Let your fears be you’re Secret Santa

I am sure it’s the time when most of you’ll are playing Secret Santa with your family, friends & colleges. This game brings in lots of excitement & unbelievable surprises each time I play it!

My team at work decided to play this game in a slightly different style. We asked all the team members to write their name along with one of the fear which they want to overcome in the coming year of 2014.

The game goes like this: The Secret Santa will surprise his or her angle with gifts, acts and messages every day & will also assure that they will help in overcoming their fear. To my surprise this tweak in the game brought in some unusual realizations, fun, positivity, energy & bonding in the team.

This week was when the Secret Santa game was played. We all gathered at Pinxx, amazing dishes surrounded us. As we all 13 members were sited around a high dinner table…the fun evening was just about to begin.

We started off the game by letting members guess each other’s fears. Few guess were:

-       Fear of Manager

-       Fear of bad health

-       Fear of Girlfriends anger

-       Fear of going late home

-       Fear of talking about their age

-       Fear of expression

The thing that amazed me about this guessing game was as members went on guessing each others fear – for the first time not one but almost all were laughing over the fears. Generally we have seen people scared, shy, embarrassed when it comes to talking about fears..but this was something different. Could you believe that here was this table with bunch of young professional LOL on the topic of fear?

After all the laughter and tasting yummy deserts it was time to get serious & play the secret santa game. Each one had to talk about the angel for whom he/she is the santa..let the team guess the name, gift their angel, read out their angels fear-give a suggestion & assure that they will be around for the rest of the year helping overcome the fear.

The kind of fears that were read out:

-       Fear of losing the one they love

-       Fear of water

-       Fear of being extrovert & talking to people

-       Fear of Obesity

-       Fear of Drinking & Driving

-       Fear of Performing 

My Gift from Secret Santa

Fear is an emotion which is permanently embedded into the mind of a human being. If we remove this emotion from this world, then there would be total chaos in the society. It’s a protective instinct which shields us from dangers. When we are afraid, we pull back from life. My thought is becoming fearless isn't the point. It’s learning to control your fear, and how to be free from it.

Fear is already a part of you. Declare it and celebrate it. Infact, use it.

Inspiring: Entrepreneurs, the artists, the risk takers live with fears and make better use of it. They accept the fact that there is a danger and risk, and moving further ahead may result in crisis. But guess what? They absolutely love it! They accept failure as a part of life, and play with fears. They use this fear to conquer more ground. They are not afraid of this primitive emotion, but make it their closest friend.

Let your fear be your Secret Santa, let it surprise you each day, Embrace it! At the end you have a beautiful gift waiting for you.

Embrace the fear and feel lucky about it. If you fear something, then trust your mind, and be assured that you are onto something exciting. All you need to do is, divert the flow of energy. At the end, you will feel good about it. Give it a try, and see what happens!

Merry Christmas & Wish you all a Happy New Year!

UnMetro – The Markets driving India

It was my absolute please to attend Dainik Bhaskar UnMetro Conference on 13^th Dec. A platform where I got to hear some inspiring UnMetro Case Studies from Marketers, incredible panel discussing the future of India being the UnMetros. 

Some take away & quotes from the event:

People nowadays are migrating from smaller towns to cities like Pune, Lucknow and Ahmedabad to earn their livelihood, whereas the rate of people migrating to the so-called metros has fallen sharply.

The non-metro customer today, demands the same luxury packages such as spas, five stars & international vacations that any of his affluent metro counterparts demand.

Trust is the key to success in the unMetros markets and people are open to talk and learn about new things.

The trend of e-commerce players partnering with retail brands is yet to evolve in unMetros

Consumer in future will reject a user inappropriate product. Affordability is no longer an issue for unMetros

5 reasons for the change in nonMetros – increasing awareness for education, health & wellness, growing need for personal grooming, improving hygiene & increasingly eating out & experimenting with food.

60% of my brands revenue comes from non-metro India

Women & Children in UnMetros India have become powerful as far as purchase decisions go.

