I am a fortunate millennial who was encouraged to pursue dreams and aspirations without any hesitation. I owe a lot of my work ethic and drive to my mother. From a young age, I saw her working tirelessly to support our family, just like my father did, and it instilled in me the importance of financial independence and self-sufficiency.
Observing and being around my mother has taught me valuable lessons that still influence my life, and I want to share some of them here.
1. The utmost significance lies in being financially independent.
At a young age, I was taught the importance of financial independence and empowerment. My mother has always emphasised the need to save and invest in my future, and my financial security. This has given me the freedom to make choices in my life without being constrained by financial worries.
By spending my money on the things that mattered to me, I became my own person. Only financial freedom enables you to achieve this.
2. Taking care of oneself encompasses both mental and physical well-being.
Growing up with a mother who managed to balance her professional responsibilities and household chores, I learned a great deal about the importance of self-care. Despite her inability to take long breaks to indulge in self-care, she managed to add some variety to her routine. She would prioritise getting enough sleep, staying hydrated and eating a balanced diet.
Additionally, she found innovative ways to incorporate self-care into her routine, such as using leftover kitchen ingredients for skin and hair care. Observing my mother's dedication to her well-being taught me that self-care is crucial. Now, I have made it a priority in my life to take care of myself, both physically and mentally.
3. Persistence and determination result in success.
My mother faced her fair share of challenges and setbacks in her career, but she never gave up. She taught me the importance of perseverance and the value of pushing through difficult times. This lesson has been particularly valuable in my career, where I have faced my own share of obstacles.
4. Put in diligent efforts and demonstrate commitment towards your profession.
Seeing my mother work hard and put in her best effort, day in and day out, taught me the importance of hard work and dedication. She never settled for mediocrity and always pushed herself to be better, and I have applied it to my own career, always striving to do my best and go the extra mile.
5. It is important to remain authentic to oneself.
My mother has always been true to herself, never compromising on her values or beliefs for the sake of her career. She taught me the importance of staying true to yourself and following your own path, even when it is not the easiest one to take.
6. Maintaining balance is crucial.
Observing my mother's ability to juggle multiple responsibilities and still find time for herself and her loved ones taught me that it is possible to have a fulfilling career while also having a fulfilling personal life. I have learned to prioritise my time and set boundaries to ensure that I maintain a healthy balance between my work and personal life.
