The Unlikely Link Between Bollywood and Professional Growth

In the journey of life, we often find ourselves at crossroads, grappling with conflicting advice and perspectives. One such dilemma came to light for me in a conversation with my elder sister, a seasoned professional in the medical field. I used to wonder why I couldn't effortlessly grasp the intricacies of being a doctor, while she and our father seemed to effortlessly recall every medical concept with ease. My sister's response was a revelation that echoed in my mind for years. She attributed memory prowess to genuine interest, asserting that one could effortlessly memorize information that truly captivated their attention. And, in my case, my passion lay not in the medical textbooks but in the vibrant world of Bollywood movies and songs.

This realisation stuck with me through the years, and when an unexpected opportunity presented itself, as a staff member in a professional college, I participated in a quiz contest centred around Bollywood. Our opponent's team included a member who, much like me, had an immense love for Hindi cinema. Their team emerged victorious, with the Bollywood aficionado showcasing an impressive memory. While congratulating her, I expressed my admiration for her extensive knowledge of Bollywood, only to be met with a response that left me pondering, "What's the use of all this Bollywood information, Archana?" she questioned. At that moment, I found myself torn between the conflicting ideologies of my sister, who believed in memorizing what interested you, and the senior staff member, who questioned the practical value of such knowledge.

This internal conflict lingered until I stumbled upon a revelation while reading the book

"FLOW", which discussed the satisfaction derived from the flow of thoughts. It struck me that the act of recalling information through memory, irrespective of its immediate application, brought a sense of fulfilment. It wasn't solely about using that information practically; it was about cherishing the ability to remember.

Reflecting on that incident with the senior staff member, I realized that despite her utilizing the Bollywood information to win the quiz, she failed to appreciate the beauty of her own memory. Meanwhile, I found solace in understanding that memory, even if rooted in seemingly trivial interests, holds value in and of itself.

This internal conflict lingered until I stumbled upon a revelation while reading the book

"FLOW" discussed the satisfaction derived from the flow of thoughts. It struck me that

the act of recalling information through memory, irrespective of its immediate application, brought a sense of fulfilment. It wasn't solely about using that information practically; it was about cherishing the ability to remember.

Reflecting on that incident with the senior staff member, I realized that despite her utilizing the Bollywood information to win the quiz, she failed to appreciate the beauty of her own memory. Meanwhile, I found solace in understanding that memory, even if rooted in seemingly trivial interests, holds value in and of itself.

In embracing this perspective, I acknowledged that my memory of Bollywood was not merely a random assortment of dialogues and lyrics but a valuable asset in my professional journey. As a coach, I learned to appreciate diverse perspectives, much like the varied interpretations one can derive from a single movie. Every viewpoint is valid, and the same principle applies to coaching, where diverse perspectives are not judged as right or wrong but are welcomed and explored.

In the end, my seemingly unconventional choice of memory storage, filled with the drama and emotion of Bollywood, has proven to be an unexpected but powerful tool in my coaching journey. It reminds us that the value of memory goes beyond its immediate utility; it lies in the joy of recollection and the unique lessons we can draw from our individual passions and interests. After all, movies and life are interconnected, and so are the memories we cherish and the lessons they impart.