This morning marked a profound gathering of about thirty individuals who embarked on a journey to express their deepest desires for what they truly wanted to be. The aspirations that emerged were deeply personal and universally resonant, boiling down to several fundamental wishes:

Influenced by Gandhi's teachings, we repeatedly affirmed to ourselves: "I am love," "I am serenity," "I am abundance," "I am freedom," "I am divine." As the session progressed, I found myself facing a stark realization. Despite these affirmations, a part of me acknowledged a lingering untruth. Yes, these were my desires, and yes, I often embody these qualities, but not always.

This realization sparked a deeper introspection. Why do I cling to my suffering? What benefits, if any, do I believe I gain by staying in this state? A bitter taste emerged, tinted with disgust. My heart raced, and anger brewed within me. I was on a path, yes, but progress felt slow. Echoing the words of a wise sage, I reminded myself that the transition from a survival mindset to one of abundance is gradual. Today, I might find myself 45% in survival mode and 55% in abundance. Tomorrow, the balance might shift slightly to 44% and 56%.

As I accepted this gradual progress, a sense of calm washed over me, and serenity, love, abundance, freedom, and connection seemed to return to me. To break free from this dilemma, I embraced the final key of the "PODnow®" formula: 

Desires, objectives, and KPIs often become sources of suffering when we overly identify with them. We should regard them as guiding intentions, directing us toward desired outcomes, but not as measures for self-evaluation or judgment.

This subtlety, unfortunately, is often missed by managers and leaders during annual or semi-annual reviews. Originating from well-intentioned HR and board initiatives, this is precisely why appraisal reviews are generally met with disdain by those being evaluated.

Instead, let's shift our focus to the quality of the energy each individual contributes to their work, rather than the outcomes. This approach not only fosters a more supportive and growth-oriented environment but also aligns with the deeper truths we seek to live by.

By embracing our true selves and recognizing the progressive nature of personal growth, we can transform not only our personal lives but also the environments we work within.