Words fail to describe what’s happening in India for the past few weeks. And, it feels wrong to write about product management today.
We are going through, what we hope, is a once in a timeline emergency. I am sharing what has helped me “get on with it” in this time. Hope that works for you.
The book “The obstacle is the way” is a great use of 352 rupees today. It summarises Stoic philosophy and tactics used by powerful people in the recent and distant past like Steve Jobs, Margaret Thatcher and Marcus Aurelius to get through difficult times.
I like this summary by dailystoic.com if you want a quick summary.
Here is what helped me:
First: Think about changing your perception of the situation. Separate the facts from the story you tell yourself about the facts. That my parents and daughter are sick is a fact. That my dad was careless and spread the disease to others in the family is a story. And, not a very uplifting one at that.
“Whatever we face, we have a choice: Will we be blocked by obstacles, or will we advance through and over them?”
Second: Stay in action. Indian philosophy and stoicism are very similar in this regard. Do the karma. Do not get overwhelmed. Do what you can today. Build upon that tomorrow. Assuming everything is going to go bad is paying the price for a future that may not happen. So remain calm, positive and in-action. Obstacles only fade away in the face of relentless action, which in other words is perseverance.
“Focusing exclusively on what is in our power magnifies and enhances our power.”
Third: Assume you have the power to change things. You have agency over your situation and command yourself to stay in action. Do what is needed. When is needed. Do it differently if things are not working. Change your approach to finding the oxygen cylinder. Get off the phone and start driving. Ask people you would never think of asking for help.
Stop looking for angels, and start looking for angles.”
“All we need to do is those three little duties—to try hard, to be honest, and to help others and ourselves. That’s all that’s been asked of us. No more and no less.”
Fourth: Momento Mori
This is a good time to meditate on death. It will come to all of us. Momento Mori gives us a better perspective on life. For example, Am I doing what I want to do in life. Am I using the little time I might have with my parents well? Would I be ok losing them to Covid knowing that I isolated myself from them to save the rest of the family or is it ok risking that isolation in favor of having a few more hours with them.
“You’ll have far better luck toughening yourself up than you ever will trying to take the teeth out of a world that is—at best—indifferent to your existence.”
No more gyan.
—Anubhav