Direction is more important than speed

 

|| Direction is more important than speed ||

''The day you plant the seed is not the day you eat the fruit.'' What a statement with so much depth. It's just true; every seed of nature or human being takes time to grow, to plant and nurture a good human being. In this fast-paced and rapidly advancing world, especially among youngsters, there's a prevailing demand for everything to happen at mechanical speed. They don't seem to believe in words like focus, patience, direction, or integrity. Instead, they believe in obtaining everything on a platter with rocket speed. I have observed that everywhere, people are fixated on short-term gains, focusing on quick gains and using persuasive tactics to amass wealth and establish relationships. Very few contemplate long-term goals, quality maintenance, and nurturing relationships. Especially in the realm of social media, there is an insatiable hunger for an ever-increasing number of followers, yet few are willing to invest effort into cultivating genuine connections with followers who truly benefit from their authentic actions. My positivity and intuition lead me to believe that in life, the direction and purpose behind your actions hold more significance than the speed at which you attain success.

One statement made by a hearing-impaired girl truly amazed me. She came to meet me, a young girl who runs her own business and also works for an interior designer. She's remarkably active and energetic on social media. A few years ago, she tragically lost her mother to cancer. She was deeply attached to her mother, and after her mother's passing, she took a substantial amount of time to heal and find stability within herself. Recently, she learned that her sister-in-law has also been diagnosed with cancer and requires treatment. The entire family is grappling with immense mental pressure due to these circumstances. Observing the strain on her family, she's understandably concerned and frequently contemplates what might come next and how to navigate these challenges. Witnessing her apprehension, her family advised her to seek a counselor to aid in her healing process. To my astonishment, she responded promptly to her family, displaying remarkable self-awareness. She stated that despite being hearing impaired from birth and facing numerous challenges, she managed to overcome them and achieve a sense of normalcy in her life. She questioned why she would need a counselor, asserting her confidence in her ability to manage her own emotions and experiences. Her resolute clarity and life direction are truly inspiring.

 

One must learn to derive the correct direction from such special kids—the kind of patience they possess, the way they face challenges, and the hurdles they strive to overcome. My positivity and inspiration stem from these special kids, and by being around them, my life's purpose becomes crystal clear: to contribute to their well-being. Every moment and opportunity in life, I seize to bring about change or to endeavor to alter people's perceptions of them. In 2004, when we initiated the Josh Foundation and introduced the concept of a technological revolution for hearing-impaired children, no one was willing to believe. However, the consistent efforts over the course of 19 years have enabled me to gradually help people grasp that a technology revolution can alleviate the disabilities associated with hearing impairment, enabling these children to lead lives akin to ours. The journey was arduous, but unwavering persistence combined with steady and measured progress led us to achieve the best outcomes for them.

I came to visit Pondicherry, a city where the followers of Guru Aurobindo made everyone feel their own selves. Their vision was to help people understand how to connect with their own subconsciousness and connect with God. In this Matrimandir, there are no idols of God or ritual ceremonies; instead, you are required to maintain silence, and it is meticulously planned. The Mother had a unique vision. This place, designed for prayers in the form of meditation, generates profound vibrations in the mind, body, and soul – something you can truly feel. She dedicated many years to creating this space, which is now one of its kind, guiding people to better understand themselves. Her guidance has helped numerous individuals comprehend themselves and their connection with God.

Mahatma Gandhi's journey to securing India's independence is a shining example of how the direction we take towards a goal matters more than the speed. He embraced the powerful concept of ahimsa, or nonviolence, and used it as a tool to lead our nation towards freedom. Gandhi ji's positive approach was like a guiding light that showed us how to stand strong with peaceful actions. He believed in the goodness within people and turned frustration into a force for change. By focusing on the right path rather than rushing forward, he inspired millions to unite for a common cause. Just as he steered India towards freedom patiently and purposefully, in our own lives, too, the direction we choose to follow can lead us to success with unwavering determination. Gandhi ji's approach was unlike any other. It was slow and calm, like a steady river flowing towards its destination. He showed us that the journey itself holds immense value, teaching us how to grow and change along the way. Even though it took time, his direction-focused approach led India to its freedom. This reminds us that just like a tortoise that wins the race by moving consistently, it's not always about going fast, but about knowing where you're headed. 

The Chipko Movement beautifully illustrates the idea that the way we go is often more significant than how fast we get there. This movement embraced a creative direction by encouraging people to hug trees to prevent them from being cut down. Instead of solely fixating on the end goal, which was to protect the trees, they ingeniously decided to physically connect with nature by embracing the trees themselves. This approach deepened their bond with the environment and showcased their heartfelt commitment to preserving it. Like them, we can learn that taking a unique, thoughtful route can bring us closer to our goals. The Chipko Movement underscores how the act of hugging a tree symbolizes not only protection but also a stronger connection to the world around us.

In the world of sports, the notion that direction is more significant than speed is vividly illustrated by the strategies of footballers and hockey players. Take a footballer, for instance. When aiming to score a goal, they don't just kick the ball with all their might towards the net; instead, they focus intently on the direction of their shot. They consider the curve, spin, and angle that will lead the ball into the goal. It's not about how fast they kick it, but about how accurately they guide it towards the desired spot. Similarly, in hockey, the movie "Chak De! India" portrays this concept brilliantly. When Shah Rukh Khan's character emphasizes focusing on the direction of the hit, he's underlining the importance of precision and technique. 

In the world of movies, there's something really important to understand: it's not just about going fast, it's about going in the right direction. Imagine a director on a movie set. This person is like the captain of the ship. They focus on each scene and how it fits into the whole story. They make sure every shot is perfect, capturing the emotions and moments just right. It's like they're creating a puzzle, and each piece needs to fit. Sometimes, they might not worry too much about whether the movie will make a lot of money or not. What matters most is that every scene is done well, like putting together a beautiful painting. Think about a famous movie scene, like the one from "Jurassic Park" where the T-Rex appears for the first time. The director, Steven Spielberg, didn't rush to finish it. He took his time to plan each detail – the lighting, the sound, the angle – to make it unforgettable. And you know what? That scene became iconic and still gives people chills today. So, being a director isn't just about making things fast; it's about making things right. Just like in life, it's not always about reaching the goal quickly. It's about taking the right steps in the right direction. Just as a director carefully crafts each shot, we can shape our own path by focusing on each step and making them the best they can be.