Personal Branding Sutras - 7

A modern interpretation of the Yoga Sutras for crafting your unique identity.

Sutra 10: Abhava Pratyaaya Alamabana Vrittir Nidra  

Sanskrit Sutra:  

अभाव प्रत्याय आलम्बन वृत्तिर्निद्राः॥  

Transliteration:  

Abhava pratyaaya alamabana vrittir nidraḥ

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Poetic Essence:  

In stillness, the mind rests and renews,  

Let go of distractions, false beliefs, and cues.  

When absence fills, clarity appears,  

The path ahead becomes crystal clear.

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Personal Branding Essence (Poem):  

Let go of what no longer serves,  

Your brand needs space to curve.  

In rest, your truth will bloom,  

Uncluttered by outdated rooms.

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Commentary:

This sutra speaks of the absence of distractions, unnecessary thoughts, and outdated beliefs that cloud our true essence. Abhava (absence) represents the removal of what no longer aligns with your authentic self, enabling clarity and focus. Pratyaaya (perception) refers to the need to see the truth clearly. Alamabana (support) emphasizes the value of the foundational principles you’ve built, which sustain your brand. Vrittir (mental patterns) suggests that your focus should not be on chasing distractions but rather on letting go of outdated or irrelevant narratives. Nidra (sleep or rest) is a reminder that rest and introspection are necessary for rejuvenation and understanding, allowing your authentic self to emerge.

In crafting your personal brand, this sutra teaches that you must make space for your true self by clearing away the clutter of past roles, outdated narratives, and ungrounded aspirations. Your personal brand should rest on current, truthful values and experiences that reflect your evolving identity.

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Examples in Personal Branding:

Resume / Cover Letter:

- Abhava (Absence): Avoid including irrelevant experiences or outdated roles in your cover letter. Focus on the current skills and experiences that align with your career direction.

  Example of what to avoid:  

  “Worked as a retail assistant in college and handled customer service responsibilities.”  

  Why it’s misleading:  

  This experience is no longer relevant and does not showcase your current capabilities or expertise.  

  Better Example:  

  "Currently managing a team of 10 in a corporate environment to lead digital transformation efforts."  

  Why it works:  

  This demonstrates your leadership skills, relevant experience, and current role, which adds value to your application.

- Pratyaaya (Perception): Your cover letter should reflect your true professional self. Don’t fabricate qualifications or exaggerate your role. Be clear and direct about what you bring to the table.

  Example of what to avoid:  

  “I led a multi-national project that changed the company’s direction.”  

  Why it’s misleading:  

  Over-exaggeration without support damages your credibility and can raise doubts.  

  Better Example:  

  “Contributed significantly to a cross-functional team that improved product design efficiency by 25%.”  

  Why it works:  

  It’s grounded in your actual contributions, giving a true reflection of your work.

- Alamabana (Support): Just as the mind needs no external stimulation during sleep, avoid including unsupported claims in your cover letter. Stick to your values and the work you have truly done.

  Example of what to avoid:  

  “I am a thought leader in my industry and am well-known for my innovative ideas.”  

  Why it’s misleading:  

  Unsupported claims can come off as self-promotion without substance.  

  Better Example:  

  "I have been invited to speak at industry conferences and have contributed to key publications on digital transformation."  

  Why it works:  

  It reflects your actual involvement and positions you as an expert based on real, tangible achievements.

- Vrittir (Mental Patterns): Your brand should be clear and focused. In your cover letter, avoid presenting yourself as someone who is reactive or unfocused. Stay aligned with your true career direction.

  Example of what to avoid:  

  “I’ve tried many different roles in various fields and now I’m looking for a new challenge in leadership.”  

  Why it’s misleading:  

  It presents you as someone without a clear career path.  

  Better Example:  

  "With over 5 years of experience leading cross-functional teams, I am eager to contribute to driving strategic business outcomes in a senior leadership role."  

