Ramashis Biswas | 61510121 | Section: H | Ramashis_Biswas2015@isb.

edu

Carpe Diem
I have always held that it is too difficult to set goals (especially long term ones) for my life. I prefer to fix
short horizon objectives within the ambit of a somewhat broad plan. For instance, I could tell you that I
would like to die a successful human being who has made a significant contribution to society. However,
I would not be able to tell you how or when I would do that.
I am aware that this might be construed in various settings as vacuous or flippant. I for one, view them
as another way to achieve my objectives. By focusing on the here and the now, rather than the distant
future, I keep my options open. So while I know where I have to go to, I can pick and choose my options
as to how I will go there.
In my opinion, the greatest strength of my approach is that it allows me to be flexible in my beliefs. As a
result, I can quickly review my beliefs in the face of contrary evidence. I know that this comes with the
inherent weakness of being too easy to sway. Also, as communicated in our business communication
class, you could argue that this would make me less effective as a leader considering that leaders need
to have conviction!
I disagree. That in my opinion would be looking at the weaknesses of my approach in isolation from its
strengths. For example, my approach does not in any way forbid me from being firm about my short
term objectives. I considered it an absolute necessity to join ISB in order to further my career goals. I am
perfectly okay with one of several career outcomes post ISB. In context, if recent trends continue, it
would be bull-headed to not become an entrepreneur in the near future.
The sources of my inspiration are varied. Perhaps in sync with my approach towards life! I generally
draw my inspirations from real life historical figures. Albeit, I am also swayed by stories with particularly
forceful characters. In particular, Lucifer from Paradise Lost and John Galt from Atlas Shrugged left very
strong impressions on me.
I have never believed in sacrificing relationships. I view relationships as critical in achieving my
objectives. Achievements in isolation mean little to me. Especially if you do not have people to celebrate
them with. A possible line of argument would be to isolate relationships which need to be less
concentrated on in order to foster another necessary for the attainment of the more immediate goals.
Even so, I would not necessary term that sacrificing. In my experience, these tend to balance out with
both interactions acknowledging each other, as long as you do not keep them compartmentalized.
Finally, I know that the biggest weakness of my approach is that I might someday lose sight of my end
objectives. I keep a diary to remind me of where I started from and where I have to go.