Written by Chiral Yadava, Life Transformation Coach
Chiral is an accomplished life transformation coach, author of the inspirational book 'Chiral: A Soldier' released in 2022, an award-winning storyteller, and an unshakeable optimist. She is committed to unlocking people’s fullest potential and helping them discover the keys to lasting happiness and fulfillment.
It is so interesting. We are often so busy trying to understand the people around us and in our lives, but how much do we truly know ourselves?
As kids, we are curious, eager to learn, grow, and change. We see the world as an open book, ready to be explored. Each day, we uncover so much about ourselves.
From the time we are babies, even the smallest realisations about ourselves fascinate us. Discovering our fingers: "What are these stick-like things? What do I do with them? Should I put them in my mouth? Poke my nose? Pick my ear?" feels like an exciting mystery. These little "gadgets" called fingers seem so cool! Getting our first set of teeth and being able to bite into endless things brings us so much joy; it almost feels like the best reason to have come into the world.
As we continue growing and exploring the world, we also come to know more about ourselves. Then, at some point, we start saying things like, "I am like this," as if the picture of who we are is complete. "I am confident." "I am an introvert." "I am a quick learner." "I love music." "I am a people-pleaser." "I can’t speak in front of a large crowd." "I am social." "I don’t like parties." We define ourselves.
And somewhere along the way, this definition settles in our minds. We start believing that this is just how we are. Maybe a few things can change here and there, but for the most part, we think, "This is who I have become." We put our skills, talents, and capabilities into a box. Sometimes, we even allow others' opinions to shape this definition of ourselves, accepting their words as truth.
For me, I told myself: I am a shy person. I am average in my studies. I am exceptional in sports. I am good with people. Math terrifies me. I have very strong willpower. I am a yes-person.
When I grow up, I would have a 9-to-5 job, a small home, and two kids.
Fast forward 20 years. Today, I am a positive-impact influencer, an author of my autobiography, an entrepreneur, a scriptwriter of an award-winning movie, a content writer, and so much more.
If I had a time machine and had seen this future version of myself, I would have fainted. Seriously?! Can this really be me?
We don’t realise that we are the ones boxing ourselves in and sealing the lid shut. But we need to open that box and remind ourselves: We are full of possibilities and potential.
Just as we never stop exploring the world, we should never stop exploring ourselves.
There are millions of things we haven’t tried that may reveal hidden talents and strengths we never knew we had. We are all blessed with the power to change, evolve, and grow. Our potential is endless, far greater than we can ever imagine.
Read more from Chiral Yadava
Chiral Yadava, Life Transformation Coach
Chiral, an accomplished Life Transformation Coach, embarked on her coaching journey long before the term existed in her dictionary. With roots in an Indian Army family and training in the National Cadet Corps, she strongly believes that destiny is in our hands and that we can shape it as we wish. With 15 years of HR expertise in global firms, having transformed and touched numerous lives over the years, and her inspirational autobiography "Chiral: A Soldier" released in 2022, she's on a passionate quest to empower individuals to seize life's boundless opportunities, for we only have one shot at making it count.
