Swami Vivekananda’s views on work.. lessons for corporates

Swami Vivekananda

Many of us today are caught in a fierce struggle in our work life where we go through several bouts of stress, pressures, and precarious decision-making hinged on ethics. Swami Vivekananda has some pearls of wisdom that could be well applicable to the work culture of today’s corporate world.

A few of them are:

“When you are doing any work, do not think of anything beyond.
Do it as the highest worship, and devote your whole life to it for the time being”.

Perseverance and focus are the keys to success in a world where individuals feel there are shortcuts to success!

Many times, when one contemplates agonizingly over right and wrong and looks to choose the easy compromise over a more complicated but possibly better option. In such a scenario, Vivekananda’s belief acts as a benchmark.

“He who is over-cautious about himself faces danger at every step; he who is afraid of losing honor and respect gets only disgrace; he who is afraid of loss, always loses”. Shedding fears and worries of failure and overcoming them is the way the individual could work towards his goals

Swami Vivekananda also says to avoid looking wistfully or with bitterness at what seems like more relevant and rewarding roles than your own. Focus on one’s goals is the only way forward, any distraction brings a downfall for the individual himself.

“No man can long occupy a position for which he is not fit. By doing well the duty which is nearest to us, which is in our hands now, we make ourselves stronger and improving our strength in this manner, we may reach a state in which it shall be our privilege to do the most coveted duties”.

What one needs to keep in mind, is a million-dollar thought is he/she would get what he /she deserves, not what he/she desires.

In the course of moving up the professional ladder, you are tempted to agree more with yourself. Then comes the inclination to bring others into your fold, and convert them to your point of view.

Swami Vivekananda explains: “His principle was, first form character, and results will come of themselves. Be in no hurry to give thoughts to others. First, have something to give! Know Truth for yourself, and there will be many to whom you can teach it afterward; they will all come”.

Hope these help you succeed in your work life.

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