"I am the master of my fate,
I am the captain of my soul"
Beautiful and empowering lines by the great Nelson Mandela. These lines from a poem helped him stay positive and focused in spite of being in jail for 27 years.
Have you noticed that sometimes we shy away from taking certain steps, be it taking on an adventure, grabbing an opportunity to speak in public or something simple like taking up additional responsibilities at home or work.
Why do you think we do it, despite of wanting to go ahead with it? what is it that paralysis us to take action?
This and many such reflections were a part of my Personal Excellence Journey.
What PE has made me reflect on:
1. "Whether you think you can or think you cant, you are right." - Henry Ford.
What we believe in, becomes true because that is where we focus.
2. I never thought about my inner self, what motivates me, inspires me, how I can harness the forces of nature to work in favor of me!
What PE has taught me:
1. There is a vast reservoir of energy within us in the form of our subconscious mind. It is like a faithful follower. It can be given right instructions so that it helps us to be our best selves.
2. To laugh often and laugh much. To keep the child inside me blossoming and joyful. The amazing laughter club gurus left us holding our stomach and cheeks aching (for having smiled so much after such a long time)
Smile is infectious, you catch it like the flu,
When someone smiled at me today,
I started smiling too.
I passed around the corner
and someone saw my grin.
When he smiled I realized
I'd passed it on to him.
I thought about that smile,
then I realized its worth.
A single smile, just like mine
could travel round the earth.
So, if you feel a smile begin,
don't leave it undetected.
Let's start an epidemic quick,
and get the world infected!
3. Accepting myself fully, completely. I am enough! By accepting I let go of the expectations from myself and others. And then I can choose to act in a certain way, unbounded by the burden of expectations.
How I plan to excel in everything I do:
1. How you do one thing, is how you do everything: I will try to be mindful of my actions and thoughts. Bringing in awareness towards my thoughts an actions is the first step in correcting them so that they help me achieve the larger purpose of my life.
2. Forming my circle of inspiration in the form of people who inspire me, great works of literature, poems, songs. This will help me to remain motivated and inspired in every moment of life.
3. Being a warrior and not getting bogged down by the mundane activities. Trying to find value in every task. Having an empowered mindset rather than a victim mindset.
4. Having positive beliefs and thinking positive thoughts. Whatever we are is a function of our self belief.
As rightly said by Mahatma Gandhi,
" Your beliefs become your thoughts,
your thoughts become your words,
your words become your actions,
your actions become your habits,
your habits become your values,
your values become your destiny"
5. Practicing willpower muscle. Yes you read it right, will power is a muscle that can be developed like other muscles that we work on in gym.
6. Living in the present moment. Using all the 5 senses for experiencing something to create a strong bond of love and attention.
Finally quoting again from my favorite, Mandela
" You have a limited time to stay on Earth. You must try and use that period for the purpose of transforming your country (starting from you) into what you desire it to be."
