What does the pizza slice of your life stand for?

Some pizza facts for you: –

• More than 50,000 slices of pizzas are consumed in India every day
• The pizza market in India doubles every year
• Pizza is the most popular food ordered while watching favorite game shows
• It originated as a last resort meal for low-income families in Naples
• The four or eight slices ensures perfect balance and uniformity in size

What does each slice tell you?

As you look at the pizza slices in front of you, what do you generally think? Do you peer at the toppings? Or are you the one who focuses on the dough and how freshly it has been prepared? Perhaps you are the one who is particular about the base…the thinner the crust, the better the taste…

Now, hold the pizza slice in your hand and close your eyes to savor the experience of its taste…As you inhale the waft of aroma from each slice, do you feel yourself drowning in the sea of emotions that it evokes? If you are a foodie, you will know what I am talking about.

For a moment, let us put the food link away and relook at that slice of pizza that you hold in your hand.

If each slice was to have a purpose, what would the eight slices of pizza hold for you? What would you name your slices?

#Slice1: The kindness slice

I am not talking about being kind to others. Before you do that, ask of yourself – when was the last that you were kind to yourself? Where does self-compassion rate in your life? At your workplace, what are you saying ‘no’ to and being kind to yourself? Make that list now – saying no to negative people, refusing to be part of self-destructive talk…instead, saying ‘yes’ to mindfulness and self-awareness

#Slice2: The MAD slice

This slice is about being mad about MAD (making a difference). It is about being clear about your ‘WHY’ and your purpose in doing what you are doing. How MAD are you about the work that you are currently involved in?

#Slice3: The listening slice

No school teaches us to listen. This is so surprising because listening is the most powerful tool we have that helps create meaningful relationships and conversations. Listen to what your team is saying to you. Listen attentively so as to capture even what is not said.

#Slice4: The balancing slice

Many times, we overexert ourselves, leading to a burn-out situation wherein we are in a state of exhaustion and feel overwhelmed with everything! Learn to balance your physical, mental and emotional well-being. Make your well-being your number one priority.

#Slice5: The fun slice

Remember the proverb we learnt in school – ‘all play and no work makes Jack a dull boy’…well, that holds true for any age and for just about everybody! Prioritise your work and ensure you make time to have fun and relaxation!

#Slice6: The pause slice

Pause. Pause. Pause. Stop to listen and observe your own feelings and emotions. Pause to allow room for the other person to come back and reach out again.

#Slice7: The crazy slice

Unleash that creativity; look at crazy ideas with new possibilities. And you shall find new ways of doing old things.

#Slice8: The investment slice

Invest in your growth and learning. Loosen those purse strings and join that program that you have always wanted to! Be a student for life!

The beauty of the pizza slices is that they are all equal and uniform in size and weight. Each one contributes to the wholeness of the pizza. Just as each slice of your life makes for the whole human being that you are.

The views and opinions published here belong to the author and do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of the publisher.

Sarita Bahl

Sarita Bahl is an alumnus of Tata Institute of Social Sciences and the Swedish Institute of Management Program. An experienced and versatile leader, she comes with nearly four decades of professional experience. She has over the years successfully overseen the communications and public affairs function and led the corporate social responsibility strategy for Bayer South Asia, Pfizer, and Monsanto, among others. Sarita has held multiple roles across diverse industries, the public sector, trade associations, MNCs, and the not-for-profit sector. Her areas of interest include advocacy, stakeholder engagement, sustainability, and communications.

As an Associate Certified Coach (ACC) from the International Coaching Federation (ICF) and Senior Practitioner (Mentoring) from the European Council of Mentoring and Coaching (EMCC), Sarita specializes in career transition, inner engineering and life issues. Sarita enjoys writing and is passionate about animals, books, and movies.