Recently, I watched this video of Harsha Bhogle's speech at IIM-A., a speech about talent and the attitude which decides the direction of the talent. Here's the url to those who've missed it: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E-R8gfbump0
Re-iterating his words, it happens umpteen number of times that we see somebody around us being able to do a certain something at ease and wish we were like them; that we were as talented. At such a weak moment, we donot pause for a moment to even think that it is their attitude with which they have reached that stage; with which they are so good at what they do!
Harsha Bhogle illustrated the example of a person we regard as a legend in today's time – Sachin Tendulkar. I remember, back when I was in middle school - high school, come cricket season, and we used to have arguments at length over one's favorites in the team; a fight for whose idol is the best. Come to think of it, it now strikes me how Sachin has continued to take that stand in people's hearts till date. To top it all, people today quote "I was an atheist until I saw Sachin on the field today". Such is the power of attitude! Of course, while it might be impractical to imagine that with the right attitude, every person will evolve to be World famous like Sachin; it is also pessimistic to rule out the happening altogether! Worst situation, you end up with a clear conscience, a satisfaction on having tried hardest, and a confidence soaring among the clouds…and that doesn't sound bad, does it?
I have seen so many people claim that they have no talent; had a few other people even explaining all that they know and ruling every one of those thing off as something ordinary. A few others have said things like – 'I used to be extremely good at this when I was younger; but I'm out of habit now', etc etc. The right attitude, in my opinion, would be to revive the interest in whatever way is possible, since situations do change as we grow and evolve.
Every time we see somebody excel at something, we think to ourselves…wish I was like him/her; wish I could do something like that; etc etc. The next time we come across such a situation, one should simply stop and genuinely appreciate the goodness that embraces the other person and basically acknowledge the age old preaching that no two people are alike in all manners; and that each person is definitely blessed with something special of their own and inspire oneself to recognize that and exploit it in the right way. That, is attitude.
P.S.: Dedicated to all the elders in my life who have, and continue to inspire me with each talk I have with them; even if it is on the phone.
Special dedication to Amma and Pappa who have always encouraged me to think and reason the way I do
