Don’t ask what the world needs. Ask yourself what makes you come alive then go do that. Because what the world needs is people who have come alive.

~ Dr. Howard Thruman

I have met hordes of people who would have a fit if you repeated the above quote in their hearing. There are also those who would smile wanly, nod patronizingly and say, “That sounds very nice you know, but it isn’t practical.”

I want to ask such people what their definition of practical is.

Have you seen the manner in which the average, middle class Indian family discusses career options? Have you heard the admiring note that creeps into the words of parents as they say, “Oh, do you know, MBAs are in great demand nowadays.”

Demand?! Are you to become fodder to satiate the hunger of corporate beast? Is that your strategy to tame the monster so that it will disgorge an enviable life- style with which to stun and impress people you don’t give a damn about- even despise? That sounds practical!

When you find yourself fighting to keep alive as the massive jaws of the beast masticate you into pulp, will you have time to notice your life- style? You might be a nervous wreck, but you’ll have a life-style. Oh yes, you will. I suppose, that’s your definition of practical?

Is there anything that makes you come alive? Is there anything that could make you forget yourself, whether you slept, whether or not you ate? Is there anything that comes naturally to you, like you were born to do it? There are always ways in which any passion can be turned into a career. When your calling becomes your source of income, you will never work a single day in your life. You’ll just be doing something you love doing- and getting paid to do it!

I can’t imagine anything more thrilling than that.

Picture: From Google Images
Picture: From Google Images