The Jerk in all of Us

All of us have a hidden jerk lurking about within. A nasty moody person who's surly and crap to be with. Unfortunately, this ba.....d is the same guy who can be more daring, creative and impact- creating than the rest of our personality.

Now I'm not for a moment advocating that we let this jerk rule who we are completely, but don't we need to find a balance between different parts of who we are and accept them? Even the jerk inside us.

That's what the "Social Network" did to me: it showed me how different personalities and value systems play out when confronted with an idea. A mind blowing film, it makes you think about so many things: loyalty, differing value systems, an inventor's mind, a supporter's mind- and what it really takes to make an impact on the world. Without really delving into the film and being spoiler, I'd like to recommend it for the absolutely absorbing watch that it is. I love the treatment: there is no right or wrong.

It just is.

Radical Residue

I have recently read, re- read and started actively using a "gem of a book" called Radical Honesty. My favourite professor recommended it, and after I read it, he told me to re-read it. He was right.

This book changes your life, and I wish I'd written it. There. Said it. Biggest compliment a writer can pay to another one. Not that the author Brad Blanton needs my compliments. In fact, he'd probably cuss me out in case he reads this blog. He's that kind of guy and yeah, this is that kind of book. You either hate him or love him. I ended up hating him and loving his book (happens!)

This book is raw. Needs polishing and editing. But I wouldn't change anything in it. Not everyone's cup of tea though- honesty is a bitter poison to begin with. So I know that most of y'all won't read it. So I thought I'd leave you with the main residue that I had when I finished the book:

Whenever there is a choice to be made in life, ditch the principle and go for the truth. Always.

(You may have a different residue if you brave the book. That's the beauty!)

Nature's Fireworks

This Diwali, I will also look towards nature to supply me the fireworks. I thought the snap above signifies just that: paying attention to our surrounds while we celebrate Diwali may be the way ahead for all of us. Don't these flowers light up your Diwali as much as the lamp in the middle does?

Maybe celebration doesn't always have to be at a cost. Both can co-exist, balance each other out. We don't need to take an extreme position.

A Happy Diwali, everyone!

Idea Worth Spreading

There are times within your day when it is kind of blah and you are just in between things. Now you could use this time to watch something really fascinating: minds and ideas of extraordinary people. These people give you a glimpse into their world, and its all free to boot. Usually of very short duration, you can typically listen to a presentation while you say have an office lunch (what I do)

I'm talking of TED talks- being a recent convert to this wonderful free content service. Eclectic, heartwarming, inspiring- I guarantee you that you will find a few speeches/presentations that will connect with you and make you wonder at life all over again. In a good way of course.

Since I'm very interested in technology, nutrition, leadership patterns, and quantum physics, those are the areas I searched for the most. You could search and find whatever you need. I can guarantee that you won't be disappointed- www.ted.com

Wonderful stuff.

What's your Gift?

I may be naive, but I believe everyone has a gift that they are born with. This is the main theme around my second book which has just been launched (The Gift of the Gab: Success has a Language)

I feel that once you get your gift, you get a whole new world at your doorstep. And I don't think you have to be super lucky to understand what it is- but you do need a method to reach this place consistently.

I'm hoping that everyone reading this blog likes reading my book as well. Likes it as much as I liked writing it, to quote a well worn cliche.

Book Details:

Price: Rs. 150

Publisher: Leadstart Publishing, FrogBooks

Should be available soon across cities and stores. You can also buy it off Ebay, Amazon and a host of other sites as well.

Roald Dahl's Book Factory

I was recently gifted a wonderful set of Roald Dahl's children's books. You know- Charlie and the Chocolate factory, Matilda, Fantastic Mr. Fox and many more delights. I read these out to the brats at night, ensuring both sweet dreams and nightmares in equal measure.

I'd never thought that he was such a wonderful children's storyteller- he always was macabre in his adult version short stories. What is awesome is the immediate impact it has on kids when you read the stories out. I think kids understand that it is all bizarre but are able to suspend their judgement on reality far better than us morose adults. They know there ain't no such thing as hair toffee, or that magic fingers don't really exist, or.... but they are willing to listen and be entranced.

I find myself getting as wide eyed as them with every book in this wonderful author's book factory. A must read.

A funny kind of hero

What a nail- biter India won. And while India's fickle public will praise Lax to the skies and ask his head to be chopped off when he has an off day, all those who remember his contributions over the years, especially against Oz, will know that we are very very lucky to have him around.

He is a funny kind of hero. He isn't too much of an athlete; can't run and looks like Dev Anand when he bowls. He always looks as if someone has scolded him a lot and he's suffering from the aftermath of that shouting. He doesn't look smart at the wicket either and he looks like he is sleepwalking some of the time. No one asks him to endorse their products.

But give him his wand and watch him bat. Just watch him bat. Nothing else. He destroys you- while looking totally inept between deliveries. As the opposition, you are taken for a ride. This can't be the guy who's walloping us.

But he is, Ricky, he is.