work work work....how many hours?

A leading business tycoon recently said that young Indians should work 70 hours a week to ensure India's progress.

There was a mix of support and criticism and the debate continues.

So what is ideal hours to work in a week? How do you achieve the elusive work - life balance? 

I don't believe there is a 'one size fits all' solution. It comes down to ethics, personal preferences and perceptions.

What do I mean by ethics? Ethics works both ways. If your work constantly demands you to put in more than 48 hours a week or the legal norm is, then it is only fair that compensation should be structured accordingly. Employees have an obligation to discuss their pay structure if they are consistently putting in more hours than required.

Most people do work 60 hours or more. They do this either through their side business or part time job to earn extra income or because they want their passion to become the mainstream in their life.

Work life balance is not a set rule like the 80:20 rule. Work life balance is about perception. If I want a promotion at work, I will work hard to show that I am the ideal candidate for the role. It is better than sitting, doing nothing and hoping for it. 

What are your dreams, aspirations, goals? Do you think Michael Jordan became who he was because he restricted how many hours he put in? We love success stories and idolize movie stars, industrialists, sportsmen because they shine in their brilliance and illuminate the way for us to achieve our dreams. If only we were not afraid of our own light and it's brilliance.

What is the required hours of work per week, what is your compensation and your own ambition should determine if 70 hours of work is required or not.

Persist and Resist

Persistence pays off, always...Well, not always.

There is a counter weight, a counter balance.

Persist to achieve your goals and resist the temptation to complain about the process. 

Most people want something out of life but lack a concentrated effort to achieve their aims. That is perhaps why people love and adore industrialists, sports persons and film stars. 

Nothing is impossible. You can achieve anything you set your mind to. Ask and it is yours...but you still need to put in the effort to get to your goal.

Complaining will not solve anything. The more you complain, the more likely you will continue to face the same problems. Quit complaining, have faith and you will reach your goals.

Persist and resist

Shinrin Yoku - Forest bathing

Shinrin-yoku, also known as forest therapy or forest bathing, is a practice that originated in Japan in the 1980s. 

It involves spending time in nature to improve physical and mental well-being. The concept is based on the idea that exposure to forest environments can have a positive impact on human health and well-being.

Research has shown that spending time in nature can reduce stress and anxiety, improve mood, and boost the immune system. This is because forests emit phytoncides, a type of organic compound that plants release to protect themselves from harmful insects. These phytoncides have been shown to positively impact human health, including increasing the activity of natural killer cells, which help fight cancer and other illnesses.

To practice shinrin-yoku, one simply needs to spend time in a forest, park, or other natural environment. This can be done by taking a walk, hiking, or simply sitting and enjoying the sights and sounds of nature. There is no specific way to practice shinrin-yoku, as it is meant to be a personal and individual experience.

One of the critical benefits of shinrin-yoku is that it helps to disconnect from the stress and distractions of modern life and allows us to connect with nature and ourselves. This can be especially helpful for people who live in cities and are constantly exposed to noise, pollution, and other environmental stressors.

In conclusion, shinrin-yoku is a simple and enjoyable way to improve physical and mental well-being. It is a way to connect with nature and experience the benefits that come with it, such as reduced stress and improved mood. If you are looking for a way to improve your health and well-being, give shinrin-yoku a try. You might just be surprised at how much it can help.

Look before you leap - Why a GTM is important

A Go-to-Market (GTM) plan is a crucial component of any successful business strategy. It outlines the approach a company will take to bring its product or service to market and helps ensure that the company is making the most of market opportunities and avoiding potential missteps. A well-crafted GTM plan should include the following key elements:

Target customer segments: The first step in developing a GTM plan is to identify your target customers. This includes defining your target audience, understanding their needs and pain points, and determining how your product or service can solve their problems.

Marketing strategies: A good GTM plan should include a detailed marketing strategy that outlines how you will reach your target customers and build awareness for your brand. This may include a mix of digital and traditional marketing channels, such as email marketing, social media, advertising, and events.

Sales channels: A GTM plan should also include a plan for how you will sell your product or service. This could include direct sales, channel sales, or a combination of both. You should also consider the resources you need to support your sales efforts, such as a sales team or a network of partners.

Key performance metrics: A GTM plan should include clear metrics that will help you measure the success of your efforts. This could include metrics such as customer acquisition cost, return on investment, and customer satisfaction.

In conclusion, a GTM plan is essential for any company looking to bring a new product or service to market. It helps align internal teams, allocate resources effectively, and measure success. A well-crafted GTM plan will increase the chances of success and help ensure that your company is making the most of market opportunities. So, take the time to develop a comprehensive GTM plan and watch your business thrive.

Tabata - An introduction to Tabata and its benefits

Tabata is a high-intensity interval training (HIIT) workout that was developed by Japanese scientist Dr. Izumi Tabata in the 1990s. It consists of 20 seconds of intense exercise followed by 10 seconds of rest, repeated for a total of 8 rounds. The workout typically lasts for just 4 minutes.

• Tabata is an effective way to get fit and improve your physical health, as it helps you achieve several benefits, including:

• Increased cardiovascular endurance: Tabata is a cardio workout that will boost your heart rate and improve your endurance.

• Fat loss: Tabata's short and intense workouts are proven to be effective in burning fat, as they increase your metabolism.

• Improved athletic performance: Tabata helps you develop speed, power, and endurance, making it a great workout for athletes.

• Convenient: With a workout time of only 4 minutes, Tabata is ideal for people with a busy schedule who want to exercise quickly.

• Versatile: You can perform Tabata exercises with a variety of movements, such as jumping jacks, squats, burpees, and push-ups.

Tabata is a great way to get fit, burn calories, and improve your overall health. The short, intense workouts make it perfect for busy individuals who want to stay in shape. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced athlete, Tabata is a workout that will challenge you and help you achieve your fitness goals.