Personal Development Mentor, Parenting Coach, Career Counselor, Ethical Guide
ENDURANCE
- July29, 2024
ENDURANCE
I can never forget the long nearly 100 km march our whole brigade undertook in 1991 from an area in West Bengal to South Sikkim. We were picked up in vehicles from our different unit locations and dropped at Tiger Bridge on River Teesta, from where we took off self-contained for seven days.
This meant carrying about 10 kg of ration in addition to one big and one small pack containing a change of uniform, blanket, jersey, toiletries and of course your personal weapon with on weapon and unit reserve scales of ammunition.
We went climbing up the hills which became mountains as days passed. During those times of great exertion and tough times, real personalities of people could be seen.
Our personality which I can never forget is a tall, lean and mean Colonel VPPS Gussain hailing his troops to line up at 4 AM one morning. Actually he was CO of our sister battalion but somehow the columns got mixed up during the climb and rested for the night with our boys.
Now what was striking about this Colonel that I noticed was that he was alert, freshly shaven and carrying his own big pack, small pack, water bottle and carbine! Walking around strongly he showed no sign of tired limbs after having covered around 40 km over two days and two nights. His troops loved him, his officers worshipped him and sky seemed to be no limit to the power he had over his battalion.
I was much younger to him and fit as a horse but it was difficult to imagine having same fitness and endurance at such a senior level.
Endurance has another connotation apart from physical fitness and strength. It is the muscles between your two ears! A strong mind and undefeated spirit can get you overcome your physical shortcomings and get you over the finish line in any given task!
Col Gussain retired as a Brigadier and is still fit as a fiddle, plays golf regularly and can hit the driver a cool 300 yards anyday!
The journey to success isn’t a straight, easy road. It’s more like a winding path full of obstacles, unexpected turns, and sudden storms. As a leader, you’re bound to encounter challenges, setbacks, and moments where quitting feels like a tempting but ultimately disastrous option. This is where endurance comes into play.
Endurance isn’t just about toughing it out through pain, though that can be part of it. It’s about having the mental and emotional strength to keep going despite adversity. It’s about staying committed, even when things get tough, and encouraging your team to do the same.
Challenges are inevitable. Deadlines shift, resources become scarce, and plans can go awry. A leader who falls apart at the first sign of trouble quickly loses the trust and respect of their team. In contrast, a leader who shows endurance exemplifies resilience. They demonstrate to their team that they are committed for the long haul and can handle difficulties with a calm and steady approach. This builds confidence and trust, motivating the team to face challenges together. So, how can you develop this vital leadership quality? Here are some strategies to strengthen your mental resilience and become a leader known for your endurance:
Staying positive is crucial. It’s easy to get overwhelmed by negativity, especially during tough times. However, a leader who focuses on the positive and views challenges as opportunities for growth can make a significant difference. Reframe setbacks as learning experiences. Concentrate on the progress your team has made, even if the goal seems far away. A positive outlook is contagious and inspires your team to maintain their motivation, fostering a collaborative spirit that helps everyone stay engaged despite adversity.
Sometimes, the daily grind can make you lose sight of the bigger picture. Stepping back to remind yourself of your team’s long-term goals can reignite your motivation and endurance. What are you ultimately working towards? Why is this project important? Reflecting on the “why” behind your work can reignite your passion and give you the mental strength to persevere through temporary setbacks.
Self-care is essential. You can’t give what you don’t have. Building endurance starts with taking care of yourself, both physically and mentally. Ensure a healthy work-life balance. Get enough sleep, eat nutritious foods, and make time for activities that help you relax and de-stress. A well-rested and healthy leader is better equipped to tackle challenges and navigate complex situations. Additionally, don’t hesitate to ask for help when needed. Delegate tasks, use your team’s expertise, and seek support from colleagues or mentors. Trying to do everything yourself can lead to burnout, so it’s important to share the workload.
Your team is always watching you. How you handle challenges and setbacks sets the tone for everyone. When things get tough, stay composed. Present a clear plan of action and show your team that you believe in overcoming obstacles. Your steady endurance will inspire your team to remain resilient as well.
