By Humza Siddiqui
Having served in multiple industries at many positions over a span of 4 years, there was a period of unemployment for almost two years; where I was compelled to self- analyze myself and spent hours pondering why I lacked consistency or in other words why I was not happy where I was today – my unwillingness gave me the strength to be willing.
After careful consideration, I came to the conclusion that having the state of the art education was not only sufficient and would not lead me towards achieving my dreams but it was, in reality, a struggle to be the change for what I wanted to be. This further gave me the kick and I began to deepen my thoughts and research, but I failed to understand what the core issue was in reality until I decided to visualize what I actually wanted to achieve over the span of 5 years and what the end result would be.
To my surprise, I kind of knew what I wanted but I was sure it would be a journey full of obstacles and hurdles and perhaps no support but I was ready for it! I wanted to achieve my dreams no matter what it would take with my passion being my priority. I began to dig from book to book with a firm belief that I could achieve what I wanted and associated myself with like mind people but again; the setbacks were simple and as forecasted – ‘You can’t do it & You’re not useful enough to do this’.
I did not get demotivated even for an instance as I had the end in mind and believed in myself and knew what I was capable of doing. Initially, before I began to analyze myself and gather all my thoughts was to eradicate the negative thoughts encircling my mind in every situation and taking everything in a positive way to visualize that negativity actually leads to opportunities and the power of positive thinking nurtures it towards a learning experience with a powerful thrust to move on.
I primarily focused on Visualization & Beginning with the End in Mind and how that had led to demotivation in employees in the Corporate Sector especially within the ‘Seth Culture.’ It was a bitter truth but it was evident that they did not realize that their workforce is the core backbone of their success or what they are today. Yes! It is high time someone knocks to let you know that this poisoned culture cannot last forever and employees are part of your family who shall be heard from time to time!
The Corporates may have a clear and crisp vision & mission but fail/lack direction, be it from the management or misguidance or carefree attitude of the senior officers who primarily consider the remuneration to be everything – like they only live for it! They fail to visualize and tend (intentionally or unintentionally) not to focus on beginning with the end in mind which clutters the way things actually are – it needs to be understood that such circumstances are developed only over a period of time.
The middle and low-grade employees may be happy on the front, but the organizational politics (‘khichri’) which arises develops into a negative personality trait within oneself which gradually leads to demotivation and lack of productivity. On the outer, it seems ‘All is Well’ but in reality; it is a completely 360 degree diverse picture which is developing and leading towards a direction of anxiety, frustration, lack of motivation and determination as the employees force themselves to survive for supporting their families by sacrificing and by adjusting within the Culture failing to realize their inner potential. It is basically because the Human Resource acts like a puppet, rather than inducing and implementing what the core Human Resource functionalities are – they act as the unofficial psychologists!
Yes, it is murder! And the management and senior officers are accountable for it! For people who think that – money can buy happiness – is actually a fantasy and temporary belief, but in reality, even if it does, it can surely murder an employee with demotivation and lack of attention! Being effective is not an art – Yes, it achieves money to the organization but loses the real inner self of a bright employee in the long run as the real art of it is efficiency and productivity along with quality.
In layman terms – visualization relates to the skill of communicating a message in a clear, concise and concrete manner through images, diagrams or animations. It has always proven effective since the dawn of humanity! On the contrary, beginning with the end in mind relates to a clear vision to accomplish any task or reach a destination and then continuing to do so for ultimate achievement. We will see how we can begin with the end in mind and apply the technique of visualization towards the end of the article.
What I was surprised to see during the period of time was that everyone just prepared for the tomorrow and were concerned about when their bank accounts would top up at the end of the month not realizing that – hello, it’s the organization which needs to benefit for your personal benefit! But I would not say term them as wrong due to no open-door policy or business within the hierarchy – the employee has no voice or anything better to do rather than survive in this saturated and competitive market – the management is nothing but power & money drunk!
People have developed perceptions by their circumstances but mostly, negative ones! Come on! When you dream for change, you have to be the driving force for it. The mindset of the Corporate has become immune and by default – nature now, because there is resistance to change and one does not want to hear what is wrong or how it could be improved but only what is right and in their best interest – What will I achieve end of the day or month instead of what we all can achieve together!
I believe that a real change begins from a person within themselves. Instead of blaming others or your circumstances, one should be aware of when to put the foot down and know what they want but for that – a clear vision of beginning with the end in mind and a visualization of what you want shall be crystal clear.
When you have a thought, it is important that you conceive it, believe in the approach you can do it, and then achieve it! For making what you want a reality (visualization) you have to believe you can achieve it by defining what you want, defining the goals behind what you want and then pursuing them to achieve them.
How to Begin with the End in Mind & Visualize:
- Conceive – Define exactly what you want
- Believe – Replace negative thoughts with positive thoughts
- Achieve – Believe in yourself with consistency
- Define your Dream – Make sure it is for the good of all
- Document the Goal Behind Your Dream
- Begin making Your Goal a Reality – Document it and place it in a location that you see daily
- “Act as if” it has already happened
- Take control of your life by managing the smallest challenges to be prepared to manage the biggest challenge
I personally believe that if people tend to bring a change within themselves and look at circumstances in a more positive way, regardless of the culture of the Corporate, there is nothing which an individual cannot achieve. This would not only lead towards a happy life but it would enhance contentment and success but it has to be consistent.
The writer is a graduate of International Business from Coventry University, UK. He can be reached [email protected]
