Wishing You a Mindful and Purposeful New Year

As we welcome the New Year, let us take a moment to reflect on the true nature of time. As the calendar turns and we step into another year, it’s a time for both reflection and renewal. Indian scriptures teach us that time is infinite and constant. It does not move; it simply exists. We humans measure time in years, months, and days to understand our journey, but in reality, time remains still.

“In this grand universe, our existence is tiny, like a drop in the ocean. Think about this: How many of us know the name of our great-grandparents? For most, the answer is no. This shows how quickly time erases memories. In two or three generations, we too may be forgotten. Yet, what will remain is the impact we leave through our actions and kindness. 

This is not a reason to despair but a call to action. Life is too short to waste on complaints, grudges, or regret. Mistakes are inevitable — they are part of the human experience. What matters is how we respond:

• Do we learn from our errors or remain trapped in them?
• Do we extend gratitude for the blessings we have, or do we focus on what’s missing?
• Do we forgive others and ourselves, or do we carry the weight of resentment?

By living mindfully and embracing each moment with intention, we can create a ripple effect of positivity that outlives us.

Unfortunately, in today’s world, many are caught in a race — a race for power, money, and more. Their greed becomes endless. In the corporate world, we often see people sacrificing their personal lives, relationships, and health for success. They work tirelessly, ignoring their families and their own well-being, only to realize, as time flies, that they have lost what truly matters. In the end, they too perish, leaving behind nothing but regrets.

Life is too short for complaints, grudges, or chasing temporary achievements. Mistakes happen, but they are part of life’s lessons. What truly matters is how we live mindfully, learn from our errors, and show gratitude. Forgive others and yourself, and focus on making a positive impact on your life and others’.

In the infinite stillness of time, it is our actions that give meaning to our existence. Let this year be a reminder to live with purpose, humility, and mindfulness. Make an impact, not for recognition, but because it is the right thing to do. And as we do, let us remember that life is not just about what we achieve but about how we touch the lives of those around us.

May this New Year bring you peace, growth, and the joy of meaningful connections. Let us walk this path together, grounded in gratitude and guided by the timeless wisdom of our ancestors.

Happy New Year! May it be a year of mindful living and purposeful action.

This New Year, let us also resolve to live meaningfully. Success is important, but balance is essential. Appreciate life, be present, and stay grounded. Time may be still, but our actions can create ripples that make life fulfilling and beautiful.

Happy New Year!

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Wish you all a Happy New Year

As we wave goodbye to a year that felt like a Bollywood blockbuster (with a bit too much drama), it's time to welcome 365 shiny new chances to make some questionable life decisions. So grab your juice or your favorite beverage of choice (no judgment here) and let's toast to the New Year, where gym memberships skyrocket, and our motivation... well, let's not get too ambitious.

The Resolutions List: A Masterpiece of Daydreams

We all kick off the year with a list longer than a train ride across India – lose weight, save some moolah, learn a new language, find true love, and maybe conquer a mountain or two if the stars align. It's like a wishlist longer than a kid's letter to Santa. And just like that letter, half of it might end up being a bit of a stretch. But hey, it's the thought that counts, right?

The Gym Saga: A Love-Hate Rollercoaster

The gym in January is like a family reunion. Suddenly, everyone you've ever known is there, rocking their spiffy new workout gear, as if the sight of fresh sneakers will magically make the treadmill less of a pain. Fast forward to February, and it's back to the usual suspects – you and that one guy who believes grunting is a legitimate form of communication.

Time Travel and Other Mysteries

New Year's Eve is the one time we willingly hop on the time-travel bandwagon. One minute, you're clinking glasses, toasting to the magic of midnight, and the next, you're scratching your head, wondering where the heck the last twelve months vanished. It's like an involuntary magic trick we perform for ourselves, annually.

The Countdown Chaos

The New Year's countdown is a shared experience, a bit like accidentally hitting 'Reply All' on your family WhatsApp group. You eagerly count down, and just as you hit zero, you realize your resolutions might've been a tad overzealous. But fear not; there's always next year, right?

