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Per-fectly Fine… Until It Wasn’t : Defect vs Perfect-A Two-Letter Mystery (10)

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Have you ever stared at a brilliant plan, only to watch it unravel faster than a cheap jumper in a tumble dryer?

You’re not alone.

Turns out, the line between defect and perfect is thinner than we think ; just one tiny prefix, in fact.

Both words come from the Latin ‘facere’, which means to make.

So “fect” is just the thing being made. Then comes the twist:

  • Add “de-” and you’ve made a defect. Something’s wrong. Off. Missing a piece. Probably squeaks when it moves.
  • Add “per-” and you’ve got perfect. Complete, works like a charm, might even sparkle a bit.

The difference? Literally a couple of letters.

But the result? Worlds apart.

It’s like giving Voldemort and Harry Potter the same wand and asking them both to build a team.
One ends up with loyal friends, a bit of chaos, and eventual success.

The other ends up with a snake, questionable leadership choices, and no nose.

And here’s the thing: in our personal and professional lives, we do this to ourselves all the time.

We know what needs to happen. We’ve got the strategy, the plan, the slides, the stakeholder sign-off.
Then somehow, between the knowing and the doing… things go sideways.

Suddenly, what was meant to be perfect starts to crack.

Maybe the communication wasn’t clear.
Maybe the rollout missed the mark.
Maybe someone decided to change the brief after everything was built.

Whatever the reason, the end result gets labelled a “defect” ; even if it started with the best of intentions.

This, friends, is the infamous Knowing–Doing Gap. Where ideas go in shiny and come out slightly disappointing.

It’s not always because people don’t care or don’t try. It’s just easy to trip over that tiny prefix ; to slide from “Per” to “De” without even noticing.

So next time something feels off; whether it’s a personal misstep or a business idea that didn’t quite stick, don’t be too harsh on yourself. Often, what looks like a flaw is just the starting line. The real journey begins when we notice the gap, take ownership, and work with intent to close it; bit by bit, day by day

In both life and business, “perfect” isn’t a fixed point; it’s a moving target shaped by clarity, action, and growth. And the good news? Defect doesn’t disqualify you from the journey. In fact, it starts it.

What if every so-called defect was just a perfect excuse to begin again, this time with more purpose?

❤️ASB

Who Is Listening? and why that might Not be the Point | Response vs Release (9)

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Every now and then, amidst a flurry of posts, conversations, and musings, I pause and wonder; who is actually listening?

We live in a world of digital amphitheatres. Thoughts are shared, reels are posted, opinions are floated. Some echo, some disappear into the ether and while we may not always admit it, there’s often an unspoken assumption that someone, somewhere is registering what we’ve said. Perhaps even forming a perception about us.

And yes, sometimes they are.

But here’s the question that’s become more interesting to me lately: even if they are listening… does it really matter in the way we think it does?

Cue The Truman Show.

Jim Carrey’s Truman is unknowingly the star of a 24/7 broadcast, with the world watching his every move. But the twist? Most of the viewers aren’t hanging onto his every word. They’re dipping in and out; Distracted, consuming rather than connecting. It’s theatre, not conversation.

That’s how a lot of spaces feel now ( Social and otherwise) . People hear what you say, but do they listen? And even when they do, their interpretation is shaped by their own filters; what mood they’re in, how their day’s going, whether they’ve had their coffee yet.

So when we share a thought, an idea, a bit of ourselves; how much of the impact we imagine is real, and how much is a narrative we’ve built because silence feels awkward?

I’ve come to realise something simple but freeing: sometimes, the person truly listening is the one speaking.

When I articulate a thought; whether in a post, a talk, or a coffee-fuelled ramble; it helps me refine my own thinking. It’s a chance to declutter the mind, process an emotion, find humour in a challenge, or make meaning out of a moment.

Sharing isn’t always about response. Sometimes it’s about release.

In a world addicted to metrics, reactions, and applause, there’s quiet power in putting something out there simply because it matters to you.

You don’t always need to be heard to find clarity.
You don’t always need validation to express something valuable.
And you certainly don’t need to perform to prove your presence.

If someone listens and finds resonance; great.
If not, it’s still served a purpose.
Because you listened, you showed up and you made space for your own voice.

And maybe that’s enough. Maybe that’s more than enough.

❤️ASB

Excellence has a Formula and No, It’s Not “Work Harder.”(7)

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“Excellence” has been through a lot.
It’s been framed in gold, stuck on office walls, and repeated so often it’s lost all meaning.
If Excellence had feelings, it would probably be standing with folded hands and begging for a break 🙏.

