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Mentor teaches us that in the ever-evolving journey of life, we often find ourselves confronted with change—a force that can either paralyze us or propel us forward. As I reflect upon the invaluable lessons imparted by my mentor, I am reminded of the transformative power that lies within each of us. Change, I have learned, starts with a personal commitment to growth and adaptability. It is through this lens that we can navigate the winds of change and emerge stronger, wiser, and more resilient.

1. CHANGE STARTS WITH US

We all want our lives to get better and positive changes to appear in our lives. Guru Bhagwan guides that the mistake we make is that we expect others to change. We all have opinions about how others should change, whether they are our children, our politicians, our bosses, or our employees. We miss to think about the most important person who can make all the difference, ourselves. A positive change always starts within.

2. SHIFT FROM “WHAT’S IN IT FOR ME” TO “HOW CAN I SERVE”

Leadership is about making a mental shift from thinking about yourself first to thinking about others first. Guru Bhagwan says, “talk in terms of other”; which means that we should consider our work an opportunity to serve rather than a transaction of labor & money. This shift provides our work a higher purpose and it becomes a reason for joy and purpose and not just something we do 8 hours a day. All over the world, customers make decisions based on the attitude of the people and not just the quality of the product. Leadership is beyond the pursuit of individual success and personal growth; it is to identify the significance of serving others. If you’re able to change the purpose of your work from a self-serving one to the one that serves all, that brings a sense of achievement like no other.

3. FAILURES ARE THE PILLARS OF SUCCESS

There is a sport called, Ice skating. In this sport, the athlete must lean forward to move ahead. The interesting thing is that the people who win the most are the people who lean forward the most; but they fall down the most as well. It’s this ability of getting back up after having a fall sets them apart as winners. We all feel disappointed when we fail, it’s natural. However, the winners are able to stand back up on their feet and are able to just take the next step.

Guru Bhagwan says that each failure offers valuable lessons and opportunities for growth. It’s up to us if we want to be stuck with the feeling of disappointment or move ahead with a lesson.

4. TALK IN TERMS OF OTHERS

Guru Bhagwan’s message of “Talk in Terms of Other” is a powerful and practical way of implementing a service attitude at work. In our interactions and endeavors, it is essential to adopt a mindset of empathy and compassion. As Mahatma Gandhi emphasized, “The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.” By shifting our focus from self-centeredness to thinking in terms of others, we cultivate a deep sense of connection and purpose. When we consider the needs and aspirations of those we serve, our work becomes a meaningful expression of our values and a source of inspiration.

5. NEVER GIVE UP WHEN IT GETS HARD

Guru Bhagwan says that leaders don’t give up because of adversities. In the pursuit of meaningful work, adversities are bound to arrive. When faced with adversity, we can seek guidance from our mentors, and cultivate a resilient spirit that propels us forward. Under the guidance of our mentor, every setback becomes an opportunity for growth. MS Dhoni famously said that “The process is more important than the results, and if you take care of the process, the results will come”. The process is sometimes painful, confusing, slow and we feel that we are losing. The night is darkest before the dawn, it’s when we persist through the slowest part of the goal achieving process, do we see the results. It’s because the leaders are willing to face the adversities in the pursuit of a worthy goal, they are able to persist and ultimately achieve their goals. Most people quit in this slow period when they don’t see any results. Leaders focus on the process, not on the results.

Informing our work with a spiritual aspect is essential aspect of a fulfilling work life. By embracing a spiritual perspective, we transcend self-centeredness and recognize the profound impact we can have on others through our work. By serving others, thinking in terms of others, embracing failure as a stepping-stone, unlocking our limitless potential, and persevering through challenges, we become beacons of inspiration. Let us embark on this transformative journey, guided by our mentor.

Rabindranath Tagore stated, “I slept and dreamt that life was joy. I awoke and saw that life was service. I acted and behold, service was joy.”