The January Diet Drama

Ah, the January diet – where salads suddenly become your besties, and desserts become a distant memory. For those brave souls who manage to stick to it, major props! For the rest of us, well, there's always the next fad diet. Let's be real; the weighing scale doesn't really understand the concept of days anyway.

"So here's to surviving another trip around the sun, with laughter, love, and a dash of craziness. Happy New Year, you awesome bunch! May your resolutions be as flexible as your go-to pair of comfy sweats, and may your sense of humor be as unshakeable as that post-New Year's Eve dizziness. Cheers to another year of navigating this wild ride called life – one chuckle at a time!"

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Happy New Year 2023

"As the year 2022, comes to a close, it's natural to reflect on the events of the past 12 months. The past year has been like a rollercoaster ride, with ups and downs, twists and turns, and moments of excitement and fear. But through it all, we've held on tight and navigated the twists and turns with resilience and determination. We've learned to adapt and find new ways of doing things, and we've come out stronger on the other side."

As we say goodbye to the past year and look forward to the new one, it's a time to let go of the things that no longer serve us and to embrace the opportunities that lie ahead. It's a chance to set new goals and to make the most of the present moment.

So let's bid farewell to the old year and look ahead with hope and optimism. Let's make the most of the time we have and create a bright and beautiful future. Here's to a new year full of possibility and potential!

"The new year 2023, is like a blank canvas, waiting to be filled with the colors of our hopes, dreams, and actions. It's a time to let go of the past and embrace the possibilities of the future. Just as an artist chooses their palette and brushstrokes to create a masterpiece, we can choose how we want to create our own lives. We can set goals and make resolutions, taking small steps every day to bring our dreams to fruition."

The new year is also a time for reflection and gratitude. It's a chance to look back on the year that has passed and to appreciate the people, experiences, and blessings that have enriched our lives. So as we welcome in the new year, let's take a deep breath and embrace the blank canvas before us. Let's choose our colors wisely and paint a picture that brings us joy and fulfillment. 

To make the most of the new year, here are a few tools that can help:

1. Make a list of goals and resolutions. Take some time to think about what you want to accomplish in the new year and write them down. Having specific and measurable goals can help you stay focused and motivated.
2. Create a plan of action. Break your goals down into smaller, more achievable steps and create a plan to help you accomplish them. This can help you stay on track and make progress towards your goals.
3. Find a support system. Surround yourself with people who will encourage and support you in your goals. Having a strong support system can help you stay motivated and accountable.
4. Stay positive and focused. Keep a positive attitude and stay focused on your goals, even when challenges arise. Remember that progress takes time and that every small step you take brings you closer to achieving your goals.

Here's to a happy and healthy new year 2023! May it bring you joy, growth, and all the tools you need to create a fulfilling and rewarding year.

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(Opinions are purely personal & does not represent my organizations, current or past) 

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Let's welcome the year 2021 with an inspiring experience of the year 2020

Year 2020 has given us a unique experience. It started with an uncertain and unpredictable situation resulting in fear, triggered emotional threat. Everybody was not sure what to do? Leaders were disoriented. People were at stress. Nobody expected what life would be. It was a human crisis, economic crisis, medical crisis and you name it, the world was in all types of crisis. However, we learn to deal with the crisis. We overcame all fear, uncertainties, ambiguities. Millions lost their job, but they started something different to earn their livelihood. This pandemic also surfaced the good side of humanity. People came together without any leadership to support the needy people. This is the beauty of humanhood in India. Few organizations rightsized the organization and laid off employees, but many organizations took care of their employees, paid their salaries on time and supported employees and their families during this crucial period. Employees reciprocated by volunteering for salary reduction and supported organizations. People learnt new skills, worked in a different environment, stretched themselves and proved that human beings can overcome any odds in life.

There is a famous statement Dag Hammerskjold, “Never measure the height of a mountain until you reach the top. Then you will see how low it was.'' When we reflect and see the pandemic attack, it is the same. Pandemic was like a mountain and when it started, we never thought how strong it would be. When we entered, we realised it was a really life threatening year. But when we look back, we see that there is a silver lining. 2020 was a great teacher, mentor and coach, a difficult year but gave us a unique experience.

