Airports

The airport is a theater in itself. If you closely observe faces, you will find the story in each one. Some are flying for vacation, some for work, and others for many reasons. One thing is common to all: everyone is in a rush at all times.

Airports have a history in themselves as well. Sometimes, you walk away with remorse/fight or call it a quit, and many others in a cheerful moment, to meet the love of your life or to save your falling business.

The faces, expressions, and emotions run all-time high. I have witnessed many of these emotions in myself.

mask

We all wear masks to project and settle into the system. The crowd governs our likes and dislikes. Would you be the clown or odd man out wearing non-trendy fashion? Would you like to be called uncivilized for your looks, and the way you eat or speak?

Who has defined what is civilized or not? What is trendy or not?

Our world around us wants to be perfect and that means putting us in a box of perfection defined by others we call society. You have to put on the mask to be in this mad world.

Partners

Berkshire Hathaway had Charlie Munger and Warren Buffet. It was their friendship and complementary skills that sailed the firm. Looking back at life and where I am hitting 40 in a few quarters, I feel it took me a long time to forge that relationship. Be it personal or professional to find people who align with similar long-term vision. The loved I could speak freely, and openly without judging me or sounding correct. We see partnership in nakedness, where we are accepted as we are without any lipstick. 

I see half of my school/college sweethearts divorcing, and many of those companies built by co-founders on the wrong foundations are falling apart. 

facade

We only see the winners and the happy moments when building a company or relationship. What goes behind, the battles, losses, and pains, are less mentioned.

It feels like a facade at work where only one side is shown to the world, be it the media or the winners.

The self-help books, entrepreneurial podcasts, and love therapists are not incentivized to discuss failures. It is not sexy, it does not get viewership and it’s plight. We all want happy-go-lucky moments.

Behind every success went a dozen other failures. The facade is to hide it and gloat about glory.

Root

We are lost in the glamorous social media. We have forgotten who we are, what we need, and what we want. This is why we need influencers. We are running for fame, money, and spotlight.

The progress we are calling for is eroding our social fabric and bond that had existed for centuries. Our prefrontal cortex has become a slave to the marketers pulling 2 mins stunts.

We are moving away from our roots more and more.

Orchestra

Building a startup requires every part to perform at its peak. In the early days, it’s reaching out to potential customers for product iteration. As the company matures, so does the product, bringing revenue. To keep existing customers happy, we need a quality support system. Also, the customer success team is required to upsell newer features.

As an orchestra, everyone has to perform.

What will a sexy design be of use without the right technology implementation?
What will happen to renewals without proper support and services?

Unknown

Our life is all about living in the unknown. We were born naked., and then we grew up in a society with its boundaries. As we aged, we got responsibility and pressure from our peers. It’s like a great run. You are left alone running.

Some of us die running, a few curve out niche, and a few decide to stay out of this race. It does not matter who you are, what matters is how you accept the unknown and sail through it.

Steps

Climbing Everest requires everyday preparedness, and building a successful enterprise requires a long grind. Our dreams are unlimited. We all dream about one thing or another. 

We need to take a small step every day to turn dreams into reality. Edison’s or the Wright Brothers’ overnight success took many years of hard work.

If you have a dream, work towards fulfilling it with small steps every day. The grind is permanent. 

dreams

We all dream. Our dreams are what we have. Most of what matters is living this one life to the fullest. Everything we do should aim to fulfill our dreams. 

We can keep a dream high enough. We live in a world where we are constantly seeking external validation. It is not our dream, but outsiders forcing it upon us. Be careful with who you interact with, and share your dreams.

told

We are a beast. Our ego drives everything. We like, dislike, and act on our ego. In most instances, we dislike being told to do anything. Have you seen a child? Tell them not to touch something; they will go after it.

Our brain is accustomed to not taking orders or advice. As a child attains adulthood, they want to revolt against their parents. Any advice they give is taken in a negative sense.

Let people make mistakes and learn from it. Don’t tell them what to do.