Yes, this is the sentence you must have said umpteen times. I consider these three words to be the most dissuading for any individual. Let me share with you my experiences with this phrase – “Sirf 5 minute” / “Just Five Minutes”!
For me, I have used it the most in the mornings. Especially when I just wake up and come out of a deep relaxing sleep at night. There is a lot of difference between waking up and getting up in the morning. You get up only when you jump out of your bed and start your day’s activities. You only wake up when you lose the unconscious state of sleep but stay lazy in the cosy comfort of your bed. That’s when there is a compelling tug of war between your heart and your head. The logic reminds you of all your responsibilities and roles. It says with a shaky conviction, ‘buddy, it’s time to get up and get going. Simultaneously, your mind gets stuck into the inertia of sleep. It vehemently shoots all kinds of reasons why it is better to stay in your bed.
When lethargy wins, people miss their life goals. As a career counsellor, I have met many students and counselled them. It becomes challenging for kids to get up early in the morning, especially during examination days. The night sleep gives the much-desired rest to the already agitated mind. Morning brings back the stress and anxiety of the day.
While this is a very natural human mind phenomenon, the fact remains that if a person intends to achieve extraordinary results in life, what is required is extra special psychology within! The most significant barrier in getting up (and not just waking up) is not our body but our mind.
After reading this article till now, if you could also relate to similar experiences in your life, here is yet another task for you. Sit back and remember the last time you had to board an early morning train or a flight. Or maybe you had to reach some crucial place at 6 am in the morning. What happened on that day? I bet you vigorously fought with all your fatigue and decided to be active. However, you may fall short of such willpower and inner strength to defeat slumber on other days!
The answer to such behaviour is PURPOSE.
Those who have a compelling purpose and a drive to achieve it never experience a devastating energy drain. On the contrary, their passion keeps the inspiration flame on.
Suppose you are a professional and lack the early morning energy to ‘get up’ excited. In that case, it is time to rework your goals. Meet a counsellor and get motivated to restart with enthusiasm. Believe me, if you can get up excited in the morning, you save a lot of time and end your day full of achievements.
If you are a student who fails to get out of bed with great delight, you need to meet some educational psychologist. It is time; you must make some easy to perceive goals. I would suggest you break all your bigger dreams into small parts. When you achieve those dreams step by step, it adds to your optimism.
Friends, next time you are tempted to say, “Sirf 5 minutes”, do remember these words: Your 5 minutes comfort can push you miles behind. On the contrary, your firm will to overrule the mind’s demand for 5 minutes rest can take make you arrive somewhere ahead of your plan!
Whenever tempted or dragged by your mind into the mesh of “5 minutes comfort”, become alert. You must regain the lost euphoria by dropping these three words.
Do contact me in case you have any career queries.
Dr. Ajit Varwandkar is the Director of myaglakadam.com. He is a leading career counsellor and can be contacted on 9826132972 or email him at info@fsindia.in
This column was originally published by the author in The Times of India