Himmat-e-Marda Madad-e-Khuda
This Urdu quote translates to -
If you gather the courage to continue, help from God will arrive.
I vividly remember my father used to say this whenever he saw me feeling low/stressed before exams.
And now that I will be 29 years of age in few months, and seen life hitting you with punches you didn’t see coming- I keep gravitating to this quote more and more.
Also, I am pretty sure my dad has carried this mantra his whole life. Why?
He was a bright student in school, who lost his father in 9th standard, joined the Indian Army to support his family, left it after 20 years of service as it wasn’t his calling.
Then he went on to serve in a non profit, learnt computer and graphic designing and started a printing press which he runs to this day.
He could have chosen to become a rebel against life, but chose to become patient instead.
Patience that I try to learn from him. Long way to go though.
He has one more trait - Reading Books.
I have seen him reading books on new design software, fictions, spirituality and more.
Back when I was a child, I used to wonder why is he reading still?
Is reading the key to his patience.
Here is the answer-
On LinkedIn, the content around AI, latest frameworks, tools is in abundance.
All of it is helpful, but not complete.
Haven’t you experienced this - some days life doesn’t ask you to upskill and showcase your technical strengths.
Some days, the coding logics are just not enough, some days having the latest certifications is not enough for next promotion/job, some days the designations have no meaning.
Because those days demand nothing but sheer will power.
Therefore, while you are trying to be a better professional, don’t forget to work on your will power.
How?
While there are no certifications for will power, but one habit that will help.
Reading Books.
Read fiction or non-fiction.
Read concepts or stories.
Read early morning or before bed.
If that’s too much - start with audiobooks and podcasts.
You will recognise-
Increase in critical thinking
Enhancement of visualisation and creativity
New level of focus that you didn’t know existed in you
Remember - No AI can’t automate Will Power. The efforts required for it will be manual.
Now, in case you are wondering to start your reading journey, DM or comment - Ready to Read.
I can help curate a list of books/articles that you can start with.
Best,
Mandy