Motivating myself
The struggle is real. Keeping it all together is not easy. Even after the children have left home, accountabilities assuaged to a degree, incorporating nurturing habits fall easily by the wayside. Keeping on track with personal goals, mental health objectives seem overwhelming. The process of continuous learning appears daunting. Generally speaking I count myself as being in the category of eager, motivated and open minded, but all too often I will find myself shrinking when it comes to keeping up a newly adopted challenge. Any and everything can distract me, waylay me, leaving me feeling frustrated, annoyed and beyond redemption.
With 2025 upon us, my question is how do I keep up with continuous learning, coping strategies and personal growth, while being kind to myself if I stumble? Is this blog going to speak to self-kindness or self – learning? Having just come off reading an amazing, revelatory book by social scientist Adam Grant,
Hidden Potential httpswww.amazon.com/Hidden-Potential-Science-Achieving-GreaterI I think I know where I am going to set my sights. Craft a framework to forge my character skills, weave a scaffold of motivational structures to peak my potentials. Do what it takes to become a better version of myself.
Actionable Plan
Rooting around for ways to communicate my self – focus intention, I stumbled upon an acronym that encapsulates how I can navigate this journey. M.E.N.T.A.L.
M: stands for Motivation; the drive to propel me when I languish, hit a dead end or just need to find a new route to progress.
E: is for Empowerment; Encouraging myself actively to take control and make informed decisions.
N: exists for No; Understanding how to outline firm boundaries, to reserve my energy for the things that I need to prioritize.
T: speaks to Trust; Building blocks leading to therapeutic relationships – the ones I deeply lean on.
A: brings me to Acceptance; Embracing oneself and one’s experiences. One of the cornerstones of my strengths.
L: is full circle back to Learning; continuous learning to keep my mind’s plasticity. I will be inspired to seek new hobbies and pursuing new horizons.
Its all begins in the Mind.
Armed with this road map, I am ready to embark on my self- discovery journey. Dedicating myself to self- reflection and personal development. Realizing it is never too late to concentrate on my individual growth while creating the environment to understand and support myself. Choosing to nurture my own needs and goals, I realize is not being selfish but a demonstration of self – awareness. All too often women cringe from expressing their commitment confidently. Often ambiguity is their shield, I have been guilty of this, a lack of focus my undoing. Making others’ interests a priority. It is time to take ownership. If we are sorted, it will result in us being more focused and productive for everyone who needs us. A herald call to action with ourselves at the epicenter. Finding a cause that starts with the Self.
Looking inwards
This expedition inwards requires a transformative force of conscious intent. A cognitive restructuring that emphasizes recovery and personal evolution. A holistic approach that unites mind, body and intent towards a common goal. A creative collaboration that can lead to self-audit of the most consummate kind. As I ease into 2025 I see many challenges ahead - but armed with the sandbox of M.E.N.T.A.L tools, I feel buoyed. Recalibrated and galvanized, I am filled with purpose. On a joyful path to progress. Join me if you will, on this trail to self – aspiration where the art of achieving great things begins with the unlocking your own secrets.
We are stronger together
Dear Lalita - what a lovely recalibration and renewal for the new year. I was at the Hindu Lit Fest today where Abraham Verghese talked about ‘writing as a form of self-discovery’. He said something that truly struck a chord, ‘I write to understand what I’m thinking’! Your writing is truly that, as you chart your internal journey, unafraid to stop, check, course correct even if it means appearing vulnerable! Congratulations and hope your year is filled with happy surprises🌹