By: Arshid Qalmi
Life is a journey marked by moments of success and adversity. When faced with struggles, it is often tempting to attribute them to external circumstances. However, a closer examination reveals that the root causes of our challenges often lie within our actions, decisions, and responses to life’s complexities. Reflecting on these moments is not an exercise in regret but an essential step toward self-awareness and growth.
One of the significant factors in my struggles has been the inability to regulate emotions. Moments of anger, frustration, and fear frequently overpowered rational thought, leading to hasty decisions. Rash words and impulsive actions often caused more harm than good, leaving me to grapple with the consequences. In retrospect, I see how many opportunities were squandered simply because I allowed fleeting emotions to dictate my actions.
Life is a series of choices, and each decision shapes our future. I often prioritized immediate gratification over long-term stability. Whether it was procrastinating, trusting the wrong people, or ignoring sound advice, my poor choices compounded over time. These decisions became the foundation of my setbacks, teaching me that true wisdom lies not just in choosing but in choosing wisely.
Mental health, the cornerstone of a balanced life, was another area I neglected. I dismissed signs of stress and anxiety, believing they were temporary phases. Societal pressures and unresolved trauma added to the internal storm, and my reluctance to seek help only worsened matters. Ignoring my mental well-being eroded my confidence and productivity, impacting both personal and professional aspects of life.
External pressures and societal expectations also played a significant role in my struggles. From an early age, I was caught in a cycle of trying to meet the standards imposed by others whether as a student, family member, or professional. In striving to fulfil these expectations, I lost sight of my aspirations. The weight of these unrealistic demands stifled my individuality and left me feeling inadequate whenever I failed to meet them.
Discipline, or rather the lack of it, was another critical factor. Inconsistency, procrastination, and an inability to adhere to routines meant that many of my ambitions remained unrealized. Without structure, even the best intentions faltered, leading to chaos and a heightened sense of inadequacy.
Isolation and the fear of vulnerability compounded my struggles. I often kept my challenges to myself, believing vulnerability to be a weakness. This self-imposed isolation deprived me of the support and perspective that others could offer. Over time, it nurtured self-doubt and deepened my despair, leaving me to face my battles alone.
Another recurring theme in my journey was the inability to let go of the past. Regret and resentment consumed valuable energy that could have been directed toward building a better future. By dwelling on “what could have been,” I became trapped in a cycle of blame and sorrow, unable to move forward.
At times, I placed undue faith in luck and external circumstances, hoping that life would miraculously take a turn for the better. This reliance fostered complacency, distracting me from the effort and perseverance needed to overcome obstacles. While external factors do influence life, personal accountability and action are equally, if not more, important.
Ironically, the fear of failure often led me to avoid risks. By staying in my comfort zone, I missed out on opportunities for growth and success. This fear not only limited my potential but also reinforced a sense of helplessness, as I repeatedly chose safety over ambition.
Above all, my struggles were rooted in a lack of self-belief. Self-doubt crept into every aspect of my life, convincing me that I was undeserving or incapable of success. This pervasive lack of confidence stifled my ability to take bold steps and face challenges with resilience.
While reflecting on these struggles is painful, it also opens the door to transformation. Acknowledging these factors is the first step toward change. Moving forward, I aim to cultivate emotional regulation, prioritize mental health, establish discipline, build meaningful connections, and let go of the past. Life is not defined by our failures but by the resilience with which we rise above them.
This journey of introspection serves as a testament to the transformative power of self-awareness. My struggles remind me that within each setback lies the potential for growth. With determination and effort, I believe it is possible to rebuild, redefine, and ultimately thrive.
