Random Thoughts on Random Words - Day 24 X Factor

As we approach the end of the Blogchatter challenge, there is a feeling of excitement. At the same time, you wonder whether it is going to get tough towards the end as you are required to write posts  starting with "U" and "X" alphabets. I did manage "U" pretty well, with the word "Utopia" springing to mind just in time. Now, here is another tricky alphabet X on which today's post is to be written. . The first word that came to mind when thinking of the alphabet 'X' was Xmas. But, then, I thought that perhaps many writers would write on the subject. Moreover, the history of the birth of Christ and associated stories are quite familiar to most people. Of course, one could write on Xmas, but focus more on the idea of  "Christ consciousness" which goes beyond the incidents in the life of the prophet. I was pondering over this when suddenly a thought came to mind "Why not write about the X factor?" 

X Factor is a variable in a given situation that could have the most significant impact on the outcome. As for example, let us look at these statements: (1) 'The votes of women' may turn out to be the X factor in this tough election - It draws attention to the most significant factor that would influence the outcome. (2) My father definitely has the X factor that most great mechanics have. (3) Google search algorithm system is the real X-Factor behind the success of Google. (4) John .F. Kennedy was a politician who had the X Factor. (5) This doctor performs accurate surgeries in the shortest possible time which is his X Factor.

Now the question arises as to "what is X factor in a person?". According to the Cambridge dictionary " X factor is a quality that you cannot describe, which makes someone very special." To put it in other words, X factor differentiates you from anyone else. It is a pointer to the unique way you approach your work. A person who has found his/her X factor has been described as "a work of art in motion", doing things that defy explanation and stunning people by their mastery.

It is to tap into this unique something that makes a person special that the X Factor television music competition program was conceived by British producer Simon Cowell . It originated in the United Kingdom, and has been adapted in various countries including US and India. Like most reality music TV shows, the contestants are selected through auditions conducted in various cities across the country followed by competition amongst the selected 12 finalists. The X Factor program has thrown up many talented stars like Melanie Amaro who secured opportunities to sing for Simon Cowell's company Syco Music. In the Indian version, X factor India, the winner was Geet Sagar from Gwalior who won 50 Lacs, a car and an opportunity to sing the song "Dramebaaz" for the Karan Johar movie "Nautanki Saala".

We have heard of similar competitions happening in other areas as well, such as the Master chef competitions. In India, the multinational company 3M organizes "Young innovators challenge award" in collaboration with CII and at the end of a grueling selection exercise, the persons with the X Factor for innovation are identified. It is important whether competitions are available or not , to identify that unique specialty / X factor that differentiates each person from others so as to leverage the same to its maximum potential. While the musical program looks out for the X Factor in the area of music, we need to search for it in whatever it is our forte- just as it is cricket for Mahendra Singh Dhoni, science for APJ.Abdul Kalam or medicine for Devi Shetty.

Although, I have taken well known names here, there are so many people with the X Factor who are contributing in their area of expertise and passion, be it as a teacher in a Government school, a SME entrepreneur or artist creating sculpted art forms. I would like to take readers back to the first post of this challenge wherein under "Ability" we discussed how we can arrive at our passion/ zero in on our X factor by paying attention to our areas of interest and what we are curious about. It is never too late to pursue what comes to us naturally, easily and effortlessly. Singer and music composer, Srinivas (Srinivasan Doraiswamy) had worked for 10 years as a chemical engineer and marketing professional. He gave it up when he realized that his X Factor and passion was in music.

So go for it dear readers, pursue that, in which you find your X factor! It is not about being rich and famous. It is about being happy and leading a fulfilling life.How does one know whether he/ she has found the X factor? You will notice it in the flow, experiencing effortless joy even as you engage in it.

NB: This is powered by Blog Chatter's # A2Z Challenge   Blogchatter A2Z Challenge 2021