MBA: Lessons learned so far

Being an MBA in the making from a premier b-school is not an easy life to live. Expectations from family and friends run sky high. They look forward to a glorious transformation their son/daughter/friend will undergo while living within those proverbial four walls of the b-school. Seldom are they disappointed. Studying with a motley crowd in a b-school has its own advantages. Working in a group not only helps in understanding oneself better but also helps in knowing varied approaches to accomplish the same task. In past few months of studying towards my MBA degree, I have learned few lessons which hold me in good stead and help me take better decisions. I hope they will help you all:  

Try to search the best in everyone: Every individual is unique having his/her own positives and negatives and I’m sure every one of you will agree when I say that no one is perfect. Then why waste this precious time focusing on their negatives, instead search for the constructive part in them which resonate with you and achieve the crest of the mutual wave. Give others time and let them surprise you with their creativity.
Judge from the intentions: As it is often seen people are not able to convey what they actually intend to. This lack of expression only adds to the gap between what the reality is and what people perceive and as a result people jump to unintended conclusions. Have patience and try to know the intentions behind the actions and only then make any conclusion.
Don’t get disappointed if you don’t succeed in the first attempt. It is pretty hard to console oneself and start all over again after facing a defeat. But not doing that never helped anyone. One has to learn from the mistake and try not to repeat it. Losing in a competition when you are just starting out is an indicator of the ultimate triumph that awaits you if you take failure in your stride. If you want something badly never give up, because the brick walls are there for a reason.
Don't be obsessed with what others think. Most of the people spend more than half of their time worrying about what others think about them. The importance of maintaining one’s impression cannot be doubted but it doesn’t mean that one loses one’s true identity and acts in a manner so as to be more acceptable to his/her peers. One needs to understand that not many people are so much concerned about what you do. Even if people are criticizing about your work don't worry because they will be the one who will praise it when you succeed.
Learn to say NO: When one’s plate is already full don’t take on any extra burden. Saying no to the people, activities and events that you don’t enjoy will help you to get more time for things which you really like to do. It is indirectly opening up space for a yes.
Sometimes all you need to do is ask: Whenever you are stuck in some problem try to discuss it with your friends. There is no harm if you ask for help.
Don't delay the fun. This is going to be the last opportunity to live a student life so appreciate the precious time you have. The parties, the festivities, the events are all important aspects of your b-school life. Don’t miss them because once you enter the corporate world your life will be very different.

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Siddharth Shandilya
First year student MBA at FMS, Delhi who believes in living in the present moment. I enjoy playing table tennis and cricket.