Zoom In, Zoom Out: Lessons from AutoCAD and Life

Imagine you’re seated in front of a computer, designing a blueprint in AutoCAD. You zoom in to refine the tiniest details—the edges of a line, the perfect alignment of shapes. Then, you zoom out to see the bigger picture, ensuring every element fits together seamlessly.

This act of zooming in and zooming out is not just a feature in AutoCAD; it’s a metaphor for life. Today, I will share how this practice has shaped my journey.

Zoom In: Attention to Detail

When I was younger, I struggled to focus on the small things that truly mattered. One day, my father asked me to help him design a simple plan for our garden. He introduced me to AutoCAD, and as I zoomed in to perfect each detail, I realized the importance of precision—not just in designing, but in life.

Years later, this lesson came alive when I joined Toastmasters. As the President of the Voice of Innovators Toastmasters Club, I learned the value of zooming in on the needs of individual members. Whether it was encouraging a shy speaker or helping someone craft their Icebreaker speech, these small acts created ripples of confidence that transformed our club’s culture.

Zoom Out: The Bigger Picture

While focusing on details is important, life often reminds us to step back. During the pandemic, Zoom became not just a platform, but a perspective. One such moment came when I attended an online workshop at IGNOU University. It was there that I realized how interconnected we all are, despite the miles that separate us.

One of the most defining “zoom-out” moments of my life came during the oath-taking ceremony at the Indian Embassy in Bahrain for Mahatma Gandhi’s Swachh Bharat mission. Standing there, I saw myself not just as an individual, but as part of a global effort to bring about positive change. That moment taught me to see the broader impact of my actions.

Combining the Two

Let me share a story where both perspectives played a role. My daughter, Gavaliya Nethra, and I started learning German together. In the beginning, I focused on grammar rules and pronunciation—the zoomed-in details. But then, she showed me the joy of zooming out by appreciating the language’s culture, music, and humor. Through her eyes, I saw that learning wasn’t just about rules; it was about connection and fun.

Similarly, when I read a joyful book recommended by Sarah, it inspired me to zoom out from my dislike of cooking. I started preparing plant-based recipes, realizing that each dish was more than a meal—it was a story of health, creativity, and love.

Closing Thoughts

Life, like AutoCAD, is a balance of zooming in and zooming out. When we zoom in, we focus on the small, intricate details that define our character and skills. When we zoom out, we see the broader connections, and the bigger purpose of our actions.

So, my dear Viewers, I challenge you to take a moment to zoom in on the little things you’ve been neglecting and to zoom out to appreciate the vastness of your journey.

Because when you master this balance, you’re not just designing a blueprint—you’re creating a masterpiece.

Master Your New Domain