Life is a dynamic process. It keeps on changing whether you realize or not. Currently, my post graduate program requires that i undertake a research study. I am clear on the subject I would like to undertake my study on; however, there are plenty around me who don’t and who tend to approach me for advice and suggestions.
The other day I advised one of my classmates to undertake a SWOT, the clichéd SWOT (Strength, Weakness, Opportunities, Threats) Analysis of their own self. What does this have to do with Dissertation? Simple, it helps you get closer to a topic you would spend researching upon endlessly. Once you understand yourself, you come to know what you like, what you thought you liked but you didn’t and likewise – which seem small but are big discoveries about yourself.
The only trouble with this method – SWOT analysis of yourself – it is endless. The more you get to know yourself, the lesser you do. There is a point when you get overwhelmed or perhaps too much into the details, for instance, at what pace my fingers are moving on this keyboard. The problem here is to draw a fine line when to stop.
It is important to be aware of yourself, if you can do it without getting carried away. However, without understanding yourself or the basic things about yourself, there’s simply no hope. It would merely be a superficial life you need to live only because you’re supposed to and things you would do because “Someone says so…” or “Everyone thinks so…” and other quotes that may be popping into your head right at this very moment.
Another important benefit about understanding your true self is that it helps you decide things based on the value they add to your life – not because of a COLLECTIVE OPINION. If you understand what you want, what you don’t, what you can do without, what makes you happy, what makes you sad etc…, your thought process would gradually become clearer. You would understand things that would truly matter and not just because they are on Television, Radio, Billboards or because your neighbor can’t stop raving about it.
Collectivism holds that the individual has no rights, that his life and work belong to the group . . . and that the group may sacrifice him at its own whim to its own interests. The only way to implement a doctrine of that kind is by means of brute force—and statism has always been the political corollary of collectivism. – Ayn Rand
Most people spend their lives without realizing this. However, they have this feeling – “I have everything – but something’s missing”, “something’s not right” or perhaps “why am I not happy?” It’s difficult to understand why cases of depression are mounting each day in the world. According to reports, World Health Organization-sponsored study indicated last year that around 9% of people in India reported having an extended period of depression within their lifetime, nearly 36% suffered from what is called Major Depressive Episode. The same article in TOI stated that WHO findings declared India to be one of the most depressed nations in the world.
Is understanding yourself – what ticks you what doesn’t, what you can do better, what you can let go, what you mustn’t and other basic questions of life get answered, would you amount to being a happier or a content individual? Although, I may be younger to say this but it would certainly make a difference, a positive one at that.
Bottom Line : It’s about getting your priorities right.