Why Starting Anything is Difficult
Well begun is truly already half done.
Having overcome the first obstacle — the obstacle of inertia in the face of actually getting started, I felt that I had taken the first step on the journey of commenting on the 700 verses of the Bhagawad Gita. However, the doubting mind raised that all too familiar sense of self-doubt: Is the quality of the commentary good enough?
Thereafter, the natural flow of events followed. The introduction was sent to a few family members and friends to get feedback. The perfectionist in me wanted to make sure that the work was of high quality.
Lack of self-confidence was expressed by Duryodhana too. Sanjaya told Dhritarashtra that his son Duryodhana was addressing the great warriors who would be fighting on his side in the great war to come. He was praising them and exalting their glorious achievements. It was clear that he wanted to hear them say that they were with him.
He praised Bheeshma and Acharya Drona and reminded them that they were both far superior to the Pandavas, especially Arjuna. Duryodhana explained further by reasoning that since Acharya Drona was the one who taught Arjuna archery, he was therefore, always going to be more exceptional than his student.
Why was Duryodhana doing this? It can be very simply explained.
It was clear to him that the hearts of his grand-father and Acharya Drona were with the Pandavas and not with him. He knew that they had all assembled because deep down, they were either duty-bound to the throne or obliged to him in some way, shape, or form.
He also knew that he didn’t have a valuable purpose to offer them. Fighting on his side wasn’t going to be for the protection of Dharma and society — and his warriors were well aware of this fact.
Yet, Duryodhana wanted them to stick by his side — purely out of self-interest, ego, and stubbornness. To that end, he was desperately seeking some kind of affirmation of loyalty by praising them.
Purpose determines both commitment and sincerity. When we have a larger goal, we will be able to put up with the short term pain and discomfort. What should be the basis of determining the purpose of any venture or undertaking? It could be two-fold: achieving personal excellence or making a difference in the people’s lives.
When there is no clear purpose, or the purpose is self-centred, we find ourselves seeking validation. Should the undertaking fail, then we can always pass on the blame.
PRACTICAL APPLICATION
When you take anything up, take some time to think through some points:
- Why am I undertaking this venture? Is this an impulsive decision born out of fear, insecurity, or even vengeance?
- What difference will the achievement of this goal make to my life and the people connected with me?
- What are the steps or the path that needs to be followed for me to accomplish this goal?
- What are the qualifications that I need and the support system required to accomplish the goal?
- Am I committed to enjoying the process even when the going gets tough?
When there is clarity about both the purpose and the means required to achieve the goal, there will be no more self-doubt. There will be no need to get approval or validation from significant others or the people who are with us on this path. When we grasp clarity, we are ready to take on whatever may come.
Ajay Ushakanth is a guest writer here on the Masterlife blog and is also a Masterlife Expert.
A former businessman who teaches the Vedas to budding entrepreneurs in Bengaluru, out of a co-working hub, Ajay has become an unlikely member of the rapidly-burgeoning gig economy.
He now imparts his learnings to others and has helped people across all spheres of life and work.
You can access all modules of his course: Become More Spiritual on the Masterlife app.
