Living life to the fullest with Selusweyinkosi Mhlanga
As I was hanging my laundry outside I got distracted by neighbours who were building a rabbit house. The teenager who was heading the project called for someone to bring them a sack that was a few metres away. Before his companion could bring the package a little boy of about four years lifted the sack, to the surprise of everyone who was watching.
The teenager asked him if it was heavy, and the boy responded that it was not, although we could all clearly tell that it was. This struck me and I asked myself if the boy would have lifted the sack if he had concluded that it was indeed heavy.
Belief in self
People who believe in themselves are always a step ahead of others as they are not afraid. Those who believe they can do something are right and those who think they can’t do something are also right. We get motivation from everywhere, however, if one gets motivation but still does not believe they are equal to the task then they won’t win.
Believing in one’s abilities opens up the mind to find a way to do something even if it is a difficult task. Once an idea pops up in your mind and you explore it, you will find that although it may not work, more ideas will come to mind and before you know it you are brainstorming and raring to try what comes to mind.
Start small
The most important step towards performing a task is to begin. It does not matter how small you start. That step will serve as motivation to you to keep going and if you are doing well, although the task may be tough, the little progress will push you to do more and better to achieve better.
It doesn’t matter if you fail at first. A lot of us learnt a lot of lessons through trial and error, just be willing to try until you get it right. If you ask most sports stars they will tell you that practice is the most important part of their preparation. Persistence matters. If we could all use our mistakes as stepping stones we would go far. Yes, we feel discouraged after failing at something. But let that challenge you to overcome or avoid whatever it is that made you fail so that you find the right solution.
Be willing to learn
In life you will learn a lot if you are open minded and you accept that you do not know everything. Find a few leaders in your chosen field and study them, try to find out what motivates them and how they overcome some obstacles you have come across. You could be struggling with something so small yet someone has a ready solution for it.
Having a mentor is also a good way to get motivation because you know you are accountable to someone. Although you are supposed to build your own self motivation, seeing what another person in your field is doing can inspire you to reach greater heights. However, make sure you do not totally rely on that person or set your limits using their achievements. You could surprise yourself and do better than your mentor or end up teaching your mentor something new.
Feeling overwhelmed? Slow down and catch your breath. Doing too much at the same time can drain you and leave you feeling like you are not good enough. Don’t try to be superman, just do what you can one step at a time. Do not compare yourself to others or you will work yourself into exhaustion. Work at your own pace. Set small goals that are realistic to achieve and then ride on that victory to carry you through the next task until you get there. You will be surprised to look back and discover how much you have accomplished through those small steps. Remember, Rome wasn’t built in a day.
Commitment
When the going gets tough do not abandon your project or idea. Rather commit yourself to seeing it through and learn more about it in the process.
I have a friend who’s always starting something but never sees it through. I don’t see him often but whenever I see him he’ll be talking about a new project. If you ask him what he is passionate about his response is always different because he is never fixated on one thing. As a result he never really masters anything but is always changing careers.
Sometimes other people benefit from what he would have started long after he’d have left. Being a Jack of all trades sounds good but if one ends up being a master of none it all becomes wasted time and resources. Patience is a virtue one should practice if they plan to succeed in anything.
Manage distractions
Whether it’s a bad habit or a friend that distracts you from your goals, learn to distance yourself from those if you are to succeed. If your circle of friends do not challenge you to be better than you are or motivate you in any way you need new friends. The people you spend time with have the power to push you forward or backwards. Pick your company carefully.
Our attitudes towards life determine how our life will play out. Keep that winning attitude and watch yourself moving to greater heights. Life is for the living!
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