Catalyst: what is it, how it functions, and how to handle it

Play the Catalyst Role in Life

In nature it's a substance that enables a chemical reaction to proceed at a usually faster rate or under different conditions (as at a lower temperature) than otherwise possible.

The business definition of catalyst is - A person or an agent that causes a change, action or event to happen at a higher speed as compared with the normal average time period.

Based on my experiences, learning and journey of life till now I have slightly modified the business definition of catalyst to mean:

A Catalyst is a person who by his actions selflessly helps, mentors, influences and guides other people - professionally and /or personally in their lives and in the process inspires them to enjoy their life journey and make their lives fulfilling and better.

Inspiration for this article

I was inspired to pen my thoughts, after some valuable insights from an associate during a work assignment. So this article is one small way of recognizing and appreciating all the wonderful “Catalyst People” in my life – with whom I have been fortunate to be associated. These people in their own special and unique ways have shaped – some of the good qualities within me. 

Be it my teachers, my friends, my relatives, my parents, my colleagues, my family, speakers and distinguished orators at various forums and even the younger generation. These people have contributed to my sustained enthusiasm, energy levels and motivated me to lift myself up whenever the chips have been down.

It’s difficult to put a value to all the noble deeds of such people and make a complete list of what I have gained out of the interactions with them. But these are some of the things that have made a lasting impact and stand out:-

1. Being humble and staying humble while interacting with all.

2. Being positive in your approach to life and staying consistent in this approach – all of us would have faced / will also face various challenges in life. Just remind yourself that challenges are a part of your life but they are not life in its entirety. And then you will view these as an opportunity and emerge stronger and better with each one of them.

3. Share a portion of your knowledge, skills, wealth with the needy – life has given us so much and there are quite a lot of people within the society who struggle each day to meet their basic necessities. Each one of us can contribute in our own way through various means and post our support we will feel happy to have made a positive difference to the lives of these people.

4. Enjoy nature and its beauty – every day we wake up and start running to complete our tasks throughout the day till we go to bed. Do take some time out to watch the rising sun, the beautiful flowers from your window, the blue sky, feel the breeze on your face, the water in the pond. And you will get charged up and feel fresh. 

5. Have a circle of friends – a closer circle of friends and not those types that people have or befriend on the social platforms. Those with whom you can laugh and cry with, relate 

who will run for you and help and in 1 simple word will help you to be yourself. 

6. Have a hobby and play – it can be any hobby that you like - other than the TV and mobile games playing. And if you don’t have any then develop one. There are so many of them – entailing physical activity like badminton, football, swimming, hockey etc. and the subtle non-physical ones like cards, chess, reading and so on. These will also keep your brain engaged, involved and help in keeping your mind active.

7. Laugh aloud at-least once in a day – be it by cracking a joke with your friends, having fun moments with your inner circle, relatives or by viewing any hilarious stuff on TV. These will give you a refreshing feeling and help in inspiring you to deal with the daily mundane chores.

I will simply summarize the above in two great quotes:

Consider your life as a journey not a destination, and you will enjoy it more.

Give the best to life, the same will return.

Learning’s 

I sincerely feel that – we can serve as a “Catalyst” to a lot of people and in the process make a positive difference in their lives. This will also be a good way of repaying the “Catalyst People” who have helped us in our lives.

Synopsis

If reading this article, ignites a spark in some people’s minds to serve as a Catalyst to other people that will surely be a good beginning.

So Friends – do have a great year and a fulfilling life ahead.