[ad_1]
Monday was a ray of sunshine- she felt super optimistic about the exam. On Tuesday, the clouds had started to gather (did not-so-well in a mock). Wednesday there was a drizzle (from her eyes?). Thursday, it grew into a full-fledged thunderstorm. Friday, there was calm after the storm. Saturday, the sun had started to peep in from behind the clouds. And on Sunday, there was that much needed bright sunshine (her mock went really well). No, we weren’t describing the weather for the week but the various moods that she went through while preparing for the exam.
Sounds familiar? The ups & downs on a regular basis? Bright & sunny on one day & gloomy & despondent on the next? The fear, stress & uncertainty that envelopes one? So how does one maintain equanimity through this trying process? We’ll share a few tips. Please drop a comment & let us know how you do it!
Firstly, BE MINDFUL. This enables you to focus on the task at hand. On the NOW. Do not think about the past (multiple attempts, bad mock, 1000 other issues you may have) or the future (“What if I pass? What if I fail?”). The present is like a seed, from which the future sprouts. What are you nourishing it with? Worry, fear or positivity? It is YOUR CHOICE- YOU get to choose (See the immense power YOU have?)
You must also learn to CONTROL ONLY WHAT YOU CAN– Can you alter your past? Or are you an accurate astrologer (do they exist?) to predict your future? If you’re wise- you’ll know that the past, future & even present outcomes are not within your control. So what is it that you can control a 100%? YOUR EFFORTS. That’s it. So do your part every day. Worrying about the rest is detrimental to your best.
Focusing on what’s under your control empowers you to LET GO– Of all the worries (“Will I clear this year? How tough will prelims be? I’m getting old! Unemployed! Look at all my friends enjoying their lives while I’m stuck in my room glued to screen/books!”)- Don’t you see? They’re all made up in your mind – things that haven’t yet happened or things that you can’t control. Let it go. There’s so much FREEDOM in letting go of things/people/memories that don’t do you any good. It makes you feel powerful & light. If you worry about something- replace it with a positive thought. Don’t carry around the burden of worries (The numerous books are burden enough right?). Travel light.
The most important thing to let go of are the unwelcome guests- the barrage of negative thoughts (and negative people). You must replace them with positive thoughts like GRATITUDE. Being thankful infuses tremendous positivity into our lives. It’s the glass half-full mindset (rather than the glass half-empty). Be thankful for waking up every day, having access to the basic necessities, digital connectivity (you’re reading this article), etc. if you look around – you’ll find that you’re blessed with so much. (PS: We’re grateful for your support and immense love.)
As Helen Keller had said:
“Be of good cheer. Do not think of today’s failures, but of the success that may come tomorrow. You have set yourselves a difficult task, but you will succeed if you persevere; and you will find a joy in overcoming obstacles. Remember, no effort that we make to attain something beautiful is ever lost.”
So, be positive. Don’t get bogged down by the transient waves of the day. After every trough, there’s a crest. Ratan Tata had said, “Ups and downs in life are very important to keep us going, because a straight line even in an ECG means we are not alive.” Your duty is to do YOUR best through them all. Remember, this too shall pass. We believe in you. But more importantly, you have to believe in yourself. Keep going.
Until next time!
[ad_2]