A new book tries to guide individuals on how to reflect on their lives to become more self-aware

Real heart talk

Often, the mental maze of wants and desires that our ego so clings to is the very gateway to our freedom. When these desires become threatened, it’s a sign that we are not truly aligned with what our heart desires.

Here’s how you’ll know you’re aligned: If someone is threatening your need for validation, the heart will rejoice, because you know true validation comes from within.

If you are not getting what you want at this very moment, the heart will celebrate because you recognise it needs something else bigger right now.

If you are feeling less than none, the heart doesn’t care because it knows you are aware that you are already whole within.

Today’s reminder: Listen to your heart closely and ask what it truly needs at this moment.

Do it brave anyway

Have you ever gone into something that incited a sense of fear, but you still went ahead and pursued it despite the unknown? It is worth noting that being brave doesn’t mean you are not scared. That would be easy.

Being brave implies you are scared but you do the thing anyway because it feels right to you. Even though you know it may result in difficult conversations, an end to a relationship or an unfavourable outcome.

It’s what surgeons do with never-done-before surgeries.

It’s what innovators do with groundbreaking technology. It’s what freedom fighters did.

And it’s what you can do too. Tune in and feel – what will I lose if I don’t act on this now? Take measure. And then act.

Today’s reminder: The weird thing about bravery is that if you’re doing it right, it sometimes feels like fear.

Pivot, not panic

One of the biggest principles underlying the field of neurolinguistic programming is: “The person with the most flexibility of behaviour always has the most influence.”

But it is worth noting that being flexible does not mean you have to compromise your values or your principles. It just means that you are willing to explore the unknown, move into a different paradigm and be more willing to change. Because those who change also move with the times.

Often, being flexible induces a sense of loss of identity and loss of ego, which can feel painful. However, you can still shift sails, and yet be committed to your end goals. And only you will know how to navigate that path – no one can do it for you.

What is one area in your life that you feel you can be more flexible with?

Today’s reminder: “The most successful people and the smartest are the most adaptable. Learn to pivot, not panic.” – Cory Muscara

Break the mould

I love this analogy: If you are constantly living behind a mask, people around you will hold their masks even tighter.

The truth is that people are mostly just waiting to come out and be in a state of full self-expression, but it takes a certain amount of courage to get there. And a lot of people don’t want to go first.

In a world where everyone is hiding behind masks or dogmas, be the one who breaks that mould. Live your truth, even if it means you need to expose a bit of your vulnerability. Being vulnerable not only makes you more relatable but also more inspiring to others – because you courageously went beyond what others were doing.

And this is how you awaken others.

Furthermore, awakening is truly contagious.

Today’s reminder: When you are vulnerable, it gives others the courage to be vulnerable too.

Who are you?

The magic of discipline and success lies in what we do every day:

What we create a lifestyle out of.

What we label ourselves as.

What we can eventually become a blueprint of, not just once but as part of our identity.

Because it’s not what we do once in a while that impacts our life. It is what we do consistently. And it’s how we label ourselves.

Label yourself a healthy eater, a workout addict or whatever it is you want to become, and stick to the everyday little steps that get you there every day. They don’t need to be monumental steps, but let those steps incrementally become part of your identity. This will sustain that winning power.

Our everyday actions and habits are the long-term blueprint of our future, and the cumulative effect of these tiny actions is what truly makes a long-lasting impact. Eventually, it becomes what we are known for.

Today’s reminder: Sporadic or occasional digs at our goals will never get us far enough to label ourselves winners. Make your habits your lifestyle, and watch how you build that sustenance power.

Excerpted with permission from The Book of Daily Brilliance: 111 Days to Transformation, Pamela Puja Kirpalani, HarperCollins India.