I know I have written before about how much I love the words inter alia, meaning 'amongst other things'. But I will go again for now I am convinced that subconsciously in recent years it has become the final filter for me to identify sources of awe and inspiration. People who are more than who the rest of the world thinks they are.
These are the sorts of people I am drawn to in real life. I respect geniuses and masters of a singular craft. But I absolutely love those who are not only good at more than one thing, but they are that good that they can make money out of doing more than one thing if they wanted to. I crudely qualify this by saying 'money' for two reasons. One, it is my blog and I can do that. And two because end of the day, how good one is irrespective of the high billing our mothers give us - is determined if the world puts value to your work. Of course, you can replace money by success or jaw dropping skill. It is the same thing.
We don't move in Elon Musk's circles. But we all know someone like that. Journeymen. IT guys turned brilliant directors . Startup bros that morph into ironmen on weekends. Nomads of interests and passions. Settlers of achievement and excellence.
Being someone who can say - amongst other things - I am X - is impressive, but how does a person become that? I felt restless on the 'How' of the equation.
I was reading the extraordinary polymath, the late Bibek Debroy's poignant self obituary and I could not help but think how did this this man become this man. How does a polymath rise? These notches on the timeline when such a person branches out towards other doors, are they reserved for only those who are inherently brilliant? Or do these opportunities spawn for the rest of us as well?
A theory began to take shape. And fortunately, I got to test this during a conversation with Chef Sashi Cheliah on the sidelines of an event his team had put together. From the berets of special forces in law and enforcement, to the toque of a Masterchef winner- the tall Sashi has successfully worn many hats. (I am sorry I could not resist). I poked his mind on leaps of faith, and when did he know that it was time to pull the trigger (sorry again) on his law enforcement career. He was honest, and said he was lucky that he after some reluctance 'filled the participation form' for the television show.
Filled the form. No sir, you were not just lucky.
There it was. The key to re-birth. And I quickly reflected on my own little journey towards different forks in the road. The moments of re-routing, the opportunity to be - always were preceded by a choice. A Yes or No. I did not just think of it that way till this week.
The NO's never take you anywhere. The Yesses. Well, those are the tickets. And this has been proven through the ages, and not only for the Benjamin Franklins of the universe, but also us with our not so extraordinary lives. A bias to action. Saying Yes.
A person becomes inter alia, only when he/she has a bias to action. A Yes to a meeting. A nod to 'would you like to discuss?' A signature on a participation form as opposed to crushing that paper and throwing it in the bin. And once you branch out, your ability, talent, and ultimately execution is what turns a notch in your own timeline, to a completely different pursuit.
Do you agree. Or do you think some people are just blessed with good fortune. I would love to hear your views, and reflections on your own journey if you feel that amongst other things, you are more than what the nameplate outside your home says you are.
Me Elsewhere
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