Three best personnel financing tricks from “Gandhi”
“It is difficult, but not impossible, to conduct strictly honest business- M.K. Gandhi”
There are very few people on earth, are marked to be remembered forever. Just because they were the finest people to do what they did — they have become quite famous and respected for humanity. M.K. Gandhi was one of those personality, who is known for independence of India.
There are so many stories and books which have been written and published for many events during Gandhi era. All summaries to one point, where his opinion was owned by him with complete ownership. Therefore, non-violence became the sole strategy for Indian independence.
Indian independence was needed, and it would have come to any other way. But Gandhi was determined and strong enough to strategies the move.
He was from a humble family background, having enough to pursue higher studies in south Africa and become reputed lawyer. But the experience of life for him was so much inflicted — he had to come back to India for a purpose. Knowing the reality, British government were cruel and lacking empathy for Indians, He wanted to challenge them in his way.
As much as I could read him, I could put him in my lenses and see his life. There are so many messages which can be squeezed. Few of them are amazing and inspiring.
Self-Discipline
Gandhi was a big experimenter about life. At least biggest amongst who I could read and understood. The way he experimented for self-discipline, It is clearly commendable. He had spoken and written about such experiments even though the act was against society norms. Therefore, lots of people do not like him or may be his approach towards life.
For bigger purpose, he had sacrificed in so many ways. The way self-restrained/discipline was promoted by Gandhi in his time, was the biggest trouble for English rulers at that time. Simple life, minimalism and self-reliance was the core values taught to the follower in his Ashram called Sabarmati.
Everything collectively helped Gandhi to create an eco-system with lesser cost and higher values. The values and discipline with Gandhi’s will power changed the future of a country. Now, rest is history.
What to learn: Self discipline or restrain is painful, and hard to be consistent. Once you adopt it, you actually stand out from the crowd.
Collaborative financing
Gandhi’s philosophy helped me to understand that the minimalism and self-reliance can help to sustain in any odd situation. It is way of Indian yogic culture where people go beyond the materialistic world and live the life within.
Throughout the life Gandhi was an avid follower of parsimony principle. So, at the end no willingness to create a materialistic empire.
But I’m not the big fan of such principles because I do not enjoy it. So I think it from different perspective, whether it is taking me towards my goals or not. Same way, understanding personnel finance or money becomes so important for our day-to-day financial goals.
But the key here is, Gandhi was able to collaborate with all available resources/people around him without disturbing his principle.
What to learn: Most of the time we complain about resources not being there for us, at the same time we do not see the opportunity which can be created by collaborating with people.
Fasting
As Indian culture is rich enough to pursue luxury of food and dishes, we sometimes feel the abundance of it cannot be wasted just by fasting. We as human are so tempted towards food and do not consciously bothered for end consequence.
Gandhi had a realization at certain point, where he could relate the fasting with god and positivity inside. He has just started fasting for physical and spiritual well being but used the same (Satyagraha) to show his disagreement and unhappiness with British government.
What to learn: To be a smart financial planner, make a small habit of planning money, then use the same to achieve big financial goal.
Final Thoughts
As long as we are at the back foot for saving money, we will definitely find the way to spend it. Later, we will justify the same with so many genuine reasons. We may feel ourselves paralyzed to do the same as Gandhi did. It is not at all recommended to anyone. The only way is to start small, do it for longer and it will eventually become big.
Note: Do not consider it as a financial advice or trick. It is to express my perspective and thoughts only.
