I have been observing people since a long time, just to analyze their sustainability quotient which has always fascinated me. Why is it that some people have this drive and some lose it along the way even if they have it? Of course, some vacillate so much that this factor is almost missing within them.
The most typical is the person who can never hold a job down for too long and is like a rolling stone. Such people will always have a justification for moving on or being fired, whichever comes first. Either it could be an issue with a superior or not enough incentive or maybe, the job is too difficult and takes up a lot of energy. A challenging job with more learning is often the cause of exhaustion and therefore, unsustainable. The mind is comfortable where it is and is not looking to be taxed any further.
Likewise, in matters of emotions, anger becomes more sustainable than love whereas it should be the opposite. Similarly, the good times seem very rare and seem to dissolve and dissipate quickly. To sustain a good disposition is also not a common phenomenon. However, to be mercurial may have long term sustainability because it takes long to correct imbalances of the mind.
There are so many parts of us that are in conflict with each other on many occasions. One wants something and another wants something else. The tussle often results in turmoil and frequent changes in decisions. This may be harmless in the small things of life. But imagine if we were to have career changes, relationship upheavals and even losing friends in the bargain! Can we sustain anything which is long term?
I have noticed that many people look only for short term benefits and instant gratification. In such cases, there is no attempt to sustain anything once the benefit accrues to the individual. However, a series of such quick gratifications may perhaps satisfy and sustain many a life.
Sustainability in terms of either mental or physical hard work, sweat and toil, is the virtue of thinkers, planners and achievers who have the vision to understand that Rome was not built in a day. Sustainability is also an asset for those who focus on fixed goals and achieving them at any cost, while refraining from being side tracked through “benevolent” advice which may end up taking them away from their calling.
My vocal music teacher would always tell me that only a fire in the belly or a passion can sustain a determined and persevering course of action even though it may be a long and tiring one. Many hours of sustained practice, day after day and month after month reveals the artistry of a musician, the excellence of a sportsman and determines the heights achieved by businessmen.
My final take on this is, sustainability proves the mettle of an individual and illuminates the character and personality which shines brightly so that others can use it to fashion their own lives.
Surekha Kothari
surekhakothari.wordpress.com
Speakingtree Blog: www.speakingtree.in/public/surekhakothari
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