What we learnt? We learnt that traditional thinking has to be challenged. We never thought that remote working is possible fully. We never thought that in spite of all odds, people come together and collaborate very well.  We realised that everything is possible, what we used to think was impossible.

There is great learning for everybody, government organizations, private organizations, education institutions etc. However, the Government has to work on creating a meaningful ecosystem for different strata in society. Different departments need to work in sync and collaborate for delivering services. It should be for Awareness and Education, Medical, Incentives, Assistance Programme etc. The central government has done it at some extent; however, politicians have seen the opportunity to run their agenda. We need matured society, matured citizens and sensible politicians to make democracy strong.
Private organizations are more successful in collaboration and bringing new ideas to bounce back. Organizations came with such ecosystems like task force, crisis management team, etc.

Scenario planning is another area where our government has planned the medical facilities; however they could have done better on an economic side. Private organizations have done exceptionally good on this front.

During the pandemic, we learnt many things,
We learnt to push our boundaries,
We learnt to think out of the box,
We learnt that we have minimum needs,
We learnt that wealth and money is not everything,
We learnt that relationships always matter; we learnt who are ours.
We learnt sometimes we need “me time”
We learnt that if we try something, we can get it done, 
We learnt that we can’t fully predict the future and all plans may not work,
We learnt that life is on hopes and hopes keep us surviving,
We learnt to learn which we had stopped in the past.

We learnt so many things during just one year. We should keep this spirit of reinventing ourselves and take this journey forward even in 2021. Let’s welcome in 2021 in true spirit. 

I would like to quote of author, Har Borland, “Year end is neither an end nor a beginning but a going on with all the wisdom, that experience can instill in us.”

The year 2020 has given that moments and experience which will inspire us to live and perform better in 2021. Wish you all a happy and prosperous new year. Stay safe and stay healthy.  

Please read the print replica of my latest book written for leaders on amazon kindle, Vitality in Human Resource: Adding human dimensions in HR processes

(Opinions are purely personal & does not represent my organization)    

Author's book are available on Amazon, Flipkart and BookGanga 

(Income from books is donated to the Janseva foundation which works for orphans, street children & abandoned elders)

This year is another chance to get it right, Happy New year!

Wish you a happy new year 2020. 

New year is always exciting. This is because we think we have something new. Universe is not moving and hence time stand still. If you were to stand outside the universe, outside both space and time, and look at your life, you would see your birth, your death and every moment in between laid out as distinct points. From this angle, time does not flow, but is static and fixed. We are aging and moving ahead. However, as the earth is rotating around the sun, we think that time is moving. 

With this moving world, we have some wishes, dreams; we make plans; we have some goals to achieve. However, then we say that we don’t have the time to do it all. We make resolutions every year, but they remain on paper only. We don’t do anything what we have decided because we don’t have that push from our inner self. We don’t commit it to ourselves. In organizations, when you take some goals, objectives and targets, mostly you achieve the same, because your existence in the organization and your job is dependent on that targets. If you don’t achieve your targets, your job will be in danger and hence your commitment comes. Sometimes it is because you want to grow in the organization and hence you have a commitment and hence push from your inner self.

This does not happen when there are not any consequences. If your doctor told you that you had life-threatening disease and if you didn’t walk daily at least 3-km, you would not survive. What will you do? Most of the people, will follow doctors’ advice because it has high stakes. 

We don’t have that big stakes in resolutions. We think that these resolutions are either harmless or do not have an immediate impact on the life.  

What are those resolutions? Waking early in the morning, going to the Gym, pursuing   any hobby, getting some additional skills etc. If you don’t follow these, you will not have any adverse or positive impact immediately. Hence the tendency is to postpone such resolutions. Further, we don’t convert these resolutions in goals and objectives like we do in professional life.

I was a part of one of the leadership development programmes in 2010. This programme was for selected management team members. Good part was that this programme was not like typical leadership workshop. It was spread over for almost 6 months with different learning objectives. We had to take few goals by every week, and we had to report the progress about the same to our internal and external coach. There were 3 types of goals.

Professional Goals: These are goals typically in professional life related to your job and work. 

