One of my friends recently posted a quote by Tina Fey on Facebook, which
says "You can tell how smart people are by what they laugh at".
I remember one incident during my Junior college days. It was the beginning of a new semester and we had Founders Day celebration. The highlight of the celebration was a Fashion show. I always wanted to be a part of a Fashion show to experience the feeling of standing in front of the crowd and fearlessly present myself. So, I registered myself for the Fashion show without giving any second thoughts or thinking about who my competitors will be.
Finally, the day arrived. I dressed up in my usual Jeans and half
sleeved shirt. I went there and did my best to walk up to the ramp and answer
the random question from the panel of judges. I was overwhelmed by the crowd
which consisted of our College founder and Principal, the teaching and non
teaching staff and the Students. It was a life time experience. But, my answers
did sound a bit naive to some of my classmates and they laughed at me telling
me that I made a fool of myself participating and answering the questions in an
inept and stupid manner and that I was nothing in front of the other
participants. I did accept that criticism sportingly but laughed back at them
because they could just laugh at me and never experience how it feels to stand
there in front of the crowd.
Now, whenever I watch any fashion show on Television; I can understand
the feeling of the participating contestants because I have experienced it. It
makes me feel happy.
I want to convey a message from this part of my life. In life, there may
be incidents where you may be trying something which you have never done
before. People may laugh at you. Now, it depends on you whether you take their
criticisms negatively and be where you are or go and do what your heart says. I
might have failed to win that Fashion show but it was a life time experience
for me. Doesn't matter if I failed in it; at least I tried.
Do something unconventional, try something new everyday. Don't just
follow what others do. If you win, you become an inspiration for others and if
you fail, you still become an inspiration for yourself.
Your success may be delayed because you are trying all permutations and
combinations with your life but in the end you will succeed. Even if you don’t,
be happy that you at least tried and didn’t follow the negative criticisms and didn’t
settle for mediocrity!!
