On the weekend I attended an interesting event in Dubai – a conversation with two great cricket legends of all time – Sachin Tendulkar and Wasim Akram. Both these players made their international debuts at a fairly young age (Sachin was 16 and Wasim was 18) and had longer careers than most cricketers do. They are well respected and have been inspiring millions right through their cricketing careers and continue to do so even after.
So, I attended the event, eager to understand how they really did what they did, what their views on cricket are and how they see the game now, considering they no longer play the sport. I went as any other cricket enthusiast, in awe of them, to learn how they approached their game and managed to achieve so many records.
While, I keenly listened to them speaking about their respective careers and achievements, what intrigued me the most are the 5 things that I came back with – lessons that can help us in our day to day work management, work ethics and attitude.
1. Priorities
Money is important, but it shouldn’t be the only thing on your mind. When you are starting out in your career, your energies should be focused on the experiences you are going to get, the learnings on the job and what aspects of your life you can develop by working amongst the best minds. Don’t worry about the bank balance just yet. Once you have made your mark, that gets taken care of automatically.
2. Hard work
There is no substitute for hard work – this often stated principle surely holds true, but along with that maintaining a rigorous and unfailing work ethic is also important. It doesn’t matter how senior or junior you are, after a certain point in time, it is that work ethic that gets you through. You have to constantly practice, develop new techniques, newer ideas and be on top of the game in whatever field you are.
3. Foster team spirit
In any team, it is important to have the right attitude. You could be the star performer, but you have to be a team player. If you are a senior, you need to take responsibilty of showing the younger ones the right direction – both personally and professionally. And if you are a junior team member, ensure that you become the guy everyone depends on.
4. Don’t give up
Don’t let ups and downs impact you. You will have success and some failures too – these are part of your career. But don’t let these things affect you in any manner. Your job is to keep at it, do your best and never give up.
5. Health is wealth
Irrespective of what stage in life you are, take care of yourself. Have a exercise regimen, watch what you eat and take care of how you look.
Sports have many such learnings for all of us. We need to pick the ones that will work best for us and adhere to it. What we need to know is that success comes from talent to start with, but what really matters is the attitude and discipline that one has.
Written by – Ashwin Gedam, Vice President – Global Marketing & Communications, Xpress Money