Personal Goals: These are goals related to your personal life,

Back burner Goals: These are things which you want to do, but you have put it aside because of some other priorities. 

We are good about professional goals and objectives as our survival depends upon the same. Our performance, merit increase and bonuses are based on these goals and we almost die to achieve the same, but we put aside our personal goals.

People ask me how I get the time to write poems, articles, books, reading and attend conferences as a speaker, panellist etc. I think that goals if set properly, can be achieved with some effort. However, we don’t want to put efforts. During above leadership programme, I learned to focus equally on the above 3 types of goals. I never compromised my professional goals to focus on personal and back burner goals. But I started given equal importance to all types of goals. I have to stretch sometimes to achieve these but then when I get the results, I get the energy to do it more. 

Today also I write my all 3 types of goals. Apart of my bonus targets and performance objective, I ensure that I take professional goals by every week along with personal and back burner goals.    

I set goals, I see them regularly, I commit to the goals and I share these with timelines.  
So? make resolutions as you do every year, but this year, convert them in goals and objectives. Write your dreams on your heart and you will have it. 

I wish you and your family as happy new year 2020. This year is another chance to get it right. 

With new year… start your new life…

It doesn't matter what your intentions are or how high you set your goals; what you'll be remembered for is what you accomplish...  

After few hours, we will be in 2019, in a new year.. and this is my first blog in a new year. however what is the different in new year?… for nature it is same, for universe it is same… universe has completed just one lap…but everything will be same, except your thinking. Mentally we have accepted that with the change of year on the calendar,  something new is ahead…and we should think actually for something new. Celebration of new year is the ritual, but it should not be only the celebration or ritual… it should be the celebration of adopting something new; Changing something and being more matured and stronger. The way forward in  fulfilling your dreams.

Of course this is also the opportunity to change our outdated belief and habits. Do you welcome the change?

I know it is very difficult, but if you have a right attitude and faith on the power…power of this universe which has the ability to convert odd into opportunities…then accepting the change is very easy. For this flexibility is the key.

Another is to maintain a strong belief that no matter what happens, you will get through it. Know, deep in your heart of hearts,  that you are bigger and stronger than any outside force and circumstances.

If you look back and introspect, you will realized that everything what you did or achieved gave you a different experience and you came out from the odd situation. You achieve something because you can do it. You have already proved that you have lot of potential and you are ready to take new challenges in life.

Remember that if life gives you lemons, make lemonade…

Only one think you should do and that is, Promise… Promise to yourself…

Promise yourself, your family and the supreme power which believe that you will peruse the change you wish and the dream you have to the best of your ability.

You deserve to get what you dream and what you think…. But take actions… 

Wish you all a Happy New Year!

Happy New Year 2015

Resolution of following the resolution

Do you make the list of resolutions to be followed in New Year? The question is how to follow the same. I remember, when I was in college, I use to make the big list of resolutions.

From 1st Jan,

I will wake up early in the morning

I will start daily exercise

I will study at least one subject after the exercise

I will enroll for additional diploma

I will spend at least one Sunday with underprivileged children and so on….

When I look back and review why resolutions are not followed, I get simple answer and it is we do not commit to ourselves. We recognize the importance of resolutions. That’s why we make it. But it does not come from our heart as they are not priorities for us. You just check the list of resolutions people do. If you do not follow these resolutions, you do not suffer so much immediately. Unless we do not make them the priority we would not be able to follow them.

Second reason is we do not convert them into objectives and goals. And when you convert them into the goals, you are forced to put the timeline. Most of the times, it is wish list we make and label them resolutions.

We have lot of excuses to break these resolutions. We do not plan them properly. Sometimes we do it for 15 days and then we forget…

So on the eve of last day of this year, at least make one resolution...

“Whatsoever, I make any resolution; I make it to happen.”

______________________________________________________________

Happy New Year

With the first rays of the Sun on the Earth and with the first day of the week, 2015 will be started. New beginning is ahead. There are lot many things to do in New Year; Lot of plans and resolutions. (http://vinodtbidwaik.blogspot.com/2010/12/resolution-of-following-resolution.html) 1st Jan is the same as yesterday, but with new hopes.

