All good things arriving at once

Yes, sometimes, life can do this too. Give you almost all that you wished for – at once. Awesome! Don’t you think that’s perfect? Not really! Surprisingly, you are right, one needs to have good things happening one at a time, so you can manage, cope, savor, enjoy each one. But no. There is a terminology in Urdu about it. That when God blesses you, he does it with abundance – so that it literally breaks through the roof! ‘Khuda daita hai to chhappar phaar kay daita hai.‘

When dreams come true

So, actually, when we wish upon a star, and wish for this that and the other; and He gives it all together, then what do we do? Lets pray correctly, also ask for ‘one thing at a time, please,’ or ‘only as much as I can cope with.’

The biggest thing to remember is…. TO ENJOY IT! Remember to feel happy when wishes are granted. Celebrate it.

What usually happens

Many times I’ve seen a friends saying how much she wants her daughter to get married. But when the daughter is actually getting married, the friend has an even longer face, wondering how to manage it all! She is so overwhelmed with the details. She can’t remember to be happy through it all. After all, it was her wish to see her daughter married! Wasnt it? Now, its happening, so, naturally there will be a lot to be done. I find her more miserable than ever before!

Getting overwhelmed due to the processes

Its the same with most of us. Actually, it happens to me too. How I wanted to have my own website. Here I am. In the middle of it. (‘So, much to do here!’) How I wanted a YouTube Channel. Now, I’ve done 49 episodes of podcasts, 191 vlogs, and so many shorts. Oh my gosh! How to organize it all single-handedly? Ok, how I wished for outsourcing? Well, I have outsourced to so many folks, and know so many that I’m having a hard time, managing them all. I mean, I’m doing it all.

The financial challenges

But… Of course, this comes with payments upon payments. How to manage the payments? Where to fund it all from? Naturally, since you’ve been dreaming it, you have a vague idea of how and where to work it out. In my case, it needed a mind-set shift, but I suddenly came upon a way to do it.

Yes, you are right, once I figured out the financial budgeting, I had a hard time, keeping within the limitations. Oh, I need to make boundaries. If there is one thing i’m good at making, its boundaries! check out this blog post about Setting Boundaries and Giving Space https://shireengheba.com/setting-boundaries-giving-space/.

For now, I want to appreciate all the things I have now. I remember seeing a post on instagram about ‘take a moment to look around and thank God for all the stuff you have right now. Look back and remember how much you had yearned for all this that you take for granted now?’

But if you are going to be so flustered, upset, (may I say miserable???) and downright ungrateful for it, then whats the use?

Now, its all here, be grateful. Then, get working on it one-by-one.

How to appreciate it

You start by remembering that its all because your dream came true, thats why you are doing what you are. That said. Be methodical. Doing things step-by-step.

Naturally, whenever, anything is being done, there will be failures and issues. Be prepared to face them. Step back, think clearly, decide carefully, plan well in advance and implement them properly. Then things work out well.

Your feelings and mood

So, when a dream comes true, and you are suddenly faced with so much ‘to do’, then do it with a smile. Do it happily. Do it with grace and appreciation. Most of all, lets be grateful.

Its not what you do, but how you do it that matters.

For instance, I’m getting a house spruced up these days. Prior to sale. This requires a great deal of funding and work. My workers need to be feeling energized and willing to give their best. If I go and just shout at them, and make everyone feel bad, how will each person do his work? So, I’ve made sure they feel good while working on my projects. Going to see the work, giving them feedback at the right time is also important. So, the feelings matter. Theirs and mine.

It will start with my feelings

My feelings about how I work with them, is bound to have an impact. I mean, how do you feel when you are putting your heart into some piece of work, and no one appreciates it? On the other hand, how do you feel when you do get appreciation?

Exactly!

My workers know, it is my tradition to give them food, so I’ve made those arrangements.

I know, what you are thinking,

‘Already so much expense and then food too?’ Well, it can be simple food but that is precisely why it is needed. A gesture of appreciation. Then some words of appreciation too.

The financial constraints

Most importantly, to pay on time. Get the work done and pay on time. (What did I think, I’d get the work done without any payments?)

Of course, it will cost. That is the first thing you have to plan. Once you are ready to pay, be ready for some differences in calculations too. Keep a clear picture of all expenses while they are taking place. Keeping the receipts and accounts transparent.

Do you think, in this way, you can value what you have? Such a great team, outsourcing groups, people, persons, and places who are all your ‘go to’ persons. How they respect you and how much fun it is to actually work with them?

Maybe, I need to stagger some things, and delegate others. Yes, that will be a hassle too. But it will reduce the pressure, on me.