Invest In Relationships, Get A Good Night’s Sleep: Jaishankar’s Stress Management Advice At Book Launch

Last Updated:January 25, 2025, 23:21 IST

‘Invest In Relationships, Get A Good Night’s Sleep’: Jaishankar’s Advice On Managing Stress At Shiv Khera’s Book Launch

In our fast-paced, demanding lives, stress has become an inescapable part of daily existence. Whether it’s job-related pressures, long working hours, or personal challenges like marriage or parenthood, the need to manage stress effectively is more crucial than ever. At the recent book launch of ‘Live While You’re Alive’ by renowned author Shiv Khera, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar shared valuable insights and strategies for managing stress.

Developing Confidence and Accepting Mistakes

Jaishankar emphasized the importance of developing confidence and accepting one’s mistakes as integral parts of the growth process. He pointed out that no one is perfect and expressed how his own experiences with both successes and failures have shaped his outlook on life. “Most people talk about your success, and you talk about your own success,” he quoted. “But it would be interesting if we paused for a moment and thought about where we did not do that.” Jaishankar shared a personal anecdote about failing the IIT entrance exam, reiterating that it is the ability to face and learn from mistakes that defines one’s journey to success.

The 3Cs of Success

Central to Jaishankar’s philosophy is his concept of the three Cs of success: Contact, Chemistry, and Credibility.

• Contact: Building a wide network is crucial for professional growth. The more people you know, the greater your reach and opportunities.
• Chemistry: Building relationships and getting along with people can make a significant difference, as they are more likely to support and collaborate with you.
• Credibility: Being reliable and trustworthy is essential. Your ability to be taken seriously and respected is pivotal to achieving success.

Handling Chronic Stress

Jaishankar shared a humorous yet poignant view on managing chronic stress, especially in a demanding role like that of a minister. “My answer (to manage chronic stress), you normalise the abnormal. You build your life around it, you de-stress it by making it a part of your life,” he quipped. This approach suggests accepting stress as an inherent part of life and learning to manage it constructively rather than fighting against it.

Key Takeaways from the Book

During his keynote address, Jaishankar highlighted six essential takeaways from Shiv Khera’s book:

• Plan for the Unplanned: Be prepared for unforeseen circumstances by creating a contingency plan.
• Invest in Relationships: Strengthen your social and professional relationships for support and collaboration.
• No Appeasement: Avoid compromising your principles and values.
• No Toxicity: Eliminate negative influences from your life.
• Respect Time: Manage your time wisely and prioritize tasks.
• Get a Good Night’s Sleep: Adequate rest is essential for mental and physical well-being.

The Power of Discipline

Jaishankar also emphasized the importance of discipline in personal and professional lives. Drawing from his experiences managing the External Affairs Department during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic, he highlighted how discipline and a strong sense of duty can motivate people to perform above expectations. “Most people started working from home, but the Ministry of External Affairs moved to a three-shift routine,” he shared. The culture of discipline and responsibility within the ministry ensured that critical evacuation and aid missions were carried out smoothly.

Risk and Reward

The minister stressed that taking risks is an inevitable part of achieving success. He cited examples of diplomats overseeing evacuation operations in Ukraine and Sudan, as well as India’s timely aid to Sri Lanka and Caribbean countries during the COVID-19 pandemic. “We could not have got the job done if we had not taken risks,” he explained. This perspective underscores the importance of courage and calculated risk-taking in achieving significant milestones.

The True Meaning of Work-Life Balance

In his interaction with ANI Editor-In-Chief Smita Prakash, Shiv Khera discussed the concept of work-life balance, a topic that resonates with modern-day professionals. He pointed out that many individuals are overworking due to misplaced priorities. “We forget to distinguish what is important and what is urgent in our lives,” Khera asserted. “Whenever we ignore what is important, it converts into something urgent.” Prioritizing health, relationships, and other personal aspects of life is crucial to maintaining a healthy work-life balance.

Conclusion

In his concluding remarks, External Affairs Minister Jaishankar advised the audience to stay adaptable, trust in teamwork, and recognize that it’s okay not to know everything. By integrating the strategies and insights shared at Shiv Khera’s book launch into their daily lives, individuals can better manage stress, enhance their professional and personal lives, and truly live life to the fullest.

About the Book

Khera’s book, ‘Live While You’re Alive,’ delves into various aspects of stress management, attitude adjustment, emotional stability, and work-life balance. It encourages readers to embrace life’s challenges with resilience and adaptability, ensuring a healthier and more fulfilling existence.