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Recognition

The best time to Plant a tree was 20 years ago, the Next best time is now

Back when I was in 6th standard, I was selected to take part in a painting competition representing the school along with five others. A couple of days after this we were informed that it was a painting competition where no more than 5 people could participate paint. So I volenteered to step out of the spotlight. The good news was that I could still participate, but not if we won, then I wouldn't get a medal.

On the way to the arena, the theme of the competition was announced. During the journey, I pulled out a piece of paper to figure out what we were going to create. The others were quick to chip in as well. I truly enjoy the process of brainstorming and figuring out how an end must look like. We did decide on something and it was a few modifications to the skeleton that I had initially suggested.

The competition went smoothly and we won first place. Everyone except me got an award for what was supposed to be my vision. Initially I was happy. But when asked about the award at home, I told them a twisted version of what had happened.

My disappointed parents called my school and inquired about the same. I was called to the principal's office and she specifically asked me if everything was alright. The teacher was blamed for me not getting the award.

I had made a big mess of the whole situation. I was not selected for any future events because I went for a piece of glory that simply meant nothing. Who knows maybe if I continued along the same path, I may have been an architect today instead of an engineer.

About five years later when I was in 11th, there was a collage competition at school. A couple of friends and I created a Möbius strip from the collage and added some beautiful pictures to it. It was an awesome project and we ended up in second position.

Here too, the award was given to my friend instead of me because he was the one who signed up but I was the one who showed up.

I recently completed reading Invisibles. While pursuing it, I realised that there is so much joy to be gained in the process of doing work itself.

I no longer crave recognition like I used to as a kid. I now find joy in the journey itself. Invisibles at the core follow three concepts (1) Attention to detail (2) Hard work without recognition and (3) Savouring responsibility. It's not easy to adopt this mindset, but I hope with time, I become more invisible by working better. Hoping to become Consistently Dependable, Dependably Consistent.

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