How To Unlock Your Potential Through Action and Mindfulness

I am a firm believer that self-labelling becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy. We are all quick to judge ourselves and attach labels when we fall short of perfection or when things don’t go as planned. Take procrastination, for example. I’ve often heard the phrase, “Maldivians like to do everything at the very last minute.” This implies that we, as a people, prioritize leisure over responsibility until the very last possible moment. We see this pattern repeatedly, whether it's voting in elections, renewing an ID card, or paying zakat. It’s a self-fulfilling prophecy. But I don’t believe anyone is inherently lazy. We simply haven’t unlocked our full potential yet.

The good news? You have the power to rewrite your story. Here’s how.

1. Start Even When You Don’t Feel Like It

The first step is often the hardest. Get up and do the work, even if you hate it. Force yourself to take that initial step. Not everything you do is going to be fun. Momentum builds once you start, and what felt overwhelming at first will gradually become more manageable. Remember, the hardest part is just beginning a task.

I’m not someone who gets motivated to do things unless I genuinely enjoy them. As a result, I often struggle to get anything done unless I force myself to. Imagine if I only did my college coursework when I felt like it, rather than working to meet deadlines. Now, imagine if I missed deadlines at work. In both scenarios, I’ve hardly missed a deadline because I don’t wait for motivation to get started. I take action even when I don’t feel like it.

2. Break Big Tasks into Smaller Pieces

Large tasks can often feel overwhelming and paralysing. The key is to break them down into smaller, more manageable pieces. Instead of thinking, I have a big task in hand, focus on completing one section at a time. Small wins build confidence and keep you moving forward.

A simple way to do this is by creating a to-do list for each task. For example, if you have a business meeting in two days, what tasks are required to prepare for it? Your list might look something like this:

3. Create a Tidy Workspace

A cluttered environment can lead to a cluttered mind. Keep your workspace tidy by removing unnecessary items. If something doesn’t belong, put it in a box and deal with it later. A clean, organised space helps you focus and reduces distractions.

I’m considered a messy person by others, but to me, it's just organised chaos. Everything I need for a specific task is visible and easily accessible. This works for me because I struggle with object permanence and often forget about things if I don’t see them regularly. However, even I make sure my workspace is tidy when I start a project. I only keep the necessary items on my desk, and everything else goes into a messy drawer, out of sight, out of mind. Over time, my desktop might get cluttered again, but when I begin a task, my space must be tidy.

4. Prioritize Comfort and Ergonomics

If your work requires sitting at a desk, make sure your setup is comfortable and ergonomic. Adjust your chair, desk height, and the computer monitor position to reduce strain on your body. When you’re physically comfortable, it’s easier to stay focused and productive.

5. Take Timed Breaks

Sitting for long periods can drain your energy and focus. Take timed breaks to stretch, walk around, and give your eyes a rest. Use techniques like the Pomodoro method (work for 25 minutes, then take a 5-minute break). These small pauses can significantly boost your productivity.

6. Cultivate Intrinsic Motivation

While external rewards can motivate, intrinsic motivation (doing something because it aligns with your values or brings you joy) is far more powerful. Reflect on why the task matters to you. Connecting with your “why” makes your work more meaningful.

7. Try a Dopamine Detox

Social media and constant notifications can hijack your attention and make it difficult to focus. Consider doing a dopamine detox by reducing screen time and limiting distractions. This helps reset your brain, allowing you to focus more effectively on the task at hand. I set aside entire days where I completely ditch my phone, only using it for a few minutes when necessary. This helps me avoid phone addiction and doom scrolling, especially when I need to concentrate on an important task.

8. Use Lighting to your advantage

Believe it or not, the colour and hue of your lighting can impact your focus. Yellow desk lights often create a warm, calming atmosphere that helps concentration. While cool-toned lighting is generally considered good for cerebral activities, I’ve found that yellow lighting works best for me, creating the ideal environment for focus. Experiment with different lighting setups to find what works best for you.

9. Reduce Multitasking

Multitasking often leads to half-finished tasks and decreased productivity. If other tasks pop into your mind while you’re working, jot them down on a notepad or a digital app. Address them later, once you’ve completed your current task.

10. Reward Yourself

Promise yourself something fun after completing a task. Whether it’s watching your favourite show, going for a walk, or enjoying a treat, rewards can motivate you to push through challenges. And remember, don’t punish yourself for setbacks. Progress is the goal, not perfection.

11. Meditate and Pray Daily

Give your brain a break from the constant noise of life by dedicating time each day to meditate, pray, or simply sit in silence. Avoid distractions like doom-scrolling, TV, or overthinking during this time. Allow your mind to rest and recharge.

I struggle with this because I’m often caught up in my thoughts, with ideas racing from all directions. I have to intentionally set time aside to clear my mind. But honestly, taking this mental break does wonders for my concentration throughout the day.

During meditation or prayer, practice letting thoughts pass by without clinging on to them. If an idea is truly important, it will resurface later. This practice helps you stay present and reduces mental clutter, improving focus and clarity in all areas of your life.

Rewrite Your Story

Self-labelling can hold us back, but it doesn’t have to define us. By taking small, intentional steps, you can break free from limiting beliefs.

اللهم لا سهلَ إلا ما جعلتَه سهلاً وأنتَ تجعلُ الحزنَ إذا شئتَ سهلاً

Allaahumma laa sahala illaa maa ja’alta sahlan wa anta taj’alul-huzna itha shitta sahlan

‘O Allah there is nothing that is easy except that You made it easy, and
You can make this difficulty easy if You so wish to