personal-growth

Shifting mindset for success

| MyWorldWithoutWalls

The mindset in an undivided family

Breaking Free from Outdated Beliefs

Being born as an unwanted female child in an undivided Hindu family during turbulent times felt like the worst thing that could happen to a newborn. But the truth is—being born an unwanted male child in the same family is just as heartbreaking.

Every child comes into this world with a purpose. Yet, when you’re born into the aftermath of wars and social unrest, survival becomes the first lesson—even before love, identity, or freedom.

From the very start, we learn to adapt quickly. We read the room, watch every reaction, and seek approval from parents, relatives, and even distant family members—as if their acceptance is the only key to survival.

But here’s the question that changed my life:
Do we really need to keep seeking approval from people who no longer have a meaningful role in our growth?

The Turning Point

One hard truth eventually hit me: I don’t need their approval to live my life authentically.

I grew up in a culture where deference to elders was expected, where every choice was filtered through their lens of what was “right.” But those same elders, tied to outdated values, often offered little guidance for the challenges of a rapidly changing world.

Breaking free from that approval-seeking mindset was not easy. It’s like shedding generations of inherited fear and shame. But it’s also the only way forward.

We can study the ways of the past—the traditions, the rituals, the hierarchies—but we must also have the courage to call them what they are: anchors that keep us from moving toward a life of purpose and leadership.

Why Change is Urgent

Generations of misguided honor and unquestioned obedience have kept entire communities stagnant. If we do not challenge these inherited beliefs, the cycle of silence, subservience, and missed opportunities will only continue.

Leaders are not born from constant compliance. They are born when someone dares to think differently, to listen to a higher calling, and to step forward even when approval is withheld.

If we want authentic leadership to rise—in the Indian subcontinent, in the diaspora, anywhere—then a massive shift needs to happen. Outdated bonds need to loosen. Ties built on fear and control must break.

Choosing Authenticity

Living a life of authenticity and purpose is never the easy path. Our ancestors often taught us to “keep the peace,” to take the safe route, and to avoid confrontation. But easy doesn’t build strength. Easy doesn’t build leaders.

Every vision, every dream planted in your heart—whether your own or the unfulfilled dream of an ancestor—demands courage. And courage requires a shift: from seeking approval to standing firm in your truth.

What can you do about this right now?

Look around your life today. Where are you still seeking permission to be yourself? Whose approval are you afraid to lose?

It’s time to stop living small. Stop dimming your light for the comfort of others. Choose growth. Choose freedom. Choose to lead—not just for yourself, but for the generations to come.

The moment you stop seeking validation from others, you begin to step into the life you were always meant to live.

YOUR CODE OF HONOUR

| MyWorldWithoutWalls

Your Personal Beliefs Shape Who You Are

Code of Honour: A Timeless Principle for Personal and Professional Integrity

In a world where values often seem negotiable, the concept of a “Code of Honor” remains a timeless beacon of integrity, accountability, and respect. Rooted in centuries-old traditions, it represents a personal or collective set of ethical principles that guide behavior, foster trust, and uphold dignity in every facet of life. But what does a code of honor truly mean, and why does it hold such significance in our modern age?

What Is a Code of Honor?

At its core, a code of honor is a moral compass—a framework of values and principles that individuals or groups commit to uphold. While its exact form may vary across cultures, organizations, or professions, the essence remains the same: to act with integrity, take responsibility for one’s actions, and treat others with respect.

Historically, a code of honor was associated with chivalric traditions, military conduct, and professional ethics. Knights adhered to codes of loyalty and bravery, while samurais followed the Bushido code, emphasizing respect and discipline. Even in modern contexts, professions like medicine, law, and journalism are governed by ethical codes that ensure accountability and maintain trust.

The Relevance of a Code of Honour Today

In today’s fast-paced and competitive world, a code of honor is more important than ever. It serves as an anchor, helping individuals and organizations navigate complex situations with integrity. Here’s why it matters:

1. Building Trust

A strong code of honor fosters trust among individuals, teams, and communities. Whether in a personal relationship or a corporate environment, honoring commitments and adhering to ethical standards cultivates reliability and mutual respect.

2. Guiding Decision-Making

Life often presents us with gray areas where the “right” choice isn’t always clear. A well-defined code of honor acts as a guide, ensuring decisions align with values rather than convenience or short-term gain.

3. Enhancing Reputation

Living by a code of honor earns respect and credibility. For organizations, it builds a positive reputation among clients and stakeholders. If you are someone seeking deeper meaning in life, focus on building a foundation rooted in integrity. Unlike fleeting achievements, this kind of legacy endures and speaks long after the events or moments have passed.

More importantly, it leaves a blueprint for the next generation to gain an insight into their past and to revisit it, reviving fond memories, and that truly inspires them to create a future that affirms who they truly are!

Reminiscing over them builds up once again long lost ties and creates a fertile ground on which new visions and dreams can manifest.

4. Promoting Inclusivity and Respect

A code of honor promotes inclusivity by valuing diversity and treating everyone with fairness. In an era of increasing global interconnectedness, this principle is essential for fostering harmony and collaboration.

Crafting Your Personal Code of Honour

Developing a personal code of honor doesn’t require a grand declaration. It’s a quiet commitment to uphold certain principles that resonate deeply with you. Here are steps to create your own:

  1. Reflect on Your Core Values
    Identify what matters most to you—honesty, compassion, perseverance, or any other value that defines you.
  2. Set Clear Boundaries
    Determine what behaviors you will or will not accept, both from yourself and others.
  3. Commit to Accountability
    A code of honor isn’t just about intentions—it’s about actions. Hold yourself accountable for living up to your values, even when it’s challenging.
  4. Revisit and Refine
    Life evolves, and so can your Code of Honor. Periodically reflect on your values and make adjustments as necessary.

Conclusion

One can feel extremely lost and feel even anxious with a sense of loss, particularly post-retirement. But if one is ready to contemplate the value of the Code of Honor, which has been the foundation of one’s life journey, then extraordinary joy, peace, and hope emerge even in our sunset years.

A code of honor is more than an abstract ideal—it’s a practical tool for leading a life of purpose and authenticity. Whether in personal relationships, professional endeavors, or societal contributions, it inspires integrity and builds bridges