The advantage in a small town is that the news spreads very fast, brands need to spend money in cultivating loyalty

Products must be hackable & customizable. Customers are getting smarter. They will not buy products just because their favorite celebrity is endorsing it.

Puma – “We have closed 7 stores due to unprofitably, all from Metros”

DHFL – “We target lower middle income group. We have differentiated Business Model to cater to different segments in Market”

CCD- “We are not in the coffee business; we are in the Time pass business. CCD is a place where people want to spend time with their loved ones, beverages accidentally surround them”

Toyota – “By the year 2015, non-metros will account for more than 60% of our sales!”

Puma – “e-Commerce allows us to reach 800 towns that we would have never had reached. It serves a long tail of towns”

Titan – “In the coming 5 years, e-Commerce will be big, Localization will be critical & technology will help us identifying customers with their name & purchase history”.

We at Huawei have always believed that making a common man a brand ambassador & word of mouth is the best marketing strategy. Thus Huawei Club where we are building an eco-system, engaging with Students, Developers, Designers to enrich our customers experiences.  

A brand essence doesn't and will not change, from market the way the message is communicated at times need to be tweaked accordingly to be effective. After the end of the conference, for it’s really difficult to distinguish metros & unMetros into separate categories.

In fact India outside the metros seems to be the emerging India.

Feelings with Failures

This is a space where I want to talk a little bit about failings, because nobody's journey is seamless or smooth – neither is mine. Interesting question that I faced few days back, “What makes what you are today?” & the reply was “My failures!”

We all stumble.

We all have setbacks.

We all do mistakes & wrong choices

If things go wrong, you hit a dead end, as you will, it's just life's way of saying time to change course. So, I always ask every failure, every crisis, and every difficult time -what is this here to teach me? And as soon as you get the lesson, you get to move on. Important is that you really get the lesson, you pass and you don't have to repeat the class.

Difficulties come when you don't pay attention to life's whisper, because life always whispers to you first. And if you ignore the whisper, sooner or later you'll get a scream. Whatever you resist persists. But, if you ask the right question—not why is this happening, but what is this here to teach me? it puts you in the place and space to get the lesson you need.  I have my share of many failed projects, failed matches, failed ideas…but those failures never stop me, they have made me better.

Don't live for yourself alone. This is what I know for sure: In order to be truly happy, you must live along with and you have to stand for something larger than yourself. Because life is a reciprocal exchange. To move forward you have to give back. And to me, that is the greatest lesson of life. To be happy, you have to give something back.

The lesson is - If you're hurting, you need to help somebody ease their hurt. If you're in pain, help erase somebody else's pain. And when you're in a mess, you get yourself out of the mess helping somebody out of theirs. And in this process, you get to become more of a beautiful person that one would like to know more about.

It’s such a lovely sight as my home is glowing in the colorful lights. A small light alone looking so good and playing its small important part in the whole view. 

Wishing you’ll Happy Diwali – go out and make that small difference!

A Student for Lifetime

Called up my mom today afternoon for a general chat, she says “I am painting the wall, can we talk later?”. As the call ended, the only one thing that hit me was how cool stuff my mom is still doing at this age. It’s so inspiring to see my parents always doing something interesting – like going for a jog early morning, trekking, playing badminton, working with NGO etc.

The best thing my parents preached: “Beautiful thing about learning is that nobody can take that away from you. It’s the biggest wealth. The world has so many lessons to teach you. Consider the world, this Earth, to be like a school and your life as classrooms. And sometimes here in this Planet Earth school the lessons often come dressed up as detours or roadblocks. And sometimes as full-blown crises. To succeed you got to be open to the lessons, lessons from the grandest university of all, that is, the universe itself.”

The times when I lost badminton matches, banged my car and failed in relationships….all gave me lessons. Failure is never an option; it's being able to walk through life eager and open to self-improvement and that which is going to best help you evolve, 'cause that's really why we're here, to evolve as human beings. To grow into more of ourselves, always moving to the next level of understanding, the next level of compassion and growth.

