In the 5th century AD, Kalidasa said, “Look well to this day, For it, and it alone is life.”
Human life may have evolved several folds since this verse was written.
But as humans, we falter.
And as humans… our quest for motivation continues through the hum and drum of everyday life.
Amongst the many sources of motivation for me are a few words of wisdom on my wall. These words have never failed to pull me out of the blue. Who knows! A few may strike a chord for you too.
One that I turn to when things aren’t making sense…
My cousin got married in November 2020, right when the pandemic peaked. I did not want to take chances and travel. “Why should I risk when I know it’s better to be safe than sorry!”, I thought. I nevertheless caved in to avoid the emotional drama. In hindsight, I am happy I did. Witnessing how much it meant for her changed it from being a mere obligation to an opportunity to create lifetime memories.
When something doesn’t make sense to me at the outset, this quote is a reminder that…
Meaning reveals itself in the most unremarkable and unpredictable moments. My experience then becomes the subject of study and observant patience the key.
Stop talking Dude! Listen…
A lengthy quote, but worth pondering over!
We would fight till death for our voice to be heard, but wouldn’t stop a moment to listen. It is a universally applicable premise that people want to be understood. Listening is the cheapest, yet most effective concession to get there. While you may think it is a passive activity, it very much is the opposite!
Active listening is a skill to be practiced. It is hard work!!
I am consciously practicing it. I hope you do too.
My One-stop quote…a constant reminder!
This one comes from “The prison of your mind, Sean Stephenson”, a 10-minute talk I stumbled over in 2018. It left such an indelible mark that I turn to it to prepare myself for every challenge I take on.
I ran my first full marathon in September 2021. 42.2KM!! The number itself terrified me. I had 2 jackpots (coach and partner) on my side to keep anxiety at bay.
This is the quote that helped make space only for “I can and I will” in my mind.
I repeated it to myself like a broken record on every practice run and every single day for a week before the D Day. Call it mental preparation or self-belief, I have gotten into the habit of doing this for everything that I pursue in life – personally, or professionally.
I highly recommend watching this talk. It’s worth 10 minutes of your time.
Kalidasa, a man of wisdom rightfully said, “Look well to this day, For it, and it alone is life.” As you move through the hum and drum of a single moment, an hour, or a day any smallest bit of motivation helps keep you going.
These quotes on my wall are just one amongst the plethora of sources of motivation for me. And I hope they help you somewhere…sometime when you need it too.
Ryder Carroll's book The bullet journal is a mindful one. Your posts also remind me of a few stoic lines i prefer to read like Seneca's 'We fear more in imagination than in reality' or the phrase 'Memento Mori'
Pandemic in India hit a different level last year.
A question? - Where do you stick your quotes? Do you put in the books or on walls or in your phone?
Nice one again. Inner motivation is the best that could occur, but at the same time, it could be the toughest. Nice to know that your marathons are going well. 42Kms is quite a distance. Congratulations on your achievement.