Whether one is a believer of God, a proponent of the Doctrine of Karma or simply an atheist, Judgment Day is very real or in the least, to the human mind. Normally, one has a negative connotation of this day of reckoning, but it does not necessarily lead to an unhappy ending. Here’s the gist of an easy to understand example.
Appraisal time - the customary year-end ritual of most corporations. Recently two of my colleagues, not of my department and on separate occasions approached me, lamenting about their unsatisfactory appraisals and inquired whether I could help them to resolve some issues before they sign the appraisal forms. Instead, I gave them something to mull about.
My opening statement was, “You should understand that what you underwent was certainly not a self-appraisal. Agree?” They nodded. “Then you should accept the results which in fact, sum up to a judgment of your year’s performance”. Before they could react, I added, “First, rightly or wrongly it is how your work quality has been perceived and rated by your ‘employer’. Under such circumstances, you cannot certify yourself unless; you are self-employed in which case your success certifies you. Agree?” With an apprehensive reluctance each agreed. “Therefore, why are you fighting it? It has already come to pass.”
After a short pause, I continued, “So, is it about your dented ego that refuses to accept the results that point out your faults for you to correct? Instead, you are faulting the appraiser for being unfair which in verity, it is more for causing you to get a lower forthcoming salary increment and bonus. If so, you should awake to the reality of things and not wallow in a delusion contrived by a stubborn mind that is shackled by avarice.
May I then recommend that you take a step (or two) back in order to move forward to a more fruitful win-win situation for yourself as well as for your department (which includes the appraiser)?” There was an air of uneasiness as I concluded. A few days later, I ran into them and they each wore a smile of relief. I smiled back.
In life, we are constantly appraised and judged by others, but our egos tend to suppress, if not conceal the positive benefits that these invaluable tests can accrue. To be endowed with the ability to experience such trials and tribulations is a blessing. These are mini Judgment Days that allow us to practice and rehearse for the final event. As for the non-believers of Judgment Day, the results of each ‘appraisal’ they go through in life should awake them to what their minds cannot see of themselves, in the least …