So I tried something different.
Instead of treating it like a mystery, I treated it like a problem worth solving and out came this formula:

👉 Excellence = (Ri + Pe) / CS

Here’s what that means:
🔹 Ri = Results Increase
🔹 Pe = Potential Enhancement
🔹 C = Consistently
🔹 S = Sustainably

You’re getting close to Excellence when you’re delivering better outcomes and unlocking more potential. However, the real test is whether you can do it consistently and sustainably.

Anyone can shine for a month. I am sure we have all seen many flashes in a pan. The real magic is doing it again and again and…. Without losing your team, your sanity or your soul.

This is where Excellence Intelligence™ kicks in.
It’s the ability to design systems that don’t just work, but keep working. It’s less about heroics and more about habits.

🎬 Exhibit A: Moneyball.

Billy Beane (Brad Pitt) chases stats instead of stars. He builds a smarter system.
He increases results using stats everyone else ignores.
He enhances potential by betting on overlooked players.
And he makes it all work consistently and sustainably.

He doesn’t just win games. He changes the game.
That’s the formula in action. That’s (Ri + Pe) / CS.

This formula quietly powers how we at Asbiverse Group build teams, design capability programs, and help leaders think clearly.

It’s not flashy. But it works.

When something’s off, we just ask:
✅ Are results improving?
✅ Is potential being unlocked?
✅ Are we doing this without gasping every quarter?

If the answer is no, the formula shows exactly where to look.

Excellence = (Ri + Pe) / CS
Simple🕯️Sharp🔪 Surprisingly useful🪜
And unlike most buzzwords, this one holds up under pressure.

Love, ASB

I don’t hate my Competition, I thank them! (5)

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Actually, I owe them a thank-you card. Maybe even a fruit basket. Because while some people lose sleep over competitors, I might actually give them a spot ( small one!) in my dreams, knowing they’re helping me grow.

We’ve been conditioned to view competition as war. Business books often sound like military manuals. But the truth is, I don’t see competitors as enemies. They’re more like frenemies. The kind that push you in public and high-five you in private. Think Tom and Jerry. They chase, scheme, and occasionally blow each other up… but deep down, what would Tom even be without Jerry?

Or better yet, think Sherlock Holmes and Moriarty. Whether you’ve seen the BBC version, the movies, or any of the reboots, the message is there. Moriarty isn’t just a villain. He’s the spark that ignites Sherlock’s brilliance. Without that rivalry, Sherlock might be just another smart guy solving crossword puzzles in his robe. Instead, he’s forced to stretch, question, and evolve. Because greatness doesn’t grow in a vacuum. It grows in friction.

I’ve had competitors copy my content, imitate my slides, echo my frameworks, and even lift phrases I made up in the shower. But honestly, I feel oddly flattered. Because if I was forgettable, they wouldn’t bother.

And let’s not pretend we don’t learn from them too. I’ve picked up ideas from competitors’ posts, events, and even their mistakes (those are gold!). It’s like we’re all in one giant workshop, unknowingly co-authoring each other’s success stories.

In real life, my Moriartys have taught me resilience, strategy, and how to respond with grace when provoked. They remind me of the “I” in Intentonomics®. Not intimidation, but integrity of thought.

So here’s what I’ve learned. You don’t have to like your competition, but you don’t have to hate them either. You can coexist, learn, laugh, and even grow together. Awkward smiles and all. Frenemies aren’t a flaw in the system. They’re the spark in the engine.

Next time you see your competitor winning, don’t rage-scroll. Smile, reflect, and say, “Game on.”

Because if you’re not inspired by your competition, you’re probably not paying attention.

Credibility isn’t a Costume. It’s your Own Skin! (4)

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We live in a world that’s constantly whispering in our ears… and by whispering, I mean yelling in 100 point font across social media posts and “10 things never to do if you want to be taken seriously” articles.

Don’t say this.
Never post that.
Avoid these phrases if you want to appear credible.

It’s like credibility has been turned into a checklist, a formula, a script. Smile just enough, speak just right, and for heaven’s sake, never let them see the real you because that might be too much.

Here’s the problem. The more you try to become what you think the world wants, the further you drift from who you actually are. And the further you drift, the more you sound like an AI-generated coach from 2025. Respectfully.

Now let’s take this idea to Hollywood. Remember The Greatest Showman? Hugh Jackman’s character, P.T. Barnum, spends most of the movie trying to impress high society. He wears the right clothes, says the right things, and courts the “credible” people. But in chasing their approval, he starts sidelining the very performers who made him special; the ones who were unapologetically different.

It all falls apart. Because in trying to gain credibility by being something he’s not, he loses connection, trust, and eventually, himself.

He does find his way back but only by embracing his authentic crew ; the bearded lady, the trapeze artists, the oddballs. And the moment he does? That’s when he truly becomes credible. Not because he ticks the boxes. But because he owns his story.