And I believe that there's a lesson in almost everything that you do and every experience, and getting the lesson is how you move forward and being more of yourself.

From last 2 months, I have been closely working with inters & college’s students - the thing that I have learnt from them:

•      Being who you are (No mask)
•       Not being judgmental
•       Open to experiment & learning’s
•       No fear of failures
•       Being crazy, laughing just because you want to
•       Loving & caring selflessly

I am student for the lifetime. Before going to bed the one thing that I ask myself is, “What I have learnt new?” And I answer – I learnt a new style to bun my hair, I learnt a new vocabulary, I learnt what hurts people, I learnt how to console my friend in a new pattern, I learnt a new song…
I want to learn to swim, skydive, ballet dance, play guitar, bake yummy cookies, skating & many more..

I know that I m getting better from yesterday…I am getting to be more of myself…I am living the way I want to…I m learning something new every day!

Happy Learning Friends!

When it feels right, it’s Right!

It feels like breathing.

It feels like being alive.

It feels right. And that's where everything follows.

When you're doing the work you're meant to do, it feels right and every day is a bonus.

How do you know when you're doing something right? How do you know that?

It feels so. What I know now is that feelings are really your GPS system for life. When you're supposed to do something or not supposed to do something, your emotional guidance system lets you know.

If it doesn't feel right, don't do it. That's the lesson. And that lesson alone will save you, my friends, a lot of grief. Even doubt means don't. There are many times when you don't know what to do. When you don't know what to do, get still, get very still, until you do know what to do.

If you really want to fly, just harness your power to your passion.

Honor your calling. Everybody has one.

Trust your heart and do what feels right!

Drink & Drive - Choice for a Life

A daughter who has seen her father taking his last breath in an ICU

For he is an orphan boy when the car ran over his parents

Would-be brides love brutally being killed on a street

How does all this sound???

Did you felt the pain of losing your loved one because someone drove when they were drunk?

Picture snapped in front of your eyes - car hitting someone and blood all over?

Or

Did you felt guilty for the times where you drove after drinking alcohol & meeting with an accident or getting lucky for escaping any mishap?

Well! If you have felt anything so far, this message is not for you. It is for those who didn't feel anything reading the above lines:

Ask me-

It’s not easy to let go someone from your life forever because someone got on to the driving seat when they were drunk.

It’s devastating to be back in your conscious to face the world which tags you as a killer after you have banged your car on an innocent soul

Been their…shattered….miserable…helpless…seeing time & relationship getting worst.

All this, just because someone like us wanted to have a great time in the party drinking alcohol, carelessly didn't bother but decides to go back home driving.  This is a simple choice one makes to ruin ones beautiful happy family.

NEVER DRINK AND DRIVE!!!

Be Responsible... don’t drink and drive
Help & Support me in this cause
Share your views to make our roads safer by ensuring enforcement of strict laws. 

Back to being a Teetotaler forever & do you still want to know WHY

Learning’s from the Corporate World

It has been a long day yesterday…. Right from interviewing some inters joining my team to attending Bangalore Barcamp - listening to some amazing talks by my friends. Barcamps hold a special meaning in my life and to prove that statement, I started blogging after attending Pune Barcamp 2007 which happens to be my first Barcamp.

As you would know I have been blessed to work with some amazing companies like Oracle, IBM, Motorola, Teleca & Huawei. Barcamp has thought me the art of sharing & learning, thus let me share with you’ll key lessons that I have encountered & adopted during my 6 years of corporate experience:

•   Truly believe in the company & project you are part of. Until and unless you are not passionate you can never give your best
•   Instead of your manager, Plan & Strategies your own work
•   Set targets & benchmarks for yourself. Timely keep a track on our scores
•   If you feel insecure it’s time to learn & work hard in improving your skill sets
•   Do things the way no one ever can do it the way you do
•   Instead of working hard, work smartly
•   Network & build your brand
•  Take ownership
•  Help people working for & with you to grow, they will help you step ahead
•  Present yourself & your work in the best way possible to management
• Let failures never define you, but help you get one step closer to success
• Last not the least – Learn, Share, Contribute, Support & Inspire people around you.