Even the most resilient leaders face setbacks. The key is not to avoid them but to learn from them and come out stronger. After a challenging experience, take time to reflect. What went wrong? What could have been done differently? By analyzing mistakes and identifying areas for improvement, you can turn setbacks into valuable lessons that enhance your resilience and endurance.
Being an enduring leader brings many benefits. You’ll earn the trust and respect of your team, foster a culture of resilience, and ultimately achieve greater success. A team that knows their leader won’t abandon them, even when things get tough, is a team that will push beyond their limits and achieve remarkable results.
Major General Balraj Mehta
For over 35 years I served in the esteemed Indian Army, starting with one star on the shoulder to two stars on the flag. Leading infantry forces and commanding thousands of soldiers honed my leadership skills and instilled in me a deep understanding of human nature. This experience allows me to connect with individuals on a profound level, offering practical solutions for navigating complex career and parenting challenges.
My passion extends beyond the uniform into advising clients for a happy family life, grooming teenagers & young adults and development assistance to professionals. I am a firm believer in the power of knowledge sharing and personal growth. As a paratrooper I embraced challenges head-on, defying limitations and soaring to new heights. Now, I translate that same spirit into my work as a Coach, Mentor, Writer Speaker and Influencer.
Since transitioning from the military, I have embarked on a captivating journey of engaging audiences with my insights on leadership, human relations, and the ever-evolving nature of parent child relationship. My goal is to contribute meaningfully to the discourse on empowering young adults and spreading awareness about need for compassionate parenting, offering valuable perspectives honed through first hand, personal and real-world experience.
I hold dear my commitment to knowledge sharing, teaching, guiding and mentoring the budding entrepreneurs, young professionals and parents of teenagers. By equipping future leaders with the tools they need to excel, I aim to empower them to navigate the complexities of the ever-changing world. It's incredibly rewarding to witness their growth and know that I am helping to shape the next generation of charismatic leaders.
In 1983 I embarked on a distinguished career in the Indian Army, having been commissioned as a Second Lieutenant. The unwavering loyalty and dedication I held for my Nation and my Service became the cornerstone of faith during my professional journey. Each year honed my character, sharpened my skills, and fortified my resolve in service of a greater mission which I took upon as my very own!
Olive Green blood runs in my veins!
My operational journey in infantry culminated in commanding an infantry brigade in a highly sensitive operational area. This exceptionally successful tenure earned me the coveted Sena Medal for distinguished service in 2013. Throughout my career, I endeavour to forge excellent civil-military relations and oversaw crucial operations, including the rebuilding of military establishments devastated by Cyclone Phailin in 2013.
After 35 years of dedicated service, my career peaked as the General Officer Commanding the Sub Area of Uttarakhand and later the 41 Sub Area. On 31 August 2018, I superannuated from the Indian army, receiving a dignified farewell by the then Chief of the Army Staff, General Bipin Rawat.
My experiences have equipped me to guide individuals through the journey called life, helping people overcome their uncertainties and embrace the possibilities that lie ahead.
My mission is to empower individuals to live a meaningful life and pursue fulfilling careers. I leverage my expertise in handling human resources, teaching, coaching and personal experiences in leading large organisations to provide guidance and support to parents to deal with their parenting woes, especially with respect to teenagers. I am dedicated to helping parents to overcome anxieties, discover their children’s passions and guide them to successful career choices. My goal is to see them gain clarity, build confidence, and find joy in their life and work.
I am committed to guiding entrepreneurs and young professionals to acquire necessary skills, develop their latent leadership qualities, get over anxiety for performance and forge a stronger personal and professional standing. I consider enhancing their efficiency by reorganisation, reorientation and reaffirmation as my specialty.
I envision a world where parents are empowered to let their children get aligned with their passions, values and talents and feel supported and encouraged to make wise career choices. I strive to be a catalyst for this change, providing the guidance and knowledge necessary for parents to build strong children, for teenagers to grow into strong, stable and compassionate adults and young professionals to achieve greater personal and professional fulfilment.
- Maj Gen Balraj Mehta