Mind Games

Decisions - neither simple to take nor simple to understand. Recent events have made me ponder about what goes into taking the decisions that we do. The smallest of decisions are thought over - either consciously or subconsciously! Most often we do what 'suits us the best'...but what does that mean?

Everyday decisions are not as rational; majority of the times these are spontaneous - governed by emotions and moods. By spontaneous, I don't say they are not thought over...However, spontaneous we may be, our little friend who resides in our head keeps an account of all that we read, write, see and analyzes it before we can blink an eye. He has the data ready all the time, he only presents it at the time we need to 'take a call.' Therefore, I say that the decisions taken even at the spur of the moment are pretty much thought over at a subconscious level.

The decisions which involve a trade-off or a large investment might seem a little more complicated than our everyday decisions. Many would say we weigh our options and choose what we feel is more beneficial. But I still feel the choices are emotional. At the outset, one will always justify ones decision by applying logic and make believe the importance of taking that decision. But I feel logic is what we use to convince ourselves of the rationality of our emotions. Right from our childhood we are conditioned to trust evidence rather than going by our gut feel. As we grow, we are expected to take a "well thought" decision instead of following our heart (emotions). Therefore, quantifying emotions or rationalizing them at the time of decision making is a defense mechanism that we use to pacify our super ego.

I met a few car buyers recently. Majority wanted to buy a vehicle for the comfort of bigger families. While the first criteria was the price, there was no compromising the original purpose. Some settled for smaller cars or cars of a lesser quality engine but higher comfort level that fit into the price bracket. In such cases, the price might seem to be the deciding factor...but it is true only at a superficial level. However, the key trigger in the purchase, when you dig down deeper you will realize, is the comfort of the family - a more emotional than rational call!

So how is this decision any different from our day to day decisions? Perhaps because there is a conscious effort to validate our emotions by evidence. I was once told by a very Senior Training Consultant that decisions are a result of fear. Advertisers don't sell products, they touch upon what consumers fear and the product sells itself. Boeing does not sell an airliner, it sells safety thousands of feet above the ground. Kelloggs does not sell healthy breakfast, it sells the fear of obesity. Olay does not sell creams to nourish your skin, it sells the fear of not being beautiful. For that matter, Thumbs up and Mountain dew do not sell adventure, they sell the thought of overcoming the fear of death!

Therefore I say, decisions are a function of our emotions!

Awesome Mausam

I was sulking all day, thanks to my dependence on my blackberry phone. The moment it gave up on me I sensed doom. The feeling of having to depend on an inanimate object is depressing but the feeling of not depending on it or abstaining from it is even worse. I was brooding over my non functioning phone while in the bus on my way back home when I thought of getting down at the nearest showroom and browsing through the phones available in market. ‘You never know, I might just need to buy a new one just in case this cannot be repaired!’

I followed my heart and spent time checking phones in the showroom. After a survey to my heart’s content, I stepped out of the shop into massive showers. There were no cars on the road and no people even. The closed shops were lined by human figures. Every corner, railing, platform, stall with a cover on top served as a refuge for 5-8 people.

I waited for a bit but the scene was so beautiful! It did seem a little scary initially but my instinct told me to give into this rage of Lord Varuna. Without thinking twice, I opened my umbrella and stepped onto the footpath, surrendering to the growling and roaring nature.

I felt a surge of excitement as I took the first step. The raindrops hit my umbrella and I feared they would tear it to pieces. I walked along the footpath. A jump in every step I took. The wet monsoons had managed to lift my spirits and rid me off the dampness within. The corners of my lips twitched and curved into a smile. Perhaps monsoons have that effect on you. The weather was cool, road empty and streets drowning into the accumulated water. Neither the water logged lanes nor the lightning intimidated me. I was on a different trip. I still fail to understand what infused so much excitement and happiness into a meaningless day but something had gone right, something inexplicable had happened. I had forgotten about my phone, my work and I was enjoying that moment. Carpe Diem!!!

I managed to cross the road after endless efforts of maneuvering through ankle deep water. Still not many cars on the road. The cacophony of Mahim had come to a rest. The usually crowded roads seemed lifeless. ‘How can roads which were abuzz a few minutes ago look deserted all of a sudden?’ But they sure were. A few empty cabs fleeted past, none willing to take on passengers. The drivers were perhaps rushing to the safety of their homes. It’s amazing how we think of our loved ones when in peril. It’s the ‘kya pata, kal ho na ho’ moment for each one of us!

After a few futile efforts, one cabbie agreed. The distance wasn’t much really. Once home I thought to myself, 'Hardships never fail to find you, but it is what you make of it. Our perceptions play a large part in what we make of what we have. The smaller joys of life are far more important, it is important to do what your hearts says! I stepped into the rains because I felt like doing it at that moment and walked that little distance, but it worked wonders for me. It allowed me to get drenched, wade through water logged streets, feel the rain drops on my face.I embraced it all willingly and in return I lived that moment fully! Concentrate on the smaller joys of life, the big ones will follow ;) Live the day my friend! and every day will become a happy memory'