पहल करते करते “पहलवान” बनें.. (Initiative and Change!)

Friends- having been through many Personal change programs over last 55 years (some successful, some not so successful), I thought, may be I am entitled to have my two words on this “trending” subject!
I think there are three important things:
1. A written detailed plan- clear cut steps with time lines. But before this you must answer – why do you want to change and what exactly change means in your case? Putting all this down in writing helps a lot. And reviewing it every few days is even more helpful.
2. Ask for help and give help: Many pws have a (wounded but) strong ego: Why should I ask for help? I will do whatever I need to, on my own. This becomes a chain in our feet. Communication is a social affair. World goes on, on the basis of continuous give and take. So, give up all shame and fear- ask for help. From family, friends, colleagues, your SHG etc. Also, return the favor, whenever you can.
3. Dont live in the “head” all the time. Dont become a “Buddhijivi“! Step out of the mental prison of negative emotions and memories and wonderful imaginations – through PHYSICAL ACTION. Negative thoughts can be conquered through Positive ACTIONS- not by positive thinking alone. Use your initiative. Develop the initiative muscle by using it daily- talk to a stranger; run a session in your SHG; host an online SHG meet, request for a mock interview etc etc.  Physical exercise is the best antidote for anxiety and depression, which many people, including pws, suffer from without realising. Mix and rotate different kind of exercises in your daily schedule- jogging, walking, Yoga, Swimming, Gym, Tai Chi etc. Do it with some colleagues or friends.पहल करते करते “पहलवान” बनें और अपनी मुश्किलों को हमेशा के लिए हरा दें ..

Sincerest best wishes to you, family and friends for 2014 and ever after…  From all of us in TISA!