Section 1.1 Letting Go of Grudges

Many of us carry deep-seated grudges, such as:

• "My mother always favored my sister over me, which shattered my confidence."
• "I put in the effort for that presentation, yet he received the promotion."
• "He forgot our anniversary; does he even care?"

We often seek someone to blame for our misfortunes. However, holding onto these grievances is detrimental—it's like consuming poison while hoping it affects someone else. Such emotional burdens trap us in negativity, hindering personal growth and inner peace.

What Should You Do?

Take full ownership of your feelings, losses, and any negative outcomes in your life. Avoid blaming others or seeking scapegoats. If you find yourself attributing your failures to external factors, confront those issues directly. If they remain beyond your control, accept them and move on.

"The only person who can defeat you is yourself." — Vince Lombardi.

Section 1.2 The Weight of Past Outcomes

Reflecting on past experiences can be like suffering from a hangover—unpleasant and exhausting. We must not cling to previous successes or failures, as doing so can hinder our ability to progress. Life is in constant motion, and stagnation is not an option.

While displaying past accolades might seem like a celebration, they can also become shackles that keep us trapped in what once was.

What Should You Do?

Celebrate your achievements, then shift your focus to new challenges. Allow yourself to grieve losses briefly, then look ahead. Never let past outcomes dominate your thoughts for too long.

"Victory and failure both fade, but progress is eternal." — Unknown.

Section 2.1 An Outcome-Oriented Mindset

Life offers three primary approaches to achieving goals:

• Outcome-focused
• Output-focused
• Input-focused

Many believe outcomes directly correlate with their efforts, but external variables often intervene. For example, aspiring to be a renowned writer on Medium could include:

• Outcome-focused: Tracking views, followers, and engagement.
• Output-focused: Committing to publish three articles weekly.
• Input-focused: Dedicating two hours daily to writing.

Focusing solely on outcomes can lead to frustration due to uncontrollable factors.

What Should You Do?

At the beginning of your journey, prioritize output. As you grow more comfortable, shift your emphasis to the input—what you can directly manage. Start with consistent publishing, then refine your writing routine. Ultimately, focus on what you can control, as this is where your power lies.

"Focus on the process, and the results will take care of themselves." — Mahendra Singh Dhoni.

Section 2.2 The Dangers of Inaction

In the Ramayana, Ravana was a brilliant strategist whose procrastination led to his downfall. Had he acted upon his plans, he might have achieved greatness.

Until September 2022, I found myself in a similar situation. Despite my aspirations, I remained stuck in a 9-to-5 job, crafting elaborate plans without taking action. Why do we hesitate? Common barriers include:

• Resistance to change
• Fear of discomfort
• Fear of failure

What Should You Do?

Take the first step without overthinking it. Don’t wait for the perfect moment—act now. Avoid unnecessary planning until you've spent time working toward your goals. Once you begin, stay committed and believe in your potential.