Have a Meaningful Wesak - Friday in The Star

Among the life skills required to be effective, efficient and successful, the ability to compartmentalize is likely the most crucial. However, it is one of the most difficult to accomplish and practice.

1. What is compartmentalization?

Compartmentalization is knowing what to carry or not to carry at any given time – not just in your hands, but also in your minds and hearts. It is the ability to stay focus at a task isolating and focusing on difficult yet important matters separately. We do not allow the worry cycle to distract us. We deal with the present. When it’s time to work we work. Time to play we play, time to read we read. Family time is family time and when it’s time to exercise, we exercise. We do not allow one compartment to overcome the other. We take action. We achieve.

2. Why is it important to compartmentalize?

It is a tool to achieve balance at work and home. You become mindful both at work and home and does not allow one to overstep the other. Compartmentalization helps getting things done by not allowing a competing thought or emotion derail you. Disliking your boss is one compartment, doing a good job is another. Bonus is one compartment, giving your best is another. Difficult in-laws, and being a filial son or daughter in law. Partisanship and doing what is right as a rakyat. Ultimately, compartmentalization helps you avoid a systemic breakdown. When one part of your life goes wrong, you do not become helpless. You compartmentalize and focus on your other strengths and march forward.

3. How do we compartmentalize?

Imagine that you have compartments that at specific times you can open, focus on, close and reopen again. Be careful, compartmentalization is not avoidance. It is the act of applying extreme focus compartment by compartment for a period of time prioritizing the present. Budget how much emotion, thoughts and action needed for each compartment and apportion time and energy accordingly. No more, no less! Appreciate small progress within each compartments. Belief that the incremental growth in each will in the long run, bit by bit, slowly but surely, be rewarded with huge success.

At zubedy, our programs and activities draw strength from our shared values and traditions. We believe that at heart, all Malaysians want good things for themselves and for their brother and sister Malaysians, simply because our nation cannot prosper as a whole if some of us are left behind.

You and I, we need to learn to compartmentalize and Make Malaysia Great!

Let us add value,

Have a meaningful Wesak.

*The idea presented in this message is part of our Making A Difference through P3 program’s core concept.