It Can Always Be Done

By Narayani Ganesh

A young colleague in his early 20s at my place of work some years ago, had the following affirmation handwritten in block letters, pinned on his desk: It Can Always Be Done. I didn’t know him too well then, so it might have been impolite to ask him why he had this message beaming at him all day long. But it led me to observe with interest, his behaviour at our editorial meetings chaired by a rather moody editor who, despite his excellent mentoring, was given to quite frequent bursts of temper.

For a youngster in the midst of seasoned middle-aged editors, to be able to speak up and make a case for an editorial topic, it was a scary situation indeed. But the lad soldiered on, undeterred by dismissive comments and barbs. He would come prepared with notes to make his case, and sometimes his knuckles would turn white as he clutched the notepad. But he never gave up and over time, oftentimes, would succeed in getting his opinion heard.


Call it persistence, good homework, obstinacy, plain diligence and courage, or whatever else you will, but methinks that line of affirmation on his desk somehow encouraged him to do what he had to do, no matter what.

Affirmations work only when they are friendly and suggestive, not overbearing, moralistic and patronising, that could send you on a guilt trip for not being able to fulfil them. And just one or two at the most, not a long list that can be intimidating and so will not have the desired effect.