"It
Is All About the Mind." Do you believe in this quote and how mindset can
fuel your motivation and drive your success?
I believe
wholeheartedly in the idea that “It’s all about the mind.” This simple phrase
has been a guiding mantra in my life, helping me stay focused and achieve my
goals. Once you grasp its depth, it can make your path to success feel more
attainable and even clearer.
In my journey,
focusing on mindset has become crucial as I work to strengthen my managerial
skills and keep both my team and myself motivated. While I’ve previously shared
insights on how a good leader can uplift a team, today, I want to focus on
something different—how to self-motivate. Leadership and external encouragement
are helpful, but we cannot always rely on others to drive us forward. There are
times when the only person who can inspire you is you.
The
Reality of Pursuing Passion as a Working Woman in Nepal
Being a working
woman in Nepal comes with its own set of challenges. Pursuing a passion or
career can be tough, surrounded as we are by societal expectations and
longstanding taboos. People often say, “Don’t listen to anyone; just follow
your dreams,” but it’s far more complex than that. Women are often expected to
multitask endlessly—juggling work, family, and social responsibilities—and
somewhere along the way, we forget to nurture our own dreams.
As a woman, I
truly feel the weight of these responsibilities. At one point, I was a young
civil engineering graduate, struggling to feel confident in my skills. I was
married in my mid-twenties and uncertain about how to push myself to the next
level. My husband suggested to try for the Public Service Commission (PSC)
exams which is the toughest competitive exam in Nepal to enter government or
public service. Although it felt daunting—almost impossible—I reluctantly began
the process, not believing I could succeed.
The
Power of Encouragement and Shifting Mindset
I was hesitant,
feeling underqualified and intimidated. Then one day, after seeing my
self-doubt, my husband shared some simple yet impactful words: “It is all about
the mind. If you think you cannot do it, you won’t. But if you believe you can,
then this opportunity is yours.” These words struck me deeply.
With newfound
determination, I applied for the competitive exams and kept telling myself, “I
can do it.” I failed at first, but each attempt became a lesson. Eventually, an
open position for a civil engineer in Nepal Oil Corporation Limited caught my
attention. It was a single, open spot for which any candidate could apply. My
nerves kicked in; I felt like the weakest candidate, doubting if I should even
try. Once again, my husband’s words echoed: “This seat is yours if you truly
believe it is.”
With that
encouragement, I poured myself into studying, strengthening my knowledge and
determination. I focused solely on working smart and training my mind, so much
so that time seemed to disappear.
Then, finally,
my name was posted in the newspaper—I had passed! I was appointed as Assistant
Manager at Nepal Oil Corporation Limited. Achieving this dream was beyond my
expectations, but it proved to me that the right mindset can indeed shift
reality.
The Road
Forward: Motivating Yourself Every Day
Today, whenever
I feel low, I return to that powerful thought: “It is all about the mind.” In
Nepal, it can be particularly challenging for women to balance professional
aspirations with personal expectations. But many of us are fortunate to manage both.
For those who might doubt their ability or feel held back by circumstances,
remember: you have more power than you think. Nurture your mindset, believe in
yourself, and let that belief guide your actions.
So, to anyone facing a struggle or feeling unsure, I leave you with this—strengthen your mind, and the rest will follow. When you truly believe in yourself, there’s nothing you cannot achieve.