Times of India | 7 Habits of Highly Effective Hyderabadis: Artist Laxma Goud tells us what sets him apart from the rest

Working towards a better version of yourself in 2022? We bring you inspiration from some very inspiring Hyderabadis. Master draughtsman, painter, printmaker and one of the most celebrated names in contemporary Indian art, Laxma Goud tells us what sets him apart from the rest.

1. I wake up each morning with a hunger to create something new. Be it a drawing, a painting, a sketch, a water colour or sometimes even a doodle. Not a day goes by in my life without me practising my craft. Practise your craft, your trade every single day — that’s what I’d like to tell the younger generation.

2. I eat very little, I don’t socialise anymore, I don’t drink anymore. I think this adds to the discipline in my life. Discipline in life means discipline in my craft.

3. I spend time with young people as often as I can, even if it’s just my little grandson. Whether it’s children or youth, I like interacting with them. I try to give back to the community by teaching them something, anything.

4. I remind myself daily that everything I have today is so much more than I deserve. I come from a humble rural background; when I came to Hyderabad I began working from a garage with two of my friends. We used to share two cups of tea between the three of us. These are stories I remind myself of almost daily, so that I never forget what a long, long way I’ve come. It’s good to spread out and grow, but never forget your roots. Always stay grounded.

5. People talk of work-life balance. But for me work is life, life is work. It’s a constant tapasya; not something I dabble in when I’m in the mood. So, I surround myself with paints, brushes, pencils, my tools, or other artists, all the time. This way my ‘creative mode’ is always on. There’s no switching off. Build a life for yourself in such a way that you never want to ‘switch off’ as long as you’re alive.

6. I dive headlong into work each day without bothering about anything else — money or rest or food or comfort. That’s how I was even 40-50 years ago, when I had little or nothing. If you have this kind of dedication to whatever it is that you do, everything else will follow — success, fame, money, you name it. You should not run after anything, it should come running to you instead.

7. I live simply. Just as I did all those years ago when I was a struggling, hungry artist. Today, things are different… but I am still a hungry artist. I’ve built my simple life in such a way that the austerity of those days is still intact. Being simple keeps you well, mentally and physically.