“The only person you are destined to become is the person you decide to be.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson
Two years ago, when Rahul decided to take up swimming for fitness, he was excited to return to a sport he had always enjoyed in his youth. The gym’s pool had a 25-meter lap, and he felt unstoppable. However, the first day back in the pool proved more challenging than anticipated. Even one lap was a struggle, and he had to take breaks between the second and third laps. By the fourth lap, he was completely exhausted. Something wasn’t right – he was out of practice and had lost his technique.
On his way home, Rahul engaged in “mind talk” to determine what went wrong. After considering various options and learning more about swimming, he felt better prepared for his next session. He set a seemingly unrealistic goal of swimming eight laps without stopping, but he achieved it and continued to increase the number of laps. Within three weeks, he could swim 40 laps without stopping. This small victory resulted from the habits he had developed over time and the “never give up” mindset that can help him navigate more significant life challenges.
Rahul has written a book titled HABITS4MIRACLES – eight habits to incorporate into daily lives, bit by bit, to clear minds and create space for problem-solving. While he doesn’t necessarily believe in miracles, he does believe in the transformative power of small habits over time, which can, in many ways, feel miraculous.
M – Mind Talk– The difference between success and failure, often lies in positive mind talk or self-talk. By reshaping thoughts to keep the brain in happy mode, one can experience longer-lasting joy and reduced worry. Since the subconscious mind cannot differentiate between reality and imagination, revisiting positive experiences in thoughts can be just as impactful as when they occurred. Engage in mind-talk using a name rather than ‘I’ to boost self-confidence and self-esteem (though perhaps not during meetings).
I – Ideation– Mind talk can lead to new ideas, but ideas without execution are fruitless. Take note of thoughts when they arise, as writing down ideas will lead to even more inspiration. Transform fleeting thoughts into actionable concepts by journaling and reflecting on them.
R – Reading- Invest time in reading five pages a day to expand knowledge and explore new subjects. This practice will help learn about specific topics and positively change brain structure. Reading is a powerful antidote to mindless phone scrolling.
A – Analysis- After executing ideas, analyze the results through introspection. Consider feelings, what would be done differently, and what would be repeated. Nelson Mandela said, “I never lose – I either win or learn.” Analyzing actions helps learn and grow from experiences.
C – Calmness- Panic seldom improves a situation, but it can feel inevitable during challenges. To combat panic, remind oneself of previous successes in similar circumstances using mind talk. Tell oneself, “You got this, [insert name].”
L – Listening- While listening to others is crucial in communication and conflict resolution, it is also essential to listen to oneself. Trust intuition and remember that one is their own best advisor. Take time to listen to thoughts when making decisions and designing life.
E – Exercise– Start small – one doesn’t need to overhaul the schedule or sign up for a marathon. Dedicate five minutes a day to some form of exercise, such as stretching, jumping jacks, or a brisk walk. Any time spent on physical activity is worthwhile and contributes to a positive start to the day.
S – Silence– Lives are filled with external and internal noise. With brains processing 60,000 to 80,000 thoughts daily, finding five minutes of uninterrupted silence can profoundly affect mental and physical health.
HABITS4MIRACLES can potentially transform not just individuals but society as a whole. The prevalence of mental illness among Americans is high, with 20% of the population facing such challenges and over 12 million contemplating suicide. Therefore, it is essential to adopt positive habits to combat these issues. If readers believe that these habits can benefit those around them, they are encouraged to share this article and consider the following tips:
- Journaling can help to understand oneself better. Apps like Reflectly, Happyfeed, or a Five-minute journal can significantly help.
- When feeling stuck, engaging in activities like walking or swimming can help generate new ideas by putting the brain in an “inactive” mode.
- “Vigorous reading” of personal development books is recommended. Applying the concepts learned and completing suggested exercises can lead to significant improvements.
- Evaluating one’s inner circle is crucial. Surrounding oneself with people who encourage, motivate, and bring positivity can lead to a better life.
- Prioritizing self-care by dedicating time to activities that make one happy and improve well-being can have significant positive impacts.
Incorporating these practices into one’s daily routine can significantly impact mental health and possibly save lives. By adopting these habits and influencing loved ones to do the same, one can contribute to a better community.
Author’s Bio
Rahul Karan Sharma is a coach, transformational speaker, and rising author from Ashburn, Virginia, USA. Embracing healthy habits that create the miraculous, Rahul leaves a trail of positivity and excellence in his endeavors. Contact him at [email protected] or log in to https://www.habits4miracles.com/requestforbook to show your interest in purchasing his upcoming book Habits4MIRACLES