(This article of mine has been published in ExamsAtoZ website)
I should not have done that mistake?
I should have worked still more harder?
Had I chosen easy path I would have been happy now?
Many doubted my abilities and with my failures now im proving them right?
Unnecessarily I have come into this field?
Will I get my desired job?
How long should I wait?
What if failures come again?
These are common questions often run in the minds of aspirants who are preparing for competitive exams. Unfortunately we live in I shouldn’t have -Had I – Will I – What if – logjam. Spending time on this will bring nothing but unnecessary mental pressure.
By blaming the past and fearing the uncertain future many waste their precious present . Some one rightly said :Past is like dead body. U cant bring life to it.Future is like baby in womb. We cant predict how baby is going to be.
This analogy clearly says that thinking about past and future is utter waste of time. To live in moment is the best we can do now. Its wise to spend our energy and time on things which are in our control than living in past and future.
Lets see some steps on how to stay in present and make most of it:
1.Focus on the immediate step not the final outcome
Don’t think more about end goal. Focus on the present preparation journey. This one hour before your study table matters the most and you can make it best by utilising to the fullest.
Set small daily ,weekly and monthly targets. Your sole aim should be to complete them.
2.Be busy in your work
This way you can trick your mind to avoid thoughts about past and future.
3.Become better version of yourself.
Never ever compare your life with others. Every person is unique. Focus on your strengths and overcome your weakness.Always compare your yesterday self to today’s and work on your own self.
4.Practice mindfulness
Its not a rocket science. Just practice being mindful of even simple things.Lets say you are eating, focus on the food, the texture and the taste instead of watching TV. This small acts make you more mindful of your actions
Along with this you can also do meditation or pranayama.
5. Positive Self talk
“Talk to yourself at least once in a Day, otherwise you may miss a meeting with an EXCELLENT person in this World.” ― Swami Vivekananda.
So instead of unnecessary gossips , chatting etc better do positive self talk once in a day
6.Digital detox
In this distraction age where we our digital gadgets are ruling us, we need digital detox therapy.Its nothing but staying away from digital gadgets strictly for few hours and spending that time for productive purposes
These are some steps which you can inculcate to live in present. Its not so easy but its not impossible too.
Please remember that living in present is the most valuable skill which if mastered fully can unleash hidden potential in us.
Ending this write up with a quote:
“Yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery, today is a gift of God, which is why we call it as the present.” So use this gift wisely.
Deepika 