Series: Reflections from SBOP Living® — Day 2 of Atmasamwad
Today marks Day 2 of my solo trip which I have named Atmasamwad — a day dedicated to deep introspection and a rigorous audit of the direction in which I have shaped my life. On this side of the earth, choosing a path of voluntary withdrawal from a thriving career is often seen as unconventional, perhaps even unusual. Yet, as I navigated the twists and turns of my own journey, today I was overwhelmed by a sense of profound Gratitude.
As I looked back at the decade since I stepped away from my active profession as a builder-developer, I realized how dramatically my identity has evolved. I am no longer defined by the physical spaces I create, but by the intellectual and emotional frameworks I build. Today, my "Life Portfolio" is defined by my roles as a Business Strategist, Humanologist, Author, Mentor, Educator, Researcher, and Orator.
To see this transformation unfold in just ten years makes me realize how truly fortunate I have been. But the finest moment of this day — the moment that provided the ultimate validation — came midday.
A Message from the First Milestone
I received a message from the very first person who ever bought my foundational book, "SBOP Living®." He reached out to request 50 additional copies. He explained that his son wanted to gift them to the guests of his sports foundation.
An hour later, the son — a young man in his late 30s — connected with me. He shared that after his father read the book; he had picked it up himself. He found that the philosophy gave him a completely different approach to looking at life; it provided him with new goals and a renewed sense of purpose.
The Validation of the Next Generation
This message arrived at the exact moment I was assessing my own path and the impact of my work. To receive such clear validation from a generation in their late 30s is a powerful sign. It proves that the "Point of Correction" and the need for a Systematic Touch Down Plan are not just for those at the end of their careers, but for those who are currently at cruising altitude, looking for a deeper meaning.
What I realized today, as I reflected on my path, is that this is what Legacy is truly about. As I have discussed in both "SBOP Living®" and "Golden Retirement," a legacy is not a monument for the past but it is a living, breathing influence that guides the future.
Living the Dream, Minute by Minute
My desire was always to do something different and impactful. To give 100% to a new dream and to live that dream every day, every hour, and every minute. When your "Small Intent" to share your Wisdom and Warmth results in a young leader choosing your words as a guide for his community, you realize that your "Footprints on the Sands of Time" are being firmly planted.
Success is a derivative of performance, but significance is a derivative of contribution. Today, Day 2 of Atmasamwad has taught me that when you align your soul with your strategy, the world responds in the most opportune way.
Your Reflection Point
As you assess your own path, have you looked for validation not in your bank balance, but in the impact your wisdom has on the generation following you? What is one 'Seed of Wisdom' you can share today that might become someone else’s roadmap for tomorrow?
Dr. Sanjay Runwal
Business Strategist & Humanologist