Yesterday on one TV show, one actor asked another one, “What does New Year mean for you?” Actor replied, “When my wife asks me to bring new calendar, I assume that the New Year is ahead.”

Earth rotates around the Sun as usual, birds go out from their nest as usual, but for human being, it is the new day for new thinking. Human being thinks what he has achieved, gain in a last year and what he would achieve in New Year. However we should not forget the spirit of enjoying the New Year. We keep back the baggage and hope for the best in New Year. Somebody may say that 2014 was more challenging and volatile, but that is the life. It gave you total new experience. There is one English movie, “Clean Slate”. In this movie one character suffers one type of amnesia, when he goes to sleep each night he forgets everything that happened to him before that time. A woman who had cheated him asked him to forgive. The character even is not aware what she did with him and he is totally clueless.

As you welcome the New Year, your past has nothing to influence your future. The great year is ahead with hopes and lot of positive energy. If you believe on the “Law of Attraction”, then this year will bring more joy and positive energy in your life. No matter what has happened in last year, you have the power to create your next year as you choose. For this you have to choose the freedom of choosing. (http://vinodtbidwaik.blogspot.com/2011/02/do-you-have-choice.html) You are now deeper, wiser, and stronger by one more year.

Wish you all Happy New year! May this New Year 2015 bring for you happiness, success, health, prosperity and wonderful surprises in your life!”

Cheers!

Feedback should not be like GSM

Feedback is crucial in development. Feedback improves your skills if given or taken properly.  It also helps us to make ourselves aware about our unknown self and reduce the blind spot. However feedback is always considered as critical. The person receiving the feedback does not like it, most of the times. However if it is given in proper way, it definitely helps to improve and can be taken as development area. During giving the feedback, you should not target the person, but his behavior. Receiver should get it as a support and help and he should sense your genuine interest in supporting the person. It should not be the criticism.      

It should not be like GSM. Yes. GSM

G: No generalized feedback.

Feedback should not be generalized. It should be specific and you should mentioned the event based on you would are giving the feedback. While receiving the feedback, insist on the event, occasion, based on feedback is being given.

S: No sensational feedback.

Feedback is for the improvement. You should not attach the sentiments to the feedback. If you do this, receiver may take it as a personal. While giving feedback, your intention should be clear. But it is upto the receiver how he takes. He should not feel offended and hence it should not be dramatic, however it can be sensitive.

M: No meaningless feedback.

Feedback should have some credibility. There are people who just give the feedback for the sake of giving feedback. Feedback should be supported with concrete examples. You should also see the benefits into it. If the behavior change doesn’t matter much to the person or the organization, why he would take it. Hence feedback should show some long term benefits to the person.

Person should think that feedback he received is reward for him and not his reproach.  

At the end of this year, take out this GSM from your mind and let’s make 2014 more positive, healthy and useful to the people, employees, relatives & friends by giving feedback as a reward.

Happy & wonderful New Year ahead…. 

Happy New Year

With the first rays of the Sun on the Earth and with the first day of the week, 2012 is started. New beginning is ahead. There are lot many things to do in New Year; Lot of plans and resolutions. (http://vinodtbidwaik.blogspot.com/2010/12/resolution-of-following-resolution.html) 1^st Jan is the same as yesterday, but with new hopes.  

Yesterday on one TV show, one actor asked another one, “What does New Year mean for you?” Actor replied, “When my wife asks me to bring new calendar, I assume that the New Year is ahead.”

Earth rotates around the Sun as usual, birds go out from their nest as usual, but for human being, it is the new day for new thinking. Human being thinks what he has achieved, gain in a last year and what he would achieve in New Year. However we should not forget the spirit of enjoying the New Year. We keep back the baggage and hope for the best in New Year. Somebody may say that 2011 was more challenging and volatile, but that is the life. It gave you total new experience. There is one English movie, “Clean Slate”. In this movie one character suffers one type of amnesia, when he goes to sleep each night he forgets everything that happened to him before that time. A woman who had cheated him asked him to forgive. The character even is not aware what she did with him and he is totally clueless.

