"People do not decide to become extraordinary, they decide to accomplish extraordinary things" - Edmund Hillary
There is a longing inside every human being to be extraordinary, to stand out. As they say - being normal is boring. But the true question is this: What does it take to become extraordinary?
I believe that the answer is the willingness to go that extra mile. I realized this in recent years.
I am an engineer (like most people) which by itself puts me in the huge ordinary bucket. After graduating, I joined an organization as a developer (again, like most people). A few months into the job, I realized that there is nothing that I am doing that only I can do. And this is the thought that got me thinking -
How does someone make sure that he stands out?
Luckily enough I was able to attend a motivational session conducted by my organization and there was one important message that I picked up from the speaker.
"The people who stand out are the people who go that extra mile, wherever it might be".
Being a person who grew up by getting stuff done the easy way, I knew that this change, even though simple, was not going to be easy. I decided to do it anyway.
The place that I started trying this out was obviously at my work. I started putting more effort than what was asked for.
If there were n tasks to be done for the day, I started doing n+2. If the deadline was tomorrow, I was done completing my work today. During the times when my teammates needed help in completing a task, I stayed back and helped.
I did this consistently.
I also applied this 'mantra' in my personal life and took time out for volunteering in social and environmental activities.
One of which is closest to my heart is that I started being a scribe and helped the blind students in writing their examinations. I knew that I did right by them when I received chocolates after their results got published.
But the most important part is that one should not do this measuring the results. I did not, and I believed that this was something that will pay off in the long run. Compensation need not always be financial. It is all possible tangible and intangible outcomes, self-satisfaction being at the top of my pyramid.
When I decided to leave my company to join MBA, there was a time during my farewell, where my team mentioned me as a person who does more than what she's asked to.
It was at this moment that I felt that I have created an impact. I knew it then, that that is how my colleagues will remember me.
I then decided that I will continue following this throughout my life because nobody needs permission to go that extra mile!!
Why Aditya Birla Group Is Big In My Life
Aditya Birla Group is one of the biggest conglomerates in India and has impacted our lives in ways that are far beyond our contemplation. Reflecting on an average Indian's daily life, we can see ABG's involvement in multiple levels. The brands that ABG owns are in a league of their own.
First and foremost, I am grateful to ABG for their Vodafone Idea, which has helped me remain connected to family and friends over the years.
Infrastructure is a vital part of a country and UltraTech Cement is the most sought after cement by any Indian primarily due to its quality and endurance.
ABG also plays big in the financial services market (myself having taken an insurance policy of ABSLI), providing wealth management, mutual funds, insurances, etc.
Being an MBA student, it goes without saying the importance of suits and blazers in our day to day life. ABG's retail arm including Peter England, Van Huesen, and Allen Solly has helped me immensely.
And even if you are a person into casuals, ABG is there for you, with stores like Pantaloons, People and Forever 21.
Name an industry and Aditya Birla Group is present there. This is how ABG is big! This is how ABG is extraordinary!