Personal Branding Sutras - 8

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

Sutra 11: Anubhuta Vishaya Asampramosham Smritihi  

Sanskrit Sutra:  

अनुभूत विषय आसम्प्रमोषं स्मृतिः॥  

Transliteration:  

Anubhuta vishaya asampramosham smritihi

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Poetic Essence:  

Experience shapes the memory, so true,  

Moments lived, in your heart they renew.  

Not lost in time, they stay intact,  

Guiding you forward, keeping you on track.

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Personal Branding Essence (Poem):  

Your past achievements are your guide,  

Not forgotten, but living inside.  

Draw from the past, let it propel,  

A brand rooted in truth will always sell.

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 Commentary:

This sutra speaks of the power of memory and experience. Anubhuta (experience) refers to the lessons and insights that we gain from the events and situations we live through. Vishaya (subject or theme) points to the context of these experiences, particularly those related to our professional lives. Asampramosham (unforgotten) suggests that these experiences are not lost to time but remain vivid in our memory. Smritihi (memory) highlights how these remembered experiences shape our identity and can guide us toward growth.

In personal branding, this sutra teaches that your past experiences—both successes and challenges—are integral to the story of who you are today. Rather than forgetting or ignoring these experiences, you should embrace them and allow them to inform and enhance your brand. The more consciously you integrate your experiences, the more authentic and grounded your personal brand will be.

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 Examples in Personal Branding:

 Resume / Cover Letter:

- Anubhuta (Experience): Your cover letter should clearly articulate how your past experiences have shaped your current abilities. Use past projects or roles to demonstrate your growth and expertise.

  Example of what to avoid:  

  “I’m a recent graduate looking to learn and grow in a new company.”  

  Why it’s misleading:  

  It doesn’t showcase any relevant experiences or accomplishments that would set you apart.  

  Better Example:  

  “With a background in managing digital projects, I successfully led a team of 5 to increase client satisfaction by 20% through process improvements.”  

  Why it works:  

  This shows how your previous experience directly relates to the job you're applying for, demonstrating value.

- Vishaya (Subject/Context): Focus on how your experiences are relevant to the role you're applying for. Highlight the key subjects or skills you’ve developed in previous roles that will help you excel in the new position.

  Example of what to avoid:  

  “I have experience in various fields and can adapt to any situation.”  

  Why it’s misleading:  

  It lacks specificity and does not convey your true expertise.  

  Better Example:  

  “I have extensive experience in leading cross-functional teams and driving process improvements in the tech industry, which I’m eager to apply to this new opportunity in product management.”  

  Why it works:  

  It provides context and shows how your experience is directly applicable to the new role.

- Asampramosham (Unforgotten): Your achievements, even from earlier in your career, should be presented as lasting memories that have shaped your expertise. Don’t neglect to include impactful moments that have contributed to your personal and professional growth.

  Example of what to avoid:  

  “I was part of a team that worked on a successful marketing campaign, but I don’t remember the specifics.”  

  Why it’s misleading:  

  This lacks concrete details and doesn’t convey the significance of your contribution.  

  Better Example:  

  “I spearheaded a marketing campaign that resulted in a 30% increase in engagement within 3 months, a key achievement in my role.”  

  Why it works:  

  It shows you remember and are able to articulate key successes that still influence your approach today.

- Smritihi (Memory): Use your memory to inform your personal narrative. Don’t shy away from speaking about significant past achievements. They are a vital part of your brand story.

  Example of what to avoid:  

  “I’ve done a lot of different work, but I can’t pinpoint specific achievements at the moment.”  

  Why it’s misleading:  

  It lacks a clear focus on your real contributions and doesn’t show confidence in your capabilities.  

  Better Example:  

  “At my previous role, I managed the project that optimized workflow processes, reducing operational costs by 15%. This experience continues to inform how I approach new challenges.”  

  Why it works:  

  It provides specific examples from your experience that highlight your value and knowledge.

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 LinkedIn Profile:

- Anubhuta (Experience): Your LinkedIn profile should reflect your growth through experience. Share stories of challenges faced and lessons learned, which can help paint a fuller picture of your expertise.

  Example of what to avoid:  

  “Looking for a job that challenges me.”  

  Why it’s misleading:  

  It’s too vague and doesn’t show what you’ve learned from past roles.  

  Better Example:  

  "Experienced project manager with a proven track record of delivering projects on time and under budget. I thrive in environments that require strategic problem-solving and team collaboration."  

  Why it works:  

  It highlights past experiences that speak directly to your strengths and ability to perform.

- Vishaya (Subject/Context): Be clear about what your previous roles have taught you and how they relate to your current professional goals.

  Example of what to avoid:  

  Listing a series of roles without tying them to your growth.  

  Why it’s misleading:  

  It doesn’t show how each role has contributed to your skill set.  

  Better Example:  

  "In my last position, I developed key customer relationships that boosted client retention by 40%. This experience taught me the value of building trust through communication and delivered results that align with my career vision in business development."  

  Why it works:  

  It links past experiences to your current expertise, providing a clear trajectory.

- Asampramosham (Unforgotten): Even if past roles were many years ago, they’ve shaped your expertise today. Don't forget to mention important milestones from the past that inform your present brand.

  Example of what to avoid:  

  Not acknowledging significant achievements from earlier roles that helped you develop your current skills.  

  Why it’s misleading:  

  It overlooks valuable experiences and gives an incomplete picture.  

  Better Example:  

  "As a junior analyst 5 years ago, I contributed to strategic reports that drove key business decisions, setting the foundation for my later leadership roles."  

  Why it works:  

  It shows how past roles were stepping stones to your current level of expertise.

- Smritihi (Memory): Embrace the lessons and growth from previous experiences. Make sure your profile reflects the evolution of your career and brand story.

  Example of what to avoid:  

  Having an incomplete work history or only showcasing your most recent job.  

  Why it’s misleading:  

  It limits the understanding of your career journey.  

  Better Example:  

  "With over 10 years in project management, I’ve successfully led initiatives across multiple industries, each contributing to my holistic approach to business strategy today."  

  Why it works:  

  It highlights how your career journey, including early roles, shaped your current expertise.

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 Conclusion:

Sutra 11 highlights the power of memory and the impact of experiences on shaping our identity. When building your personal brand, it's essential to reflect on past achievements and challenges, recognizing that your experiences are not lost but continue to inform and guide you. By drawing from the richness of your memories and integrating them authentically into your resume, cover letter, and LinkedIn profile, you ensure that your personal brand is built on a foundation of true experience. This not only makes your brand more credible but also more resonant with others who can see the value and growth in your journey.