- Posted by Prashant on August 16, 2009
Today (being Sunday) i have been working for 4 hours and my wife came along and asked me the same question (her pet question). How much have you accomplished? Is it almost done? Me being me; i answered like myself: "I have finished quite a few things, but i have a long way to go. Even if i worked for seven day in a row consistently and diligently, i do not think all i need to accomplish will be fully accomplished." She frowned, looked at the Sales, Service and Marketing cycle image i have been trying to perfect for last few hours, then says : "I have no clue what you do at work, and then you have to work all weekend; and still you always have more to do.".
That sentence epitomizes the way most people and professionals think. Every one works towards instant gratification. Work has to start and you have to finish it within a reasonable amount of time. This concept of "reasonable time" differs from individual to individual. Most of the times it is not based on any reasonable analysis, but just based on their respective hunch of what is reasonable to them. Everyone is looking for a destination. Nobody realizes that it is a journey with milestones/pit stops. You got to learn to enjoy the voyage (i understand it is different for everyone, and hence the complexity) and not keep waiting for the final destination; because there is none. We keep working hard and keep coming back at it and then repeat the same because we keep perfecting what we thought was perfect the last time. It is called evolution.
This is not a spousal bashing session. I think she being the adorable wife that she is; all she wanted to hear was "Yes thank you for giving me the time to work and it has been a very fruitful/productive time at work." Followed by perhaps "What can we do together (may be go out; may be bike)?". I did not give the answer i should have and hence her comment followed.
Seriously folks; one advice i can give the budding entrepreneurs (not saying that i am an accomplished one) based on my little experience is that, if you are looking for short cuts, chances are, you are in for a big disappointment. This is a long and arduous grind, if you are looking for instant gratification. It can be a very satisfying and perpetually fulfilling experience, if you love what you do, you are committed and you passionately believe in it.
For all those who remember being in love for the very first time, you got to love the pain that comes with it; otherwise just be practical and pick up a paycheck. You always have an option. Remember it is a beautiful journey and you do not want it to end!