Make Plans That Fit Your Circumstances
By Sumit Paul, New Age Islam
5 October 2024
"Do not try to make circumstances fit your plans. Make plans that fit your circumstances."
Rudyard Kipling
Rudyard Kipling's quote, "Do not try to make circumstances fit your plans. Make plans that fit your circumstances," serves as a powerful reminder to embrace flexibility and adaptability in our approach to life.
Often, we find ourselves grappling with circumstances that are beyond our control, and attempting to force our plans upon these situations can lead to frustration and disappointment. Instead, Kipling encourages us to carefully assess our circumstances and mould our plans accordingly.
By perceiving the inherent value in adapting our plans to fit the nuances of our environment, we increase our chances of success and find a harmonious balance between our aspirations and the limitations imposed by external factors. Through this lens, Kipling inspires us to navigate life's ever-changing landscape with resilience, resourcefulness, and the ability to gracefully adjust our course when needed.
Urdu poet Josh Malihabadi wrote in one of his finest quatrains, "Tujh Se Jo Phiregi Toh Kidhar Jayegi/ Le Jayega Jis Simt Udhar Jayegi/ Duniya Ke Havadis Se Na Ghabra Ke Ye Umra/ Jis Tarah Guzarega Guzar Jayegi "
(If life goes awry, where'll it go to?/ It'll go wherever you take it to/ Don't be frightened of the mishaps in life/ It'll be spent the way you want to spend it).
Though life is all about adjustments and compromises, it still remains at our disposal and the ship of life can be steered at our will. But it needs discretion, discernment and deft alterations. Plan things but never plan them so audaciously that they don't get along with your circumstances. Plans and circumstances must go hand in hand.
The Spanish great Miguel de Cervantes said, "Planes y circunstancias deben caminar juntos " (Plans and circumstances should align, complement, or work together harmoniously). Saying it idiomatically, don't attempt to put the cart before the horse. Human life is a result of (right or wrong) alignments and associations.
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A regular columnist for New Age Islam, Sumit Paul is a researcher in comparative religions, with special reference to Islam. He has contributed articles to the world's premier publications in several languages including Persian.
URL: https://www.newageislam.com/spiritual-meditations/plans-circumstances/d/133361
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