From Ordinary to ExtraOrdinary

There comes a time when you want to take the leap. When you feel you want to go from being ordinary to extraordinary, I have been at such a point various times.

Many times during academics, but that somehow always seemed possible and achievable. I knew the books I had to read, the effort and hours I had to put in, and the kind of exam I would have to face. That is not the case in life. It is always a Surprise test with out of syllabus questions.

Yet, we wish to excel. The aspiration to be better than who we are today, the desire to learn and grow is what brings a lot of fears and insecurities. We are about to enter into unknown terrain.

I might not be there yet, and I never want to think I am there because there is always something more that I can learn or something else that I can do better. Each one of us has a unique journey but these are some things that have helped me walk the path.

Decide where you want to go

It is easier said than done. I understand you will go like this is what I can’t             figure out. The easiest way to do this is think of something you want in life, it could be happiness, career growth, money or to change your life entirely. Start from there. If for example you are in need of money yet you don’t know what to do, start exploring options. Take up a job or start a business. It may take some trial and error but eventually you will get to the point where you know where you want to go.

Take the First Step

Even if you haven’t been able to figure out step 1, it doesn’t matter just start. Start with anything small or big. Don’t procrastinate. Don’t wait for the right opportunity to come along. Start. When you feel you have the opportunity or you have found your calling, switch. But no matter what Start.

“Not doing anything can never take you anywhere, but doing something will definitely take you somewhere. And being somewhere is always better than being nowhere.”

Learn, learn and Learn

Keep learning new things. It could be related to the work you wish to start or are currently at or something entirely different but keep learning because that is how we grow. Today there are endless possibilities for learning from free platforms like Google, YouTube, Udemy, or Coursera to various paid courses. Anything and everything you want to learn is just a click away. If not a new skill at least read some books. They give you knowledge and insight and along with being a great technology free past time.

Perseverance and patience

When trying to take a giant leap don’t expect to be successful in the first endeavour. Also, it will take time, months or even years to even start seeing the results of your efforts. Nonetheless keep going at it. Always have a Plan A and a Plan B. It is always smart to keep trying everything you can till clearly set your aim and walk towards one thing.

Don’t be overwhelmed

Rather than making social media your foe and always getting discouraged by seeing what others are doing. Take it as an inspiration. Always think of people who are good at what you want to do and think ‘If he can why can’t I?’ Trust me on this a simple shift in perspective will make you a far happier person.

It’s a Journey

The journey is more important that the destination. Enjoy the journey. Take pride in what you are trying to do. Feel happy about having tried your best. Stumbling is never failure, not trying to get up again is. It will be a journey of many ups and downs. Especially many downs, but that is the beauty of it.

All that matters is striving to be better than we are today. Learning and growing and enjoying the whole process. Keep working hard and the rest will eventually fall into place.