MONDAY MUSINGS SEASON 2 - EPISODE 290
2nd December 2024
Positive Self-Reinforcement
Hanuman had a Jambavan in his team (by design) to mentor him and build his confidence. We need more Jambavans in our midst. But we don’t need to wait for a Jambavan to come to our rescue. Self-positive reinforcement is a very useful technique. What is positive reinforcement and what is self-reinforcement?
Positive Reinforcement
Positive reinforcement works by presenting a motivating/reinforcing stimulus to a person after a desired behavior is exhibited, making the behavior more likely to happen in the future, like giving an appreciation or a reward for a good work.
It is important to make a cognitive shift from aspiring and needing reinforcement and praise from others, to embracing and accepting self-praise.
Self-reinforcement is an example of a self-regulatory process in which individuals reward themselves if their behavior matches self-prescribed standards of performance.
A simple technique to positively reinforce our mind
Think of five ‘positive reinforcement’ statements about you such as ‘I remain strong and healthy’, ‘I am hardworking’, ‘I am honest and trustworthy’, ‘I will work hard to achieve my dream’, etc. Say all the five reinforcement statements out loud, two times daily. Adding to this, at the end of each day, think of instances where you had the opportunity to prove the five ‘positive reinforcements’ and where you felt a need for improvement. You will realize the power of this simple technique soon if you do this every day without fail.
Why Hanuman needed a Jambavan?
If self-reinforcement is so easy, why did Hanuman wait for Jambuvan to step in with his mentoring act? If Hanuman was so powerful and achieved wonders in his childhood, why was it necessary for Jambavan to give the confidence-boosting speech? Why did Hanuman not volunteer his services to cross the ocean? Was it due to ‘indifference’ or ‘lack of seriousness in the mission?’ Certainly not. Hanuman was always willing to do anything possible for the sake of his master, Lord Ram. Then why? That is an interesting anecdote and another useful message for us.
#StoryOfCurse
Hanuman is said to be the son of Vayu, the God of the wind. As a result of this supernatural parentage, Hanuman had the power of flight, as well as an Alice-in Wonderland-like ability to grow or shrink his form.
Armed with these special powers, Hanuman played childhood pranks and rishis were the targets of his pranks. Rishis complained to Hanuman’s mother Anjana but this did not stop. When his tapasya was disturbed because of Hanuman’s prank, enraged rishi, Matang Muni cursed him that he will forget his powers and his powerful lineage.
His mother, Anjana, pleaded with Matang Muni for forgiveness. Rishi relented and modified the curse that Hanuman will forget his power till reminded about it by a wise man at an appropriate time.
#HanumanPhenomenon
The story might sound absurd for a rationalist. It is not about flying power and curse but about a very useful message for us. I call this interesting behaviour as Hanuman Phenomenon. Most of us get afflicted with ‘Hanuman Phenomenon’ even in this Kaliyug.
What is Hanuman Phenomenon? Wait for a week to know or read my book ‘MANAGEMENT IMMEMORIAL – Learnings from Literature’.
#PositiveNewsPage
From delivering food to winning medals
Courtesy - The New Indian Express online edition
Yet another story of ‘against all odds’ this week too. This week’s positive news is about a determined food delivery agent, Dinesh Sidragavali from Belagavi.
Born with paralysed legs since the age of two, Sidragavali faced numerous challenges, both in daily survival and his passion for sports. Yet, his indomitable spirit helped him overcome every obstacle, turning adversity into opportunities for growth. His story is one of resilience - balancing the harsh realities of life with the pursuit of his dreams in sports.
His father died of a cardiac arrest in 2008 when Sidragavali was in 8th standard, leaving the family in financial distress. To support the family, his mother and sister began working as construction labourers. Determined to do his part, Sidragavali completed his 10th standard, while taking on various jobs to ease their financial burden.
HRD Trust in Bengaluru provided him with a specially designed, detachable vehicle created by engineers from IIT Chennai. This vehicle, which doubles as a wheelchair, has been crucial in helping him work as a food delivery agent.
Currently based in Belagavi, Sidragavali has been working as a delivery driver for the past year and a half. Recently, he married Amruta, who is also physically challenged. He pursues his interest in sports in his free time.
Against all odds
Despite the challenges, Sidragavali excelled as an athlete. He participated in state and national tournaments, including the Karnataka Para Table Tennis competition and the 5th National Wheelchair Rugby Championship in 2023, where he earned accolades for his exceptional performances.
While Sidragavali’s passion for sports remains strong, the financial burden of participating in tournaments remains a challenge. He will sure overcome the challenges and bring more laurels.