How Am I?

Mr. Sood held a prestigious position in the government. As a senior officer, he commanded respect wherever he went. Yet beneath his authority, a silent question lingered—HOW AM I? He walked with an air of status, expecting others to acknowledge his power first and foremost, rarely pausing to reflect on his own inner state.

At work, Mr. Sood’s arrogance was evident in his interactions with colleagues and subordinates. He often dismissed others’ ideas without consideration, believing his own opinions to be superior. During meetings, he dominated discussions, rarely allowing others to speak or contribute their perspectives. He expected strict adherence to his directives and would reprimand those who questioned his decisions.

Colleagues and subordinates found Mr. Sood’s demeanour off-putting. While they complied with his demands out of professional courtesy, they resented his dismissive attitude and authoritarian style. Behind his back, they cracked jokes about his inflated ego and lack of empathy, creating an atmosphere of discomfort and tension in the office.

Outside of work, Mr. Sood’s relationships suffered. His family felt estranged from him, perceiving more of his official persona than his true self. His wife and children longed for his presence and emotional support, but Mr. Sood struggled to connect with them on a personal level. His preoccupation with his job title and reputation left little room for nurturing meaningful relationships at home.

One day, a mandatory workshop on personal development became a turning point for Mr. Sood. Amidst lectures on leadership and productivity, he stumbled upon a profound truth: his personal identity and inner well-being were more crucial to his happiness than the external trappings of success. That simple reflective question—HOW AM I?—echoed within him, sparking a desire for change.

Mr. Sood embarked on a solitary journey of self-reflection and transformation. He began by acknowledging his flaws and the impact of his arrogance on others. It was a humbling realization for him, but he was determined to change.

His recovery was indeed a lonely battle. Mr. Sood faced internal resistance as he struggled to let go of his ego and embrace humility. He sought guidance from self-help books, attended counselling sessions, and reflected deeply on his values and priorities. He gradually learned to listen actively to others, show empathy, and foster a more collaborative work environment.

However, changing deeply ingrained behaviours was challenging. Some colleagues remained sceptical of Mr. Sood’s transformation, expecting his old arrogant self to resurface. He faced setbacks and moments of self-doubt, but he persisted, knowing that true personal growth required patience and perseverance.

Mr. Sood’s efforts eventually began to bear fruit. He started to engage with colleagues in a more open and respectful manner. He actively sought their input and acknowledged their contributions, fostering a sense of teamwork and mutual respect. Gradually, the atmosphere in the office began to shift, becoming more positive and supportive.

At home, Mr. Sood made a concerted effort to reconnect with his family. He spent quality time with his wife and children, actively listening to their concerns and participating in family activities. His genuine efforts to prioritize family bonding and emotional connection helped rebuild trust and strengthen their relationships.

Over time, Mr. Sood’s recovery from arrogance to humility demonstrated the transformative power of self-awareness and personal growth. By focusing on “HOW AM I?” not in terms of status but in his true essence—kind, empathetic, and respectful—Mr. Sood found greater fulfilment and happiness, both professionally and personally.

Inner well-being is the most important factor in achieving lasting success and meaningful relationships.