Living Your Truth
Living life on your own terms takes immense courage. Many people hesitate to do so, but sometimes, all you need is a small 1% shift in your mindset or actions to truly “live your truth.” Here are some of these key 1% changes that can make a big difference:
Work Hard and Work Smart
To break free from limitations, you must commit to working diligently and intelligently on your goals. The martial arts, for instance, instil a strong sense of commitment. Achieving goals in the dojo can be a blueprint for success in all aspects of your life. Our students exemplify dedication, tirelessly working toward their objectives, be it earning a Black Belt or pursuing their dreams. But are you applying the same effort to other important areas in your life? If not, it’s time to start investing in yourself and begin living authentically.
Be Your Unique Self
In a world of social media, standing out can be a challenge. However, those who have excelled at it have one common trait: they let their uniqueness shine through. It is essential to be transparent about your strengths, weaknesses, and everything in between.
I, for instance, recognise my shyness and introverted nature. It is peculiar, but I can comfortably lead a martial arts class with a thousand participants while feeling at home, yet I can feel uneasy in one-on-one interactions. I also tend to avoid emotional conflicts, which can sometimes come across as disinterest to others (when it is actually very much the opposite).
The real question is why I have built this wall around myself due to shyness when I have positive qualities to share with the world. I know the answer—it is my fear of confronting these weaknesses. However, the solution is as simple as smiling, asking about others’ days, and saying “please” and “thank you” more often. By doing so, we can overcome our weaknesses and let our true selves shine. It’s time to work on those weaknesses.
What aspects of yourself do you need to work on to let your authentic self shine?
Choose Happiness
Recently, I have come to realise the importance of not worrying about what others think of me. It can be paralysing when we become consumed by these concerns, hindering us from living authentically.
Happiness is an emotion that must come from within, not from external sources. It is perfectly fine not to be perfect, not to achieve everything, and not to be liked by everyone. It is okay to simply exist and go with the flow. Choose to live your truth, and you will discover that you have the power to control your own happiness. Look at the bright side of life and believe that you’re doing well and living a life worth living. Your perspective on the world will change, and everything will seem more positive.
I have always been goal-oriented, with my goals centered on self-improvement rather than competition with others. In the past, I used to be disheartened if I could not achieve my goals. However, I now understand that to be happy, I do not always need more. I have everything I want because I’m living life on my own terms. This, regardless of what others may think, is what brings me happiness.
Live In The Present
If you truly want to be happy and live your truth, avoid dwelling on the past and worrying about the future. Focus on fully experiencing the present moment, even though it is easier said than done.
Every one of us has the power to change our own lives, and it all comes down to the daily choices we make. These choices should be based on your truth, not what others deem important. Live your unique life, for the world has enough conformists but too few individuals living authentically.
Remember, your initial thoughts on situations may be challenging to change, and that is part of what makes you unique. However, you do not have to continually feed these initial thoughts by believing them. Instead, choose your reactions to these thoughts. Your reactions to situations reflect how you are living your truth, rather than accepting the first thing that pops into your mind.
Take The First Step
Living your truth requires genuine courage, and you may encounter failures along the way. However, every journey of a million miles begins with the first step. You cannot live your ideal life without taking positive action, so start today!
Naturally, you might be afraid, and self-doubt may creep in from time to time, especially when it concerns something deeply important to you. But remember, doubt and fear are present whether you are standing still or moving forward. So why not choose to move forward? At least in motion, there’s a chance of success. This applies to martial arts, family, career, or any other significant aspect of your life. If it is genuinely important to you, you owe it to yourself to keep moving forward to live your truth.
This week, identify what truly matters to you and take a positive step toward your authentic self. Since martial arts is a reflection of life, consider stepping into the dojo as a measurable step toward achieving your other important goals. Happy “truth living”.
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