What Mamdani Gets Wrong
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Seven to-dos for seven days. Try it and experience the transformation.
You have something you know you need to do, but you can’t get yourself to start. Maybe you don’t feel like it or you don’t know where to begin. Here’s a secret: you are never going to feel like it. If you don’t feel like it today, don’t fool yourself into thinking that tomorrow will be any different. So, start now. Break the task up into manageable chunks and tackle one of them. Your stamina and confidence will rise and you will feel like a champion.
Fear can sometimes be the main emotion holding you back from reaching your goals. “What would you do if you weren't afraid? is the question I ask myself when I’m faced with a decision and I find that fear is holding me back.
I discovered this question in Michal Oshman’s book entitled, aptly, What Would You Do If You Weren’t Afraid? The question has been guiding her steps towards success and led her to be one of the top executives at TikTok UK. She saw this question posted on the wall at Facebook when she first started working there and it transformed her life. Don’t roll your eyes. Try it!
Pick something you’re afraid of and do it. Send the email, ask the boss for a promotion, pet the neighborhood dog you think is going to bite, tackle your presentation even though you feel scared. Making brave choices builds you up. You can push through the fear.
Giving is one of the best ways to combat a bad mood. You can give of your time, your attention or your resources. Pick any amount of money, no matter how small, and make a donation. Put it in a charity box or hand it to someone that you know is in need. You’re the one who is really receiving! The word for giving in Hebrew is natan – a palindrome, because whatever you send out always comes back. Experience the power of giving.
Think of someone who has helped you in your life and send them a note of gratitude. Maybe it’s your mother, your high-school teacher or coach, or even the bus driver who may wake up at 4 AM to take your child to school. Let them know how much you value and appreciate them. It will certainly warm their heart. However, studies show that the one who writes the note gains the most joy. The happiness gained from a handwritten note can last as long as six months.
Rather than focusing on the pain others have caused you, you can utilize your pain to consider who you may have harmed. Take a moment to reflect and make amends with someone who may feel wounded. Gather the courage to write an apology note or email. Meeting up and saying sorry is one of the toughest but most rewarding things you can do. I have seen with my own eyes the power of a small text which can erase years of pain and misunderstanding. There is hope for a better future and even if not, at least you did your part. Why not relieve yourself of the burden that has been weighing you down.
Life can be full of frustrations, setbacks, and difficult personalities. Rather than calling a friend to gossip and complain, start the conversation asking for help to gain perspective. Your mentor might help you see a difficult situation in a different light. There is always a silver lining to be found.
When you flip your perspective, that frustrating scenario can be viewed as a win.
There are hundreds of ways to love the many people in your life. Give someone you love a hug and tell them they are the light of your life. Write a love note for your child or simply ask them, “Do you know how much I love you?” Call your parents or siblings just because. Visit your grandparents and listen to their stories. Love is free and easy to share and creates one of the best feelings in the world. When you feel so full of love that it pours out of you there are not many feelings that come close.
Try these suggestions and see how they make you feel. Just start. Doing something small can create a chain reaction. Take it one day and one step at a time and create your best week ever.
Beautiful article, thank you for all you share!