Unforgetfulness
Ulliyadhu Eydhal Elidhuman Matrundhaan / Ulliyadhu Ullap Perin
Classical English couplet — “'Tis easy what thou hast in mind to gain,If what thou hast in mind thy mind retain”
What it says in plain words
“Reaching your goal becomes easier when you keep it in mind. Stay interested in reaching it, rather than letting it slip away.”
The classical Tamil reading
ஒருவன் எண்ணியதை விடாமல் எண்ணி (சோர்வில்லாமல்) இருக்கப் பெற்றால், அவன் கருதியதை அடைதல் எளிதாகும்.
An expanded Tamil interpretation
கொண்ட குறிக்கோளில் ஊக்கத்துடன் இருந்து அதில் வெற்றி காண்பதிலேயே நாட்டமுடையவர்களுக்கு அந்தக் குறிக்கோளை அடைவது எளிதானதாகும்
The ethical and philosophical heart
Daily demands can make us forget what we want to achieve. When you keep your goal in mind, your efforts stay focused. Returning to that goal helps you keep working toward it. This steady interest makes the goal easier to reach.
In personal life, work and society
- Personal
- Keep your walking goal in mind when planning each day.
- Workplace
- Review your main task each morning so smaller jobs do not distract you.
- Family
- Keep your shared savings goal in mind when choosing what to buy.
- Society
- Keep the neighborhood cleanup goal in view by checking progress together each week.
How to apply this today
- Decision-making
- Choose the option that helps you move toward your goal.
- Integrity
- Keep your promises in mind while working toward your goal.
- Communication
- Remind each other of the shared goal during regular conversations.
- Leadership
- Help your team remember its goal when daily tasks compete for attention.
- Governance
- Review agreed public goals regularly so urgent tasks do not push them aside.
For leaders and teams
Help people keep the shared goal clear as they work. Return to it often, especially when other demands take attention.
Something to sit with
“What goal would you like to keep in mind today, and what could help you remember it?”