‘A LIFE OF NO REGRETS, START RIGHT HERE, RIGHT NOW’

REMIND YOURSELF: It’s often a habit to ruminate about the past or worry about its future consequences, which makes us lose focus of the present. So, reminding ourselves that it’s only the present we live in and present is what we have to deal with helps in bringing ourselves back to the moment.

KARMA PHILOSOPHY: Even though we engage in all sorts of permutations and combinations, at the end of the day, only what we can do is in our purview. Hence, focus on what you can do rather than the consequences; the outcomes of our actions are defined by a number of factors, and the only factor we can control is our action. So, there is no point in ruminating over the results. Take exams, for example; a student can only prepare for a test by studying. But constantly worrying about the results will not let him/her focus on the very thing that could be possible.

DON’T LET GUILT TAKE OVER: Any experience, whether good or bad, can teach us something about us or the world, but guilt only fosters negativity and doesn’t let us move forward. So let go of the guilt; keep the lesson.

DRAW YOUR CIRCLE OF CONTROL: Often, we focus on what would’ve happened if someone or something had been different or we expect our lives to change if something changes like “When the pandemic goes, I will be happier”, or “If I have a more tolerant boss, I will be more relaxed.” Write down all things you consider that can change your present situation. Then, draw a circle and put in the things that you have control over and leave out things you can’t do much about. Focus on what’s presently in your circle of control and work on that.

LIVE MINDFULLY: ‘Mindful’ has become almost a cliche but the power of mindfulness depends upon one’s ability to practice it daily. Be aware of the moment, while eating, driving, talking, listening, etc., for this moment is all yours and living in this moment happens if we only are aware of it; otherwise, it feels like life has passed us by.

—DR JYOTI KAPOOR, Senior Psychiatrist and Founder, Manasthali

The outcomes of our actions are defined by a number of factors, and the only factor we can control is our action. So, there is no point in ruminating over the results of our actions.