Toolkit for Tough Times

Last October marked one of the toughest phases of my professional life. I had decided to leave the IAS and submitted my resignation. Thanks to news articles, nearly everyone knew about my transition to the private sector. Three months had passed, and I was still receiving daily calls—some urging me to reconsider, others praising my foresight, and a few warning me about the challenges ahead. While these were minor distractions, the real issue was that the Government was refusing to accept my resignation. For those familiar with the system, challenging the Government is rarely a wise option.

In the face of this uncertainty, I developed strategies that helped me navigate through it. These might help you too:

1. Define Your Purpose: Viktor Frankl once said, “If a person has a 'why,' he can survive any 'how.'” Defining your purpose is crucial. After reflecting for weeks, I identified six core purposes for myself. Whenever I faced a dilemma, I referred back to them, asking if the decision aligned with my purpose. This clarity made navigating difficult situations far easier.
2. Internalize What You Can and Cannot Control: Life is a mix of what we can control and what we cannot. We can only act within our capacity and leave the rest to fate. Ancient philosophies—Stoicism, Hindu teachings—emphasize this. We are like a cow tied to a rope, free to move within its limits, but the length of the rope is determined by life.
3. Quiet the Mind Through Meditation and Journaling:Blaise Pascal once wrote, "All of humanity's problems stem from man's inability to sit quietly in a room alone." Meditation or journaling helps clear the noise in your head. Whether it’s focusing on your breath or reflecting on your thoughts, these practices bring clarity and peace.
4. Give It Time: Some answers only come with time. We often imagine the worst possible outcomes, but not every situation needs an immediate fix. Sometimes, just surviving the moment is enough. Life moves in phases—some for growth, others for endurance. Realizing that we’ve been incredibly lucky at times helps us accept that it’s okay to face challenges now and then.
5. Physical Exercise and Movement: Physical activity is a game-changer. Do whatever you enjoy—whether it's jogging, dancing, or walking. The key is to keep moving. Changing scenery can also do wonders. Personally, I started jogging, and my wife organized a spiritual trek to a temple in Uttarakhand, which had a deeply calming effect.
6. Talk to Friends or Use Tools Like ChatGPT Talking to friends can bring clarity and comfort. And in today’s world, AI like ChatGPT can also serve as a sounding board. I found a helpful friend in ChatGPT—it helped me reflect and organize my thoughts. You can give it a try too. And when life feels too serious, ask ChatGPT to roast you—it can work wonders and bring a smile.
7. Maintain Humor and Perspective : It is important not to take life too seriously. As Ghalib beautifully said:

बाज़ीचा-ए-अतफ़ाल है दुनिया मिरे आगे

होता है शब-ओ-रोज़ तमाशा मिरे आगे

Just like a child's playground this world appears to me,

Every single night and day, this spectacle I see.

Remembering this helped me laugh at myself and regain perspective. Professional struggles are just a small part of a much larger journey. Try to feel like an observer, detached from the moment’s intensity.

In tough times, remember: He that seeketh, findeth. I found resources in books, strategies, and online platforms that enriched me. Tough times don’t last, but tough people do!

#LeadershipInToughTimes#PersonalGrowth#ResilienceMatters#PurposeDrivenLeadership#MentalClarity