Picture this: You fully immerse yourself into something you’re doing. You thrive on the adrenaline and deadline of accomplishing the said task. There are challenges. You stress, but you get it done. Mission accomplished. And without blinking, you move swiftly to the next task.
Stop right there. Take some time to ask yourself a few pertinent questions:
Did I really just do that?
What lessons have I learnt?
What have I understood about my strengths and weaknesses?
How will I do things differently and/or better in the future?
These questions should not be reserved for year-end reflections and checklists. In fact, they should be an integral part of the ongoing process of personal evolution. That also means not subscribing to anyone’s prescripts of what constitutes “success”. You do you. Own your journey – with its flaws and failures too.
Also, be kind to yourself please. I think sometimes we’re too harsh on ourselves. That allows doubt to creep in, draining our confidence. Yes, I’m including myself here!
I’m grateful for family, friends and colleagues who keep me in check. And I’m not only talking about motivating me or listening to me speak my heart out; they also tell me when I’m being foolish or procrastinating. Remember, choose your people wisely.
In writing this post, two powerful Arabic words came to mind – Sabr and Shukr.
Sabr means patience and perseverance amid the uncertainties and challenges of life. Yes, it’s about trusting the process. Shukr means gratitude and acknowledgment of life’s blessings. This time, it’s about appreciating the process. Together, Sabr and Shukr are considered to be a philosophy for contentment in life.
I think that’s what we’re all searching for, isn’t it? Our own bit of happy. So go after it, any day, every day.