The weather outside was gloomy, and I had just returned from a rainy walk a few blocks away from my apartment. As I was about to open the door to the front porch, Somebody gently patted my shoulder and said, “Durga! Durga!” in a soft and tender voice. I turned around to find a friendly person smiling at me, and he mentioned that I could take the stairs that day due to the rain. I thanked him so very much.

“Congratulations on your achievements, Durga! You’ve done a remarkable job. Now, it’s time to positively influence others by sharing your knowledge, insights, and experiences,” my friend exclaimed passionately just yesterday.

I nodded and responded, “It’s all about mindful living and a few disciplined habits.” I held the door with my right hand to enter my apartment and continued, “You know, I look up to you. You’re my role model. I’m eager to learn how you’ve taken care of your health and well-being. Your physique is impressive! If you hadn’t guided me on setting health goals and consistently practicing self-discipline every day, my lifestyle wouldn’t have changed.”

My friend listened attentively as I spoke, and then he said,
“You’re my confidant!”

“Durga, do you remember the last time we met? You were significantly overweight at 172 pounds, despite being in your early 30s, you looked much older. I once even called you ‘Uncle.’ Your belly was expanding, and you used to consume soda and alcohol. But now, you’ve transformed wholeheartedly. You’ve stopped drinking soda and alcohol, set and achieved a goal, and lost 27 pounds in just four months! It’s unbelievable! You’re now at 145 pounds. You’ve made a remarkable health transformation. Congratulations, my friend! Keep up the great work!”

I replied, “Thank you, my friend!” Now a days, I’ve begun to truly listen to this person, whom I used to ignore or pretend to listen to. He’s turned out to be a wonderful individual.

“Durga, the Disciplined Dude! Now, I want you to adopt a new mindset to maintain your health success,” my friend advised just yesterday. Today, he handed me a piece of paper with the following instructions:

1. Wake up earlier and be ready, including tying your shoes, by 5:30 am because someone might need your help.
2. Embrace a Think-Feel-Do approach for new and innovative initiatives (proactive approach).
3. Apply a Feel-Think-Do approach for responses (reactive approach) to ensure course-correction and getting things right.
4. Reflect frequently. Remember, it’s easier to slip from the top of any achievement than to maintain and sustain it for the long term.
5. Cultivate an optimistic and positive mindset, not just in certain situations but in all aspects of life.

Following my friend’s advice, I’ve been adopting this new mindset as I continue to pursue my ongoing and stretched goals. Nowadays, his thoughts, feelings, and actions resonate with me, and I’m striving to follow Somebody.

Mindset:
Be Happy with what you have while working for what you want!
– Strati Georgopoulos

Journey within: Meet you Real-Self! Listen to your #MyInnerVoice. Envision the Future State! Set a Goal! Reach the Goal! Celebrate small wins. Keep going… Remember to self-congratulate! You don’t have to wear a crown and demonstrate to the world! Start with self-awareness… Start Now! Wow!

Now I decided to rename my friend from “Somebody” to “MyInnerVoice.”

Author:
Durga P Phuyal, PMP Instructor
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/durgaphuyal/