 You will never be remembered in a company for your contributions, but for the way you treated people around.  So have a true beautiful heart and don’t ever forget to carry a smile on your face no matter what the situation is.

Yesterday across the dining table one of my friends said, “You sound very corporate”.

Well I take it as a compliment because my Dear friends I know my business very well.

What are you attracting?

If it’s good it’s because of some change.

We attract what we are.

If we are happy we attract more happiness, if we are depressed we attract more depression. 

If we are feeling like a winner we attract more wins. If we feel love we attract more love.

It’s based on the simple theory of Law of attraction.

I have witnessed this theory myself … so I think the whole point is all about how you feel, so that it makes you be that and finally you land up attracting it!

So how are you feeling now? What are you attracting?

What’s best for your Body Clock?

How do you wake up without an alarm clock?

Why does your tummy start grumbling a few minutes past your regular lunch hour?

What time is it inside your body? That’s a harder question. :P

Light coming in through eyes helps the body clock to keep in time with day or night and it resets slightly every day. Knowing how your internal body clock works can help you make the most of your waking hours.  It is quite natural for some people to want to wake up early and get on with the day, while others prefer to take more time and find they function better later in the day.

Having been watching & reading some research reports plus documentaries about Body Clock, few points & undertakings that I wish to share:

Morning 6 am to 10 am: Prefer doing less exertive activity or excises, as there may be more chances of heart attacks. Never skip your breakfast!

10-12 noon: The most productive hours in the day. Try completing all your To-Do’s during these hours.

Afternoon 12 – 2 pm: Complete your lunch & avoid driving on roads. In case you need to don’t forget to grab a cup of coffee to avoid accidents or any kinds of mishaps.

2-4 pm: Any kind of medication during this time will always do wonders. That’s why Kimo treatment to cancer patients is given in this time interval.

4-6 pm: Physical co-ordination, stamina and metabolic rate peak. Perfect time to slate a game of doubles tennis or schedule an early-evening kickboxing class. Best time for sports & gym.

6-8 pm: Guess why most of the pubs have happy hours during this time? Yes! As research says it’s the best time for drinks & dinner.

8-10: Avoid accessing internet, instead read a book, spread time in what you are passionate about like listening to music, painting etc. If not much, spend a quality time with your loved ones.

After 10 pm: Your hours of the day!. Sleep well and time for love.

Work according to your body clock for your best!

Joy of Giving!

Every time I shop, the challenge I face is to make space for them in my wardrobe. One weekend I closely looked at my wardrobe & figured out that I had a lot of items that I don’t use anymore.  Few stuff which are out of fashion, some don’t fit me any more …it was getting difficult to tackle the mountain of clothes, shoes, bags and accessories.

Many of us feel that we may still wear certain items once more or, that we will grow back in to them if we lose some weight. However, there comes a point that we do really have to face the facts and get rid of a couple of things. Good News is that you need not throw everything in the bin, because there are quite a lot of things you can do with your old clothing:

Charity:

Donate old cloths to NGOs. Do make sure, however, that you check your clothing is still wearable. Anything with bad stains, holes or tears should not be given to charity, it would just be disrespectful. 

Sell:

There are a number of organisations that will buy your clothing by weight.  They will provide you a certain amount for every kilo of clothing that they deem acceptable. You could also place your clothing on a number of online bidding websites and let others fight over how much they will give you for it. 

Recycle:

Old clothes, for instance, make excellent rags that can be reused at various places. It is difficult to see something that you really loved and wore with pride turned into a rag covered with oil stains, but that's OK. You could also turn your old clothing into funky jewelry and accessories. The best thing about this is that you end up with something truly original item.

*We need Clothing Bank in India 

It’s not easy to get rid of old clothing, particularly if it’s your favorite brand, however when you give, you make someone else really happy with it, or make a contribution to a better planet. Donations are a very popular medium of giving away clothes to the needy and underprivileged people. It brings personal happiness as well as joy to the beneficiary.

