NIRVANA

1. Success does not mean hard work

Most of us believe that the more hardworking we are, the more successful we shall be. We tend to keep pushing ourselves until we are exhausted or we reach burnout because that is what we have been taught from society. I also learned that hard work is equal to punitive nature. I had a similar experience at work where I kept pushing myself, which was causing me frequent lower back pain, and finally, it resulted in a spine disc injury. I could not even walk and had to take one week off work. That experience prompted me to apply my emergency brakes. Following that incident, I understood that hard work does not lead to success and started prioritising my health more. I started to listen to my body more and exercise and rest as needed.

2. The importance of IQ, EQ, and SQ

The greatest leaders possess all the three qualities of IQ (Intelligence quotient), EQ (Emotional quotient), and SQ (Spiritual quotient). IQ or Intelligence quotient is necessary to cultivate logic, problem solving, and analytical thinking. EQ or the emotional quotient is important to develop empathy and self-awareness, hence helping us to understand other people’s feelings and enhance better communication. Having a high emotional intelligence helps us to resolve conflicts efficiently and enhances trust and motivation. SQ or Spiritual quotient guides us to be ethical in our decisions and connects us to our purpose. Spiritual quotient also enhances mindfulness and self-reflection. Spiritual quotient drives us to lead ethically and with integrity.

3. Overcoming Imposter Syndrome

Imposter Syndrome is a psychological phenomenon that affects high achievers and can cause self-doubt and anxiety. Despite their greatest accomplishments and successes, these individuals are unable to internalise their achievements and constantly doubt themselves and their capabilities. I believe that dealing with imposter Syndrome can be quite challenging, but the hardest part is actually becoming aware of it and acknowledging it. By reframing our self limiting thoughts and challenging our evidence, we can build more self-confidence and self-esteem and also acknowledge and celebrate our accomplishments. We can also write our accomplishments and revisit them from time to time. Another way would be to practice self care, like practising a hobby and maintaining a healthy work-life balance. We can also spend time with the people we love and those who support us, or we can seek professional help.

4. We are a product of our childhood

Our early experiences as a child significantly shape who we become as adults, influencing our personalities, behaviours, and even our mental being. Our interactions with our family dynamics, our culture, and the environment we grew in contribute to our psychological framework. However, I believe that as we grow into adults, we are exposed to other cultures, environments, or people and have the capability to adapt and grow. I believe it is important to understand our patterns and triggers through self-awareness so that we are aware of our reactions and thinking process. Since we are adults, we also have the power of choice. I believe that self reflection and journaling might help us understand ourselves better. Self-awareness can help us understand how we are reacting to the outside world and make us more conscious human beings.

5. The Power of Positive Thinking

Positive thinking has an impact on our everyday lives and can help us improve our health, enhance our relationships, and create greater success. Positive thinking can be cultivated through gratitude. Instead of thinking about what we don’t have, we focus on what we have at this moment. Another way of enhancing positive thinking is by challenging our negative thoughts and reframing them. At times, we find ourselves thinking about the worst-case scenario, where sometimes the problem gets resolved by itself or might be a slight issue. Looking at the problem from different perspectives might help. Spending time with positive people who support and encourage us has an impact on our positive thinking. Another way of cultivating positive thinking would be to focus on solutions instead of the problem. Looking at different options, perspectives, and their impact can help us look at the situation in a more positive way. Meditation and mindfulness can greatly help in positive thinking. Breathing exercises can help us balance our energy channels throughout our bodies. Meditation activates our parasympathetic mode and makes us calmer to make decisions. We reconnect to our inner spirit and see the problem as an external situation to be dealt with, not who we are.

That was the five coaching lessons that was most impactful to me during my coaching with Dr. Krishna Athal. I believe that I can continue to apply this lifetime knowledge throughout my life by taking small steps every day and through continuous learning.

Yashna Veera, Life Coach and Yoga & Meditation Practitioner