67.1 Firmness in Action

 67.1 Firmness in Action

Question:

How to handle obstacles in the course of action?

 

Answers:

The two principles of the wise are to avert hurdles

and overcome when obstacles come.                                   (Couplet – 662)

ஊறொரால் உற்றபின் ஒல்காமை இவ்விரண்டின்

ஆறென்பர் ஆய்ந்தவர் கோள்.                                      (குறள் – 662)

 

Explanation:

              First, one should be realistic in his approach and anticipate that in the course of executing any significant project, there will be obstacles that might impede its progress. During the planning process, all possible risks to the completion of the project must be identified, their impact must be assessed, and a mitigation plan should be developed. When the anticipated risks appear, they must be addressed as planned and mitigated. This is how the hurdles to progress can be averted. These days, this type of risk mitigation approach is being used successfully employed by industries and businesses to overcome risks that could be anticipated.

However, there might be problems that could not have been anticipated. Under those circumstances, one should not lose heart, face them, overcome them, and succeed. In Couplet 662, Valluvar advocates the modern-day practice of risk mitigation and mental fortitude to meet adverse situations.