I was on a plane flying to another city away from where I live. In the seat next to mine sat a youngster, who continued to make phone calls and send messages, even as the aircraft was taxing to take off and after the cabin crew had requested passengers to switch off all electronic equipment.
After we were airborne, the youngster and I began chatting, and he said he was making all those calls as he was hastening to close a big deal.
As he was sharing with me, I was reminded of the announcement that I had just heard from the cabin crew, where she had mentioned that we should be aware that the emergency exit may actually be behind us and not ahead of us.
I was struck by the thought that in our haste to pursue success, we may miss recognising the successes we have already achieved, which actually may be behind us. Instead of rushing towards success in the future, maybe we can turn around and look behind us for what we may have already achieved; even if in small ways, yet missed seeing in our haste.
I realised for myself that in not appreciating the successes I have already attained, I may be hurrying away from them. What I perhaps can do is to slow down and let my past successes catch up with me and savour them.
The writer is an organisational and behavioural consultant. He can be contacted at ttsrinath@gmail.com
