Success = Act [Assertiveness + Creativity + Timely]

My Department is the galaxy of rare talents and exceptionally scholar people. The following idea is the product of fruitful and original thinking of Prof. K. Pushpanadham, Department of Education, Faculty of Education and Psychology, The Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda, Gujarat. 

Sir, Thank you for your unique insights and encouragement. 

God Bless YOU!

Success = “ACT”. Not so new maxim for success is to ‘act’. We all know it all the time, don’t you? But we are not able to understand this simple and ready to available maxim for life. We are the land of wonderful thinkers. We are top-notched in thinking, designing even in articulating. But when it comes to implementation, we really need the boost, supplements, motivations and strong reasons to beat our procrastination. The only problem that we have that really cross our path of success is the ability to execute with sheer determination and solid commitment. A great many ideas have seen the day of the light because we have failed to act. We have failed to realize the importance of acting on time, in time. And when the time has gone, we realize that we have wasted our temporal stay at this planet. And … in the end, nothing but regret and resentment for us, and for others- thanks to our excuse-seeking mechanism. If Gandhi along with others, did not act wisely, we would have been slaves still. If Steve Jobs did not act upon his gut feelings, he might have been the splendid pieces of beauty and monstrous art of productivity named iPhones and MacBooks. If Bill Gates did not act wisely and courageously, I might not have been typing this article on this elegant laptop. If my father did not act on finding the resources to submit my fees for university, I might have been to reach you in the capacity of an assistant professor, in the distinguished department of Gujarat as well as of India. So, the crux of the matter is to ACT.

It is evident and obvious that to succeed, we need to act but how many of us are acting which is considered as an ‘act’ in the real sense. The action is the only option which leads to success, but we need to understand that also that not every action leads to actions. So, act, wisely, act tactfully, act smartly, act with planning and management. Do something. BUT ACT.

Besides, the term ‘act’ is a verb, it is also an acronym. Success does not come directly through mindless, senseless, confused, muddy acts, it really requires the sound background for the act. Before I give the full form of the acronym ‘act’, I request you to stretch your imagination to guess, what is this A>C>T, stand for. Whatever you might guess will be right as there is nothing right and wrong, just thinking makes it so- not my words, Shakespeare’s and we can’t argue with him.

‘A’ stands for Assertiveness. Firmness in thinking, speaking and doing. From where this firmness comes, it comes from the knowledge of how things work, how you will work when things will work or not work, how to fight instead of flight in situations which demands serious and drastic actions.

Assertiveness is the courage to stand out yourself without harming other people’s rights and feelings. Assertiveness is a response that seeks to maintain an appropriate balance between passivity and aggression. There is a thin line between aggressiveness and assertiveness. Assertiveness is about the balance whereas aggressiveness is about winning. When you act, not all will be pleased with that act, not all will appreciate, not all will like you to grow. But that should not be the discouraging point. In fact, it should be the encouraging boost that despite discouragement, despite scorn, you do. Just do it. Let’s move to the second letter of ‘act’.

C stands for creativity. It encourages to innovate, to invent, to discover, to design, to the programme- in short, to create. In today’s modern times, when your laptop and mobile gets frequent updates, it is a serious reminder to us that: IF YOU ARE NOT UPDATED, YOU ARE OUTDATED.  The world has reached to such a juncture that if you are not able to create your value, you will be devalued. Perform or perish. The action is important but it should be creative and different. Even the same product, treated differently, creates better selling positions. Different is better. Action with a touch of creativity, originality and passion really works wonders. Now is the turn of the last letter of ‘act’.

T stands for timely. Time is one of the most precious commodities that we, humans have. Timely action, like a timely gift, doubles the value. If the actions are not taken on time, the only things remain at the end is ‘regret’. Timing in life is important that it really exalts or destructs life. One timely communication saves the relationship. One timely retrained behaviours save lots of trouble afterwards. One timely step in your life can create wonders and magic. Respect time in timely manners, others start respecting you and your work.

So, dear readers, act wisely with assertive behaviour, creative zeal and time and you will surely succeed in your venture.

Good Luck and Best of Efforts for Actions!

Regards,

Dr Bhavin Chauhan