Do you have more time to live than you have already lived?

I know it is an awkward question for some of us who have experienced 45+ Diwali/Christmas/Eid etc. Still it is worth asking. If the answer is “No” please keep reading further else please stop and keep doing what you were doing before.

Now that you are still reading I assume either your answer is “No” or you have become curious. In either case you are welcome to read (as if I had a choice). Why have I asked this question? Well, frankly I have been thinking about it for three years now and it has helped me to get clarity. Especially after experience of Covid19 pandemic my perspective towards life and its priorities has transformed a lot. 

When I know I have less and limited time on this planet, I cannot waste any of it rather I want to make the best use of it. Now, I don’t go to every movie unless I am sure it suits my taste. Earlier I used to watch movies for time pass and then later waste time in criticizing/appreciating the cast and crew. I have made my peace with the fact that I am incapable or incompetent for many things and stopped worrying or justifying them.

I don’t waste time in judging people anymore. I have stopped claiming and believing that I understand people and their psychology. I have accepted the fact that people are different, with different needs, different temperament, and different talent and of course different goals. This has helped me to save an amazing amount of headache. I don’t have time to pursue certain types of people or ego pleasures.

I don’t have time for selecting or critiquing or appreciating cricket team or its results. I don’t have time to argue with people on their political affiliations and least bothered about them changing sides. I don’t have time to expect people to change their habits, behaviour, attitude, style or nature. I don’t have time to worry about international or domestic politics or climate condition. I don’t have time to solve world’s problems. I do not have time for worrying, arguing, convincing, pleasing, pleading or waiting.

Since I have realised all this, now I have hell lot of energy, time and happiness. Yes, I feel younger, lighter, happier, peaceful and liberated. How?

I have all the time to focus on myself, my knowledge, my skills, my health, my people (whom I like and who reciprocate)  and above all pursuing what I want not what I have to. I don’t fear to be judged or misunderstood anymore. Who has time for caring that much now? I have time to “DO NOTHING”. Yes, doing nothing is highly productive state of being. You produce better results in this state. Are you feeling confused or disagree? It’s alright and understandable. Ask me for details, I may share (not guaranteed).   

Now I don’t pursue my dreams, I pursue my feelings. Now I have one unique advantage. I have time to LISTEN. Yes, first time in my life I have actually and really started listening. Once we listen, we learn and whenever we learn we become wiser. Every wise person lives peacefully.

“Speak Less; Communicate More, Hoard Less; Share More, Judge Less, Understand More.”

Once we accept and adapt with reality, every day is a birthday, every activity becomes fulfilling and every interaction becomes learning. Once we realise we start living a FULFILLING life. Thanks for reading. You are awesome!

Yours blissfully,

Suresh Mohan Semwal

HR Warriors Are Also Humans

HR Department and HR Professionals like any other professionals have undergone unprecedented challenges and continue to suffer the after effects of pandemic. HR has the responsibility to again Hire, Train and Retain employees with high morale and productivity so that organizational goals are met.

During the pandemic many organizations had to take some unpleasant, unpopular and ruthless measures to ensure survival of organization. HR being the face of such initiatives faced lot of brunt and lost some sheen.

Now that the businesses are coming back to normalcy it has become very difficult to establish that connect and camaraderie due to unpleasant experiences in the times of need. People have become skeptic and reluctant. Asking people to join offices full time has become hell of a task.

People are willing to work at lesser amount but unwilling to work in office. Lot of people have moved on to pursue different streams of income rather than doing a job. This has put lot of pressure on HR to reestablish that trust and enthusiasm towards organizational goals. As a result HR Resignations is the next big challenge industry experts are worried about.

As per a recent survey published in Economic Times (1/8/22); 53% of HR people are feeling burnt out and 14% don’t feel supported at all. 

HR position today is similar to a housewife. She is most important yet neglected and abused at times. A housewife takes pleasure in helping every family member to achieve their goals and feels satisfaction in their happiness and success. A housewife is especially present in downtime and provides unconditional support. Yet, seldom they are thanked or appreciated. She still continues her work with smile and sincerity.

Similarly, KRA of HR is to help all departments and individuals to achieve their respective goals. A HR person is generally behind the camera and is busy making others look presentable. They pose a calm, confident and helpful demeanor but it does not mean that they don’t need support. If current industry trend is any indication HR Resignations can be a lethal blow to companies. 

Let us together provide acknowledgement, appreciation and assistance to our HR Warriors in these challenging times. Send them “Thank You” notes, go to their desks (not with problems and complaints all the time) with a question, “How are you doing today? How can I help you today? Do let me know if I can be of any assistance.” I can assure you that our little appreciation and acknowledgment will give lot of energy and encouragement to our HR Warriors to handle current challenging times. Support the Wall Which Has Been Protecting You. Thank You!

Suresh Mohan Semwal