The more you give, the more you have new things coming into your life…so go & enjoy the joy of giving!

Forgiveness!

..some fun, when you risk..

..some joy, when you understand..

..some connect, when you fall..

..some excitement, when you explore..

..some life, when you remember..

..some imagination, when you dream..

..some hope, when you loose..

...some pleasure, when you fly..

...some tears, when you laugh..

..some peace, when you forgive!

*Today was one such day where I was asked for forgiveness like never before...

Stepping out of the Comfort Zone

Last Friday when I stepped out of my comfort zone, is when I truly feel like I am alive. ;)

Writing is an art. Storytelling is an art. I love to do both…As I was challenged to step out of my comfort zone and share my Friday evening night out story… so here you go….

“We friends headed to Xtreme Sports Bar after office to celebrate a friend’s birthday. The club was screening ICC Champions match live and I was badly missing the music. Later we figured out that it’s a karaoke night and I for fun said I will sing.

Our groups “Kabira” got so excited that he went up to the DJ to submit my entry. Karaoke started and the first 2 performance were classy. After which I was so scared, that from with-in I decided not to make fool of myself & asked friends to withdraw my name. Just the next min my name was announced & I was hiding my face. All my friends badly wanted me to get on the floor and do something adventurous! Guess what … I did it.

My friends joined me on the stage, stood beside me & cheered me. I finally sang my favorite song “I just need you now”. I don’t remember the people who were taking my pictures, guys who were capturing my performance in the video, friends dancing around & enjoying themselves… all that I was conscious was about the lyrics & how my voice sounded. At the end I had that huge smile on my face, hear loud applause & see the happiness on my friend’s faces who felt so proud of me. “

That night will always be memorable for the experience & believe that you can enrich your life after stepping out of the comfort zone. With this I could say that tackling a new skill or taking an adventure that scares you a little helps you grow and makes you happier. Most of us have a desire to be comfortable and play it safe. Trying something new can seem scary and not worth the effort. Believe me you witness miracles when we step out of  your comfort zone.

When you step out of comfort zone to follow your dream, there will be mighty storms. But in time, they will subside. And it is then you will appreciate why they came in the first place -- they came to change your direction and move you closer to your goal.

Think back to the most meaningful, amazing moments of your life. When you examine them you will find that they had you stepping out of your comfort zone. Trying something new and unfamiliar brings extra excitement and emotion to life events.

Often, the things that are scariest bring the greatest rewards.

When you step outside your comfort zone, you give yourself a chance to grow, to learn, and to have fun. You get to see what it is like to be one of those carefree individuals who act first and ask questions later.

So, why not have fun for once in your life (and maybe continue doing so) by going out and attempting a crazy and adventurous activity. Step out of your comfort zone and you'll realize how many possibilities really are out there! Even if you fail it will make you stronger, and you will learn from that failure!

4G: Strengths & Challenges in India

These days there are a lot of talks & announcements from all the major operators about 4G.It’s too exciting as Fourth generation, or 4G technology offers mobile internet access at three times the speed of 3G.

4G offers:-

• Higher bandwidth with a very quick access to the internet
• Easily watch TV, streaming videos, albums, and also get access to social media, information, entertainment and online stores
• Valuable Service: Multimedia games, HD videos, e-commerce, mHealth, mCommerce, mobile vault
• Video conference
• M2M (Machine to Machine)

4G Top challenges:-

• Voice and SMS not supported on 4G
• Uses USIM (Universal Subscriber Identification Module) which is different from current SIM since it is a 128 KB SIM thus needs a change in mobile number
• Launched in only few citied of India eg: Blore, Pune, Koltata etc
• Limited area coverage; 4G roaming    
• Lack of connected devices; few 4G supporting handsets & datacards

I are very optimistic about the networking market in India in the coming years. We at Huawei are already seeing increased demand for networking products owing to the new trends in the Indian market. 

It will be very exciting to see the incredible changes that 4G can bring into India....I can’t wait to see!