As you welcome the New Year, your past has nothing to influence your future. The great year is ahead with hopes and lot of positive energy. If you believe on the “Law of Attraction”, then this year will bring more joy and positive energy in your life. No matter what has happened in last year, you have the power to create your next year as you choose. For this you have to choose the freedom of choosing. (http://vinodtbidwaik.blogspot.com/2011/02/do-you-have-choice.html)  You are now deeper, wiser, and stronger by one more year.

Wish you all happy and great New Year…       

Santa Claus in our life

Are you Santa?

People who make diffrence in
our life are also like Santas!

This incident happened almost 14 years back. One of the bikers hit my mother and she felt on the road. It was an accident where most of the people on the road ran towards her. However everybody was just discussing what to do. One of the youth came forward from the crowd; he stopped one rickshaw and authoritatively asked driver to take rickshaw at the hospital. Meanwhile, I along with my elder brother reached at the spot.  She suffered a head injury and was in the hospital for one month. She had lot of problem in future but her life was saved.

The youth who helped her and supported us to take her in hospital was working in nearby Cinema Theater as a door-boy. He was just passing by the road and showed his responsiveness.

I never forget him and his gesture.  

Few years back I used to drive bike in the city. We were going back from the market, all of sudden; one youth approached us and told, “Hey, check your bike stand.” If he would have not been told me this, we would have been in big trouble at next turning.

I also recognize the responsiveness of second youth who saved us from injury, minor or major.

Giving joy and happiness also make
you the secret Santa!



On this Christmas, when I look back, I recognize both of above as Santa Claus. They gifted us something. There are lot many people in our life who come and support us, help us interntionally and unintentionally. Of course the first in the list is our family members, our parents, siblings and spouse, who may have sacrifice for us to make us grow and successful. Children make us happy. Their love relieves our stress and gives the hope of the future. This is one of the precise gifts to any parents.  They give the love without expecting something for us.

They are also Santa for us. Their gift is always long living.       

We need to take a wider and balcony view of the people in our life. The person who interviews you and gives you the opportunity to work is also a Santa. Of course, you are selected due to your talent, but then there are lot many talented candidates in the row and still you are selected. That person has the vision to identify your talent and not others.  

In my life, I also recognize all such people who gave me the opportunity to grow as a professional. They are also Santa for me.

I was watching the reality show, Bigg Boss on TV. One of the participants, Rajesawari, told a very good philosophy to the show anchor, Sanjay Datta while entering in the house.  She states, “We need to see the happy moments through the magnifying glasses so that they appear big and sad moments through the microscope to make appear them small.”  I fully support her metaphor. We also need to identify and recognize the people who may have contributed not in a big way, but make your life happy for this.  The moments, they brought are the gifts like given by Santa.  

At the end of the day, we also can play the role of Santa in the life of others. No big deal; only small gestures will help…

I wish you all a Merry Christmas and wish for a wonderful new year ahead….

Resolution of following the resolution

Do you make the list of resolutions to be followed in New Year? The question is how to follow the same. I remember, when I was in college, I use to make the big list of resolutions.

From 1^st Jan,

I will wake up early in the morning

I will start daily exercise

I will study at least one subject after the exercise

I will enroll for additional diploma

I will spend at least one Sunday with underprivileged children and so on….

When I look back and review why resolutions are not followed, I get simple answer and it is we do not commit to ourselves. We recognize the importance of resolutions. That’s why we make it. But it does not come from our heart as they are not priorities for us. You just check the list of resolutions people do. If you do not follow these resolutions, you do not suffer so much immediately. Unless we do not make them the priority we would not be able to follow them.

Second reason is we do not convert them into objectives and goals. And when you convert them into the goals, you are forced to put the timeline. Most of the times, it is wish list we make and label them resolutions.  

We have lot of excuses to break these resolutions. We do not plan them properly. Sometimes we do it for 15 days and then we forget…

So on the eve of last day of this year, at least make one resolution...

“Whatsoever, I make any resolution; I make it to happen.”

Wish you all Happy New year! May this New Year 2011 bring for you happiness, success, health, prosperity and wonderful surprises in your life!”

Cheers!