In today’s world, where depression and despair is spread all around, it is not easy to remain focused and positive in every walk of life. Qasim Ali Shah, has cracked this nut stupendously. Mr. Shah is a world recognized motivational speaker, trainer, writer and educator. His instinctive capability of twining positivity and motivation in human thought process through his motivational talks and discussions make him distinctive among others. To date he has made more than five hundred videos and has written assortment of articles in his various books helping humanity in unleashing optimistic and sanguine thought process. He has trained thousands of people including government officials, CSP officers, employees of multinationals and students. He is also running an organization, Qasim Ali Shah Foundation, with an aim to spread intellect and wisdom in the society. Today Us is delighted to have a chit chat session with him.
Us: Sir, first of all tell Us something about your childhood. As a youngster, what are the traits that in your opinion should be taught to and be a part of today’s youngsters’ personality?
QAS: I believe, it was my good luck that the memories for which people have to go back in the past to recollect them, I have them recorded in my diary. Writing diary enables us to see that how we were seeing life during different phases of our life. At that time, I remember, I was a very imaginative, passionate, focused and monomaniacal sort of person. I was involved deeply in the world of fantasy. My grandpa was a man of principles and hence was my role model. I think in today’s world an average family’s kid doesn’t have any shortage of resources. The only thing he/she lacks is character building and instilment of moralities in his/her personality. We, as parents, are quite impressive in making pieces of advices to our kids but at the same time we have to keep in mind that the traits parents want to instill in their child should be a part of parents’ own personalities first. Our kids are being offered quality education in schools but they are far away from moralities and character building that is taught by parents through their own living style.
Us: Any edifying incident of your life that you would like to share with Us.
QAS: When I was kid, one day my father took me to his boss’ office. When we entered, I was holding my father’s hand and I felt his hands quivering. My father gave my introduction to his boss but he thoroughly ignored me and offensively rebuked my father for not completing the assignment given to him. I got overwhelmed seeing my father and promised myself neither to be a boss like him nor to be an employee like my father. In my life, I will never want to work where I have to fear because I love my freedom.
Us: What is the worst human behavior you have ever observed?
QAS: One-word answer to this question is “impatience”. People today want shortcut in every walk of life. Though, it is about earning money, getting fame, marking achievements, scoring good grades; people avoid working hard for it. If their work is not completed timely according to their wish, they get frustrated and give up soon. This behavior keeps them away from achieving success in their life. Mind it, marking success is a continuous journey. You can’t realize any dream overnight. You have to develop an attitude to work harder. Overnight realization of dream might be possible in movies or dreams but it is not practical in real life.
Us: What habits make a man successful?
QAS: In 20 years of my professional life, I have noticed that there are two types of people in the world. One is a group of people that is well skilled but has no values. Other group consists of people with less skills but high values. The second group, in my opinion, is a group of successful people. Those of us who tend to have more focus towards values or moralities in life i.e. they fulfill their promises, observe proper time table, they accept their faults, speak truth, plan their day well etc., they tend to be more successful. So skills are not enough, you ought to work on values a lot.
Us: And what does it take to change a habit?
QAS: One-word answer is “will-power”.
Us: The ratio of divorce in our society is getting increased day by day. In your opinion, what is the key to keep any relationship smoothened and strengthened? What are the condiments of a successful marital relationship?
QAS: Record divorces have taken place in recent past years. We conducted a research and facts revealed that out of eighteen thousand plus divorces that took place in Lahore last year, one of the fundamental reason of divorce was a marriage that took place in haste owing to flowing emotions of the prospective couple, measuring financial status of others and without considering the values of the prospective families. Family is not a knot of two persons only, it is a bondage of two families. The prospective couple and bonding families must keep in mind that we human beings are combination of good and bad habits. The prospective couple, after marriage, must keep in mind that a man does not live with a man but with the habits of a man. Youngsters today ought to learn and at the same time it should be taught by parents and teachers that we have to accept the other person with his or her good and bad habits both. This acknowledgement and commitment keeps the relationship going and strengthening.
Us: You are inspiration for many of us, tell Us who is your inspiration?
QAS: Wasif Ali Wasif. I believe, had I not been introduced to Wasif Ali Wasif I could never have discovered myself. He helped me discover the philosopher in me and I believe what I have done by today, it is all owing to him.
Us: Sir, tell Us about something Qasim Ali Shah Foundation? What’s purpose and vision this organization?
QAS: The fundamental concept behind Qasim Ali Shah foundation is to share and spread intellect and wisdom among masses. It is one of its own type of foundation that carries on its unique vision without asking for funds from donors.
Us: You always look quite motivated. It is not always easy to observe consistency in mood. Being a motivational speaker, how do you keep yourself motivated all the time and what would you suggest to remain motivated?
QAS: Motivation is a state of mind that keeps you on driving seat. Human state of mind keeps changing due to internal and external factors. The one who learns to deal with these internal and external factors, specially the negative ones, can manage and control his state of mind well. It is quite natural that despite being motivational speaker one may get sad but point is one has to have control over his emotions/state of mind, instead of letting emotions/state of mind control him or her.
Us: How can anyone discover the field for which he/she has been made for?
QAS: Any task or work that takes you out from the boundaries of time, space and tiredness is your passion; hence, being the field you have been made for. Any of you yearning to be a cricketer would never dither practicing cricket even during sheer summers noon. He may get tired for the time being but he would remain passionate even to play under scorching sun. This is how he is made for, so you are for your respective fields. So if you come across any activity of this type where you don’t get bored, mentally tired rather remain passionate; it is the field you have been made for. Embrace it.
Us: Can a man mend his fate in his favour?
QAS: I would like to relate a quote of Dr Abdul Kalam here that nothing can change one’s fate except one’s habits. Those who can alter their habits, can mend their fate as well. All of us know what habits one should nurture. When you bring a positive change in your habits and remain consistent, nature automatically starts shaping your fate in your favor.
Us: Sir, any regret in your life?
QAS: *Smiles* Standards of regrets have got changed. When I was young, I used to have, you can say, bit childish regrets. Now regrets have got matured. *Chuckles* For instance, when I look back at past, I regret times where my energy got wasted. I regret the times where I wasted time. But then at the same time I believe, these were the life time lessons for me that taught me and made me more strengthened and strong person.
Us: Sir, please suggest a must read book for youngsters.
QAS: 7 Habits of highly effective teenagers.
Us: Thank you so much for your time.
QAS: Pleased and humbled.
In the name of Humanity... 