I am told that ‘Talking to self’ is a great tool for establishing a normalising behaviour. It is a definitive process used by coaches to trigger change and to make the subject understand the scenario in a new view. It is always about self-actualisation and self-realisation. I bring this subject in reference to the national loss we all suffered on 26th March 2015.
I along with many other Indians felt devastated for not making it to Finals. Did I felt let down by the team, may be. If you push me a bit, yes I did. Did I feel cheated, NO. Was I ashamed of my team or my nationality, NO. I was proud of their performance. Did I participate in Anushka Bashing, Yes; I am as guilty as others. I thought it was in humour till I realised we are dealing with volatile human loyalties.
LETS GET SOME FACTS RIGHT
Cricket like most other games is played against another team. One of the team has to lose. No one wants to be backing the losing team. Everyone wants to win. Absolutely nothing wrong with it. I am happy you felt that way. It shows you were passionately part of the game.
But, you need to digest a win as much as you would want not to be affected by a loss. You were one of the billion spectators watching the game unfold on your screens. What was there at stake for you? Your pride, faith, trust or self-esteem.
Did you think of the eleven or sixteen in the team you idolised some hours back. They have lost. They have lost a chance of their life. Yes Dhoni has already won a world cup but winning two is always better. Leave aside the possible monetary gains that could have fed generation; they have lost the chance of being hugely loved by the country that currently feels differently. Maybe they have lost nothing. They know we Indians are like chameleons we will soon change our colors.
WHO CREATED THE HYPE
Now, roll back a bit. Did you sincerely believe you would win before the start of world cup? Ok our group was easy but a few games and the story could have been different. Yet we feel devastated.
This heightened expectation was nobodies fault. They were the national team and it is our right to expect them to win. Win they did, 7 games with style. Something we were not expecting. Would it been any easier if they did not make to quarterfinal or lost at that stage.
You never just wanted the CUP. Somehow you were made to believe it was possible. You wanted it with the Intensity of MAUKA. A thought planted by a channel, which ‘Won’t give it back’. The collective frenzy stated building up by with the scintillating performance in the centre.
TIME TO INTROSPECT
Now, the team must be feeling like many of us have felt at times. Lets take this example. You studied well. Your intention and passion fuelled by ambition made you do everything possible. Yet you failed to make the cut. You were feeling bad enough and you never needed others (including family, aunts, neighbours and friends) to chastise for it. Or you believe that everyone has the right to take your case. Go ahead make up your mind, take a stance.
This is the time to be ruthless with us. Time for ATMACHINTAN ; introspection. Talking to self and questioning our actions will help you come out of it. ‘JESNEY PAAP NA KIYA WHO PEHLA PATHER MAREY’. In this case, the person who has never failed to satisfy expectation be the first to criticise and chastise the team. Your wall of self-esteem and righteousness will crumble.
Have you promised yourself and your family something, sometime, somewhere that you never thought you would be able to manage? Have you failed? Have you ever been second in something you passionately tried? Have you ever failed to come first? First in any field, studies, event or sports. If you did come first in your class, were you first in school, in city, district, region, state, country, continent and the world. And that will place the performance in perspective. This is the time to learn and be proud.
THE OTHER SIDE
Hopefully Anushka’s life will continue as it was. Hope for her people stop taking pot shot. Or blame her. If I was to believe the reports, she is a lady in love, which is reciprocated by the man in question. It is absolutely natural and in her rights to be there. I again hope that she does not hate herself for being there. You and your barbs are making nothing simple for the two. Leave her. Bet, you take would be different if Virat fired.
I personally believe that there is an additional pressure when people dear to you are in the audience. It is there and one should not deny it. At the same time I believe that international players unlike us mere mortals are able to negate it.
PROMOTING MEDIOCRITY
The performers thrive in ambition, challenge and passion. They also cringe when they find their passion and performance can affect lives of their near and dear ones. They want to do JUST ENOUGH TO REMAIN IN TEAM. By taking off like India did yesterday, we make sportsman seek safety in mediocrity. Then these fears are dead. You don’t feel disappointed. You don’t expect much. Nothing happens.
Life then is far simpler with just an above average performance.
…………………………………………………………………………………….
Sanjeev Kotnala is Head Catalyst at Intradia and believes the best way forward for an organisation is to enhance its interanal team’s potential and capabilities instead of depending on external resources. He is a Management, Marketing and Braand consultant and conducts specialised workshops in the area of IDEATION (Harvest and Liberate) and Innovation (InNoWait). To contact email sanjeev@intradia.in or tweet at s_kotnala visit www.intradia.in www.sanjeevkotnala.com.
