Pessimists say the glass is half empty,

Optimists say the glass is half full.

I say just drink the water and stay hydrated.

Beyond the debate of optimism and pessimism lies a fundamental principle: taking practical action leads to tangible results. In a society where success is often defined by extremes, embracing a practical approach to life can fuel motivation, resilience, and genuine progress. Just as staying hydrated nourishes our bodies, setting and achieving practical goals nourishes our souls. This approach encourages us to celebrate progress, no matter how small, and learn from setbacks as opportunities for growth.

When we think about habit setting we tend to browse through motivational videos and they often advocate for celebrating small successes as a way to maintain momentum and drive towards larger goals. However, a common pitfall is the tendency to prioritize immediate rewards over long-term planning and sustained effort.

Think about cheat-days at a gym. One day-off from your routine can easily turn into a week, and before you know it, a whole year has gone by without making progress. That's why many of us find ourselves making the same New Year's resolutions every year, without ever really fulfilling them.This struggle with consistency often comes down to our natural desire for comfort and happiness in the moment. The thing is, those instant rewards, whether it's a cheat-meal or a quick indulgence, give us temporary pleasure but they don't really contribute to our long-term happiness or health. They're like a quick fix that tingles our taste buds but doesn't nourish our body or soul in the long run.

Want to break this cycle? Focus on building habits that support our long-term goals. It means resisting the urge for instant gratification and instead, committing to small, consistent steps that lead to lasting progress. By shifting our mindset towards sustainable habits and meaningful achievements, we can overcome the allure of short-term pleasures and create a healthier, more fulfilling journey in life.

Ever tried the strategies or techniques from videos or blogs and they didn't yield the same results as they do for others? Each person has their own habits, preferences, and challenges that influence how they function best. What works for someone else may not necessarily work for you, and that's perfectly okay. It's all about finding what aligns with your natural tendencies and lifestyle.

Don’t get disheartened, instead use it as an opportunity for self-reflection and experimentation. Observe your own habits, strengths and areas for improvement. Take inspiration from others, seek advice, and learn from their experiences, but ultimately, build your own approach that fits your needs and goals.Trial and errors are natural parts of the learning process.

Always been a high achiever in school, college or universityand experiencing a period of uncertainty or lack of direction? Phew, that can take a tough toll. It's natural to feel stressed and frustrated when things aren't going as planned.Be kind to yourself and resist the urge to compare your current situation with past successes.Rather than seeking unhealthy coping mechanisms, focus on self-care and nurturing your well-being. These phases of uncertainty can last for days, weeks, or even months, but they are temporary. By maintaining a positive mindset and taking care of yourself, you create space for clarity and new opportunities to emerge. Trust that this period of reflection and recharge is essential for your personal growth and future successes.

You know how they say to stretch yourself, but not to the point of breaking? It's like that rubber band analogy: stretch it too much and snap! That applies to our bodies and minds too. When we talk about stretching, think more yoga-style: gentle, gradual, building flexibility over time. For example, take walking. If you never walk and suddenly decide to climb the Everest, it is not going to happen overnight. It takes dedication and practice to build up that kind of resilience and capability. It's about setting achievable goals and making steady progress towards them.

When we think of a New Year resolution the next day we dive into it. Like studying, with full force initially, only to burn out quickly and lose motivation. It's like sprinting at the start of a marathon—you'll exhaust yourself before reaching the finish line. Listen to your body and mind. When you feel like you need a break, give yourself permission to take one. Breaks are essential for recharging and maintaining long-term focus and motivation.

For instance, if you've had a late night working until 2:00AM, pushing yourself to attend a 6:00AM Yoga class the next morning may not be the wisest choice. Lack of sleep can undermine the benefits of Yoga and leave you feeling even more exhausted. It's crucial to listen to your body's signals and honor its needs.Respecting your body means understanding its limits and giving it the rest and recovery it requires. While determination is admirable, pushing yourself beyond what your body can handle doesn't serve your well-being.

