Is Life, A Compromise?

It was my design Professor, who embedded thought that Design is nothing but choosing options. Each options have pros and cons, & having weighed them, an option is selected. Thus with every decision we make compromises. Of course there are some Design techniques like TRIZ, Axiomatic Design where the conflict resolution is emphasized, and hence minimum compromises. The solutions usually are based on separation principle either on time or space. It is like choosing a mode like we did on transistor or radio to select a band SW, FM etc.

When, we compare Engineering design with Design of our own life, almost same principles hold good. Life at every stage throws challenges on us forcing us to look for options, evaluate implications and choose the best option. When we choose an option, simultaneously we deny a host of them. Usually if one wishes to choose one of the options, we need to go back, like taking U turn & travel back until some point and then restart in that direction. Like, when I chose to be an Engineer by profession, I am also taking a decision to deny many professions like Doctor, CA or lawyer.

In day to day life we take many types of decisions like Micro, small, big or life changing. One of my friend on Breakfast table when asked for Eggs to order, he would invariably say, why force me make a decision early in morning, get anything. However, on contrary some may be extremely choosy between Tea or coffee, if Tea which type, how much sugar or milk. It is that we take very large number of decisions which have small impact & effect also remains for shorter periods. We also keep making compromises based on environmental condition like due to traffic block/ obstruction, we choose another route which may be longer & may not be as good as original one. Such, options are circumstantial options, and at times we have limited choice. The most important is, it is our will to move forward which forces us to exercise options.

The most impacting life changing decisions are like choosing profession, education & selecting life partner. These decisions clearly spell out growth potential for family (not only individual) on long run like 15 to 20 years.  

Opportunities, in life usually do not come with a label nor knock the doors. As in our community it is said, Lord Laxmi enters thru back door. It also believed that Laxmi follows Lord Sarasvati. It implies in modern time that the intellectual wealth is the real wealth. It simply means do not chase Laxmi but create intellectual property, so that Wealth would be produced as follow up. It is the mastery to spot opportunity, weigh options to seize it or not. Both do have implications. But, it is intellect which matters while taking decisions. It is not only well educated and learned people who have intellect to take decisions but many more are also blessed.

Next, what is the role of fate in our life? A child may have borne with silver spoon, a middle class family or a laborer living in huge pipes in metros. I would call this as fate or consequences of past karmas (may not be agreeable to all). However, as life progresses with own efforts (karmas) and intellect people shape their life. History, has enough examples of top grade Indian scientists, who studied in the street lights. So, there is scope for growth and overtaking many many others with efforts (Karmas) a set of options exercised in life. It is the intellect & hard work (like passion based) which is prime to boost growth. It is the hard work which may take a step to enhance intellect or skill.    

So, to conclude apparently we choose options, which are compromises but with passion, hard work and intellect we should be able to steer our life towards set objectives.