This year, let’s shift our focus inward, honour our unique paths and recognise the triumphs that shape who we are

How often have you beaten yourself up saying you don’t measure up to others in terms of skillsets and success? How often have you undervalued your accomplishments with a desultory wave of hand accompanied by a “Oh, this is something everyone does” or “I haven’t done anything great”? Chances are that we have done it a greater number of times than what is good for our self-esteem and confidence.

A student of mine recently approached me for a review of her college admission essay wherein she had not highlighted many of her strengths that could catch the attention of the admission officer. “Oh, ma’am, these are things everyone in our school does. This isn’t anything extraordinary,” she said. I sat her down and explained: “We aren’t worried about what others are doing. Our focus should be on what we have done so far and how it has been of consequence to us and........

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