Building resilience and capability isn't about pushing yourself to the limit every day. It's about finding that balance between pushing forward and knowing when to give yourself a break. By taking a mindful approach to stretching yourself - whether physically, mentally, or in any aspect of life - you'll build lasting strength and flexibility that sustain you through challenges and lead to meaningful growth and fulfillment.

Life is a journey, and as you navigate the highway of experiences, you'll encounter stretches that are smooth and scenic, while others may be filled with twists, turns, and unexpected detours. Just like any journey, at some point, you'll need to pull over to refuel and recharge your vehicle to ensure you reach your destination. In the grand adventure of life, your body and mind are your vehicles - your means of traversing through challenges and opportunities alike.

When we're faced with multiple priorities pulling us in different directions, it's easy to become scattered and unfocused. We start one task, then switch to another, trying to juggle everything at once. The result? We feel like we're spinning our wheels; exhausted and drained, but with little to show for our efforts.

This tendency not only leads to unfinished tasks but also contributes to distraction. Our attention is constantly divided, making it difficult to dive deep into any one thing and achieve meaningful progress. It's like trying to follow multiple plot lines in a movie at the same time - you end up missing the essence of each story.To tackle this challenge, it's essential to prioritize and focus on one task at a time. Start by identifying what truly matters and aligning your efforts accordingly. Break down big goals into smaller, manageable steps, and tackle them sequentially. This approach not only increases productivity but also reduces stress and enhances clarity.

Success and achievements are subjective and personal. Often, we tend to measure our accomplishments based on external validations or comparisons with others, but true success lies in personal growth and fulfillment.Consider this - for someone who has never been a reader, completing a single book in two months can be a significant achievement while for an avid reader it might not be the same. It's about setting realistic goals that align with our own abilities and circumstances. What matters most is the progress we make relative to our own starting point, not how it compares to someone else's journey.

Each of us has unique capabilities and talents. Instead of solely focusing on our weaknesses, which can lead to self-doubt and criticism, it's essential to leverage our strengths and build upon them. Celebrate your achievements, no matter how small they may seem to others. By nurturing our strengths and continuously improving in areas that matter to us, we cultivate a more balanced and fulfilling life.

Avoiding the trap of constant comparison allows us to appreciate our individual journey and accomplishments. It's about striving to be the best version of ourselves, not an unrealistic standard set by others. Embrace your strengths, work on your weaknesses with kindness and patience, and remember that your journey towards personal growth and success is unique and worthy of celebration.

The term "workaholic" often glorifies overworking and neglecting essential aspects of self-care. While it's admirable to be dedicated and passionate about work, it's equally important to prioritize our health and well-being.Imagine this: working tirelessly day and night, skipping meals, neglecting hydration, and forgoing exercise—all in the name of productivity. It's not sustainable, nor is it healthy. Neglecting these basic needs can lead to physical and mental exhaustion, burnout, and even serious health issues in the long run.

The truth is, our health is our most valuable asset. Without it, all the success, achievements, and wealth lose their significance. What good is reaching the pinnacle of your career if you're too ill to enjoy it? What purpose does accumulating wealth serve if it comes at the cost of your well-being?

Achieving work-life balance isn't just a luxury—it's a fundamental necessity for our well-being. It isn't about choosing between work and personal life—it's about integrating both in a way that promotes overall well-being. It is about creating boundaries, setting priorities, and honoring our need for both productivity and relaxation.

Imagine you've been working towards a career goal for years, only to encounter a sudden job loss. Devastating right? What a lot of us would do in this case is try and make things work. But we don’t think of rerouting with the possibility exploring new career opportunities, acquiring additional skills, or even starting your own business. We see the invest time, time, energy and effort we have spent on this over the years which stops us from rerouting. While it is difficult sometime rerouting is about being adaptable and open-minded to new possibilities.

Whether you're a teenager navigating the complexities of adolescence, a young adult starting your career path, or a seasoned professional in the midst of your journey, these everyday challenges resonate deeply. While seemingly small, these nuances profoundly shape our personal lives, careers, and relationships. Paying attention to these details isn't just about improvement, it's about transforming yourself into a better version of who you are, day by day.

(Kharel is the host and producer of Inspiring Women and Global Perspectives talk shows.)