  Why it works:  

  It demonstrates clarity in your career direction, showing your experience aligns with your desired next step.

- Nidra (Sleep/Rest): Just as sleep rejuvenates the mind, take time to reflect on your career journey in your cover letter. Avoid rushing into applying for a role without considering whether it's the right fit for you.

  Example of what to avoid:  

  “I’m interested in this role because I need a job.”  

  Why it’s misleading:  

  It shows a lack of intentionality and focus.  

  Better Example:  

  “I am drawn to this role because it aligns with my passion for driving innovation in a global tech environment, and I believe my experience would bring valuable insights to your team.”  

  Why it works:  

  It shows that you’ve thoughtfully considered the role and are motivated by how it aligns with your personal brand.

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 LinkedIn Profile:

- Abhava (Absence): Avoid including outdated or irrelevant work experiences that no longer reflect your current skills or career goals. Focus on your most recent accomplishments.

  Example of what to avoid:  

  Listing roles from 10+ years ago that are no longer aligned with your career path.

  Why it’s misleading:  

  It takes attention away from your current brand and may confuse potential employers or connections.

  Better Example:  

  “Currently leading a team of designers to develop cutting-edge user interfaces for AI-driven products.”

  Why it works:  

  It reflects your current expertise and career trajectory.

- Pratyaaya (Perception): Be authentic about your role and contributions. Avoid exaggerating your impact or trying to fit into a mold that doesn't reflect your true capabilities.

  Example of what to avoid:  

  "I was responsible for transforming the entire company's digital strategy."  

  Why it’s misleading:  

  Overstatements can lead to a lack of trust and credibility.  

  Better Example:  

  "Led a team to develop the company's digital strategy, focusing on increasing customer engagement by 30%."  

  Why it works:  

  It’s specific, measurable, and rooted in your actual contributions.

- Alamabana (Support): Just as the mind doesn’t need external stimuli during sleep, avoid distracting details on your LinkedIn profile. Focus on the core achievements that reflect your professional identity.

  Example of what to avoid:  

  Adding irrelevant certifications or accomplishments that don't align with your current career goals.

  Why it’s misleading:  

  It can dilute your brand and make your profile appear cluttered.

  Better Example:  

  “Certified in Leadership Development and Data Analytics, with a focus on driving business growth through innovation.”

  Why it works:  

  It’s aligned with your career direction and adds value to your personal brand.

- Vrittir (Mental Patterns): Your LinkedIn profile should not be a passive reflection. Keep it active, but avoid jumping into every trend or opportunity that doesn’t align with your brand.

  Example of what to avoid:  

  “I’m open to exploring new roles and industries” without a clear focus.

  Why it’s misleading:  

  It lacks clarity and focus in your career goals.

  Better Example:  

  "I am actively seeking leadership roles in digital transformation where I can leverage my expertise to drive innovation and growth."

  Why it works:  

  It demonstrates a clear career trajectory and a defined professional focus.

- Nidra (Sleep/Rest): Regularly update your LinkedIn profile to reflect your evolving expertise, but also take time to ensure that your messaging remains aligned with your brand. Don’t rush to add every new trend or certification.

  Example of what to avoid:  

  “I’ve worked on a wide range of projects but haven’t updated my profile in two years.”

  Why it’s misleading:  

  It may make your brand look stagnant or outdated.

  Better Example:  

  “Updated my LinkedIn profile to reflect my latest leadership role in a cutting-edge AI project and recent certifications in strategic innovation.”

  Why it works:  

  It shows you're actively nurturing your professional brand, staying current and aligned with your goals.

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 Conclusion:

Sutra 10 emphasizes the importance of letting go of outdated and irrelevant distractions to create space for clarity and authenticity. Whether crafting your cover letter or LinkedIn profile, embracing this wisdom allows you to refine your brand, focus on what truly matters, and project a genuine, clear image of who you are in the professional world. When your personal brand rests on solid, truthful experiences and values, it will shine brighter and more authentically.