Once I had to visit a cancer hospital in Trivandrum to seek a medical opinion for a friend’s father.
The hospital was packed with patients, many of whom were suffering immensely. When you see those gaunt faces and shaved heads, you realize what a ‘life and death’ situation really means.
During our daily life, we get so caught up in man-made crises and deadlines that sometimes every second thing feels like life and death. The ambitious type-A MBAs (e.g., consultants and bankers) are especially good at inducing panic (for themselves and others).
As a consultant, I often felt like some upcoming discussion was life and death. And a week later, I wouldn’t even remember it.
Most crises are regular business requirements artificially escalated by the collective insecurity of everyone involved.
The next time someone makes a deadline, meeting, or presentation sound like ‘life and death,’ ask them to visit a cancer hospital.
Perspective is everything.
– Rajan