In real life, it’s the same. I’ve seen leaders who try to “present well” and end up sounding like a podcast with the playback speed set to 1.5x. ( Self included 😳) and I’ve seen people who speak with simple honesty and light up the room. No filters, no corporate gloss. Just truth, passion, and the courage to be seen.

Authenticity isn’t a vulnerability. It’s a superpower. Because when you speak from who you are, not from what you think people want to hear, you earn something no strategy can buy: trust.

So the next time someone tells you “never say this if you want to be credible,” pause and ask yourself ; is it really about the words, or is it about the intention behind them?

Because you can’t fake your way to being believable. People don’t trust perfect. They trust real.

Be you. Weird quirks, quiet confidence, chaotic brilliance, subtle disasters and all. It beats polished pretence any day.

Why are we not Content with all this Content In our Lives? (2)

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We live in an age of breathtaking abundance.

More knowledge at our fingertips than any generation before.
More possessions in our homes than we can use.
More digital content to consume than we can ever process.

And yet, many of us feel a persistent restlessness.

Despite being surrounded by content, we are often not content.

The last few decades taught us: More is better.

  • More books, podcasts, articles, reels to make us smarter.
  • More gadgets, clothes, and possessions to make us happier.
  • More experiences and options to make us fulfilled.

But somewhere along the way, more stopped adding and started overwhelming.

Instead of creating peace, it created pressure.
Instead of deepening satisfaction, it diluted meaning.

The real issue isn’t lack of input. It’s lack of intent.

We consume content endlessly, but rarely pause to ask:

  • Why am I reading this?
  • How does this help me?
  • What will I do differently?

Without intent, content becomes clutter ; both in our minds and in our lives.

The same applies to our possessions. The more we accumulate, the more we manage, the less we enjoy.

Accumulation is not the same as fulfillment.

In my work and life, my humble observations:

  • Progress comes not from collecting more, but mastering a few.
  • Insight comes not from reading more, but reflecting more.
  • Satisfaction comes not from acquiring more, but using what matters well.

When intent leads, content supports. When content leads, intent gets buried.

Perhaps true contentment comes not from abundance, but from alignment.

When what we know, own, and pursue aligns with who we are and what we value , that’s when content becomes contentment.

Bhandari's-BRIA-Model-of-Intent

Bhandari’s BRIA Model of Intent – TEDx Talk

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What causes a sports team to overhaul its dismal performance to an outstanding one within days?
What drives differences in performance between individuals?
What leads to discriminatory behaviours such as Racism?
What could be a key factor that leads to crimes?
What creates a sea change in political outcomes for political parties?
What causes shoppers and consumers to prefer and/or purchase a particular product or service over others?
What has the power to bring about a monumental change in the results for an organisation?

The word is “Intent”

It is the generation and power of intent that leads to or prevents actions. An understanding of how intent is created and what causes it to have the right strength, that can lead to action can both enable and prevent certain behaviours.

A result of my continuing study on “ The Role of Intent” has resulted in the BRIA Model. The BRIA Model tries to bring the process of creation of Intent and its correlation with action to life.

My TEDx talk on the subject provides more detail and I will continue to further build on the principle. I will try to share thoughts through this website and also via “The Intentonomics Podcast” which can be accessed from my website and will also be available on major podcasting platforms.

Conversation with a tomato blog

Conversation with a Tomato – The Positive Charge Talks by Ankur Shiv Bhandari – Podcast Episode 08

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What are the conversations you have had in the last 24 hours? Maybe with your partner? with your kids? parents? friends? Anyone else? And should I also ask with anything else?

#ankurshivbhandari #thepositivecharge #purpose #shopper #shoppermarketing #FMCG #retail #consumergoods #leadership #innovation #conversations #conversationsandpurpose

Speak-to-your-fear-and-see-it-disappear

Speak to your fear and see it disappear – The Positive Charge Talks by Ankur Shiv Bhandari – Episode 06

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In this episode, Ankur talks about the power of acknowledging our fears and overcoming them on the path to positivity and possibility.

#capability #ankurshivbhandari #thepositivecharge #beingpositive #happiness #positivemind #powerofpositivity #holisticcapability #beinghappy #positivity #motivation #inspiration #personaldevelopment #resilience #leadership

Is this what you really want? - The Positive Charge Talks by Ankur Shiv Bhandari - Episode 1

There is only 1 you, Live it, Love it and Launch it! – The Positive Charge Talks by Ankur Shiv Bhandari – Episode 05

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In this episode, Ankur talks about the importance of feeling proud of one’s uniqueness. He highlights a key point that everyone is unique and that should be celebrated.

#capability #ankurshivbhandari #thepositivecharge #beingpositive #happiness #positivemind #powerofpositivity #holisticcapability #beinghappy #positivity #motivation #inspiration #personaldevelopment #resilience #leadership