.
  • Smile and laugh more, it will keep the energy vampires away.
  • Life isn’t fair, but it is still good.
  • Life is to short to waste time hating anyone.
  • Don’t take yourself so seriously.  No one else does.
  • You don’t have to win every argument.  Agree to disagree.
  • Make peace with your past, so it won’t mess the present.
  • Don’t compare your life with others, you have no idea what their journey is all about.
  • Burn the candles, use the nice sheets, don’t save it for a special occasion, today is special.
  • No one is in charge of your happiness except you.  Forgive everyone for everything.
  • What other people think of you is none of your business.
  • Time heals everything.  Give time, time.
  • However good or bad a situation is, it will change.  Your job won’t take care of you when you are sick.  Your friends will stay in touch.
  • Get rid of everything that isn’t useful, beautiful or joyful.
  • Believe. The best is yet to come.
  • No matter how you feel, get up, dress up, and show up.
  • Do the right thing.
  • Call your family often.
  • Each night before you go to bed, complete the following statement…
    • I am thankful for…
    • Today I accomplished……
  • Remember that you are too blessed to be stressed.
  • Enjoy the ride.  Remember this is not Disney World and you certainly don’t want to fast pass.  Make the most of it and enjoy the ride!

Be Smart And Observant At Work


Chuan and Jing joined a wholesale company together just after graduation. Both worked very hard.

After several years, the boss promoted Jing to sales executive but Chuan remained a sales representative. One day Chuan could not take it anymore, tender resignation to the boss and complained that the boss did not value hard working staff, but only promoted those who flattered him.

The boss knew that Chuan worked very hard for the years, but in order to help Chuan realise the difference between him and Jing, the boss asked Chuan to do the following. Go and find out anyone selling water melon in the market Chuan returned and said yes. The boss asked how much per kg, Chuan went back to the market to ask and returned informing the boss that it is $12 per kg.

Boss told Chuan, I will ask Jing the same question. Jing went, returned and said, boss, only one person selling water melon. $12 per kg, $100 for 10 kg, he has inventory of 340 melons. On the table 58 melons, every melon weighs about 15 kg, bought from the South two days ago, they are fresh and red, good quality.

Chuan was very impressed and realized the difference between himself and Jing. He decided not to resign but to learn from Jing.

My dear friends, a more successful person is more observant, thinks more and understands in depth. For the same matter, a more successful person sees several years ahead, while we see only tomorrow. The difference between a year and a day is 365 times.

Think! How far have you seen ahead in your life? How thoughtful and in depth are you?

Why is Kashmir Burning??


Last couple of months we wake up reading about violence in the Valley. Not sure how many of you would be aware of why this problem is burning. For those Ignorant people let me give you some reality of the history.

During the time of Independance India was divided into 3 set of territories;

  1. British India ruled by British.
  2. Princely States (Small Countries ruled by Kings by supporting British)
  3. India Ruled by French & Portugese

Post Independence Sardar Vallabhai Patil wanted to make all those princely states, french & portugese colonies as a part of India to avoid future conflicts. Most of the princely states were integrated peacefully except;

  • State of Jodhpur
  • State of Junagarh
  • State of Hydrabad
  • State of Kashmir

The first three states were annexed by war & hostile take over by people. But the choice of Integrating Kashmit was given to Nehru which he handled miserably.

That is what is making the difference till date. All other states have accepted India as their country and call themselves as Indians unlike Kashmiries. So what is

Kashmir problem?

At the time of the transfer of power, Kashmir was ruled by Maharaja Hari Singh, a Hindu, although the state itself had a Muslim majority. Hari Singh was equally hesitant about acceding to either India or Pakistan, as either would have provoked adverse reactions in parts of his kingdom. He signed a Standstill Agreement with Pakistan and proposed one with India as well, but announced that Kashmir intended to remain independent. However, his rule was opposed by Sheikh Abdullah, the popular leader of Kashmir’s largest political party, the National Conference, who demanded his abdication.

Pakistan, attempting to force the issue of Kashmir’s accession, cut off supplies and transport links. The chaos in Punjab resulting from Partition had also severed transport links with India, meaning that Kashmir’s only links with the two dominions was by air. Rumours about atrocities against the Muslim population of Poonch by the Maharajah’s forces caused the outbreak of civil unrest. Shortly thereafter, Pathan tribesmen from the North-West Frontier Province of Pakistan crossed the border and entered Kashmir. The invaders made rapid progress towards Srinagar. The Maharaja of Kashmir wrote to India, asking for military assistance, offering an Instrument of Accession, and setting up an interim government headed by Sheikh Abdullah.The accession was accepted, but Nehru declared that it would have to be confirmed by a plebiscite, although there was no legal requirement to seek such confirmation.

Indian troops secured Jammu, Srinagar and the valley itself during the First Kashmir War, but the intense fighting flagged with the onset of winter, which made much of the state impassable. Prime Minister Nehru, in a move that baffled political and military strategists, declared a ceasefire and sought U.N. arbitration, arguing that India would otherwise have to invade Pakistan itself, in view of its failure to stop the tribal incursions. The plebiscite was never held, and on 26 January 1950, the Constitution of India came into force in Kashmir, but with special provisions made for it in the Constitution’s Article 370. India did not, however, secure administrative control over all of Kashmir. The Ladakh northern and western portions of Kashmir came under Pakistan’s control in 1947, and are today referred to as ‘Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir’ by the Indian government. In the 1962 Sino-Indian War, China occupied Aksai Chin, the north-eastern region bordering , which it continues to control and administer.

So what do they Kashmiris want?

There are three set of demands.

  • First is the National Conference version which wants autonomy plus pre-1953 status. If it is translated in simple language, they want a separate constitution, separate prime minister, separate supreme court and separate election commission. They don’t want the jurisdiction of India’s Supreme Court and Election Commission to be extended to the state.
  • Second, the Peoples Democratic Party wants self-rule. The PDP wants to go beyond the National Conference. They want so much autonomy that it’s just short of independence. They even seek applicability of dual currency in the Valley.
  • The third group is the separatists who talk of azaadi (FREEDOM).

Because of great blunder of done by Nehru we are paying the price till date. Would would have been different if Iron Man Patel was Iron fist with Nehru and annexed J & K.

But what every happens as an Indian I can’t accept an India without Kashmir. I support any action by the Government of India that helps in full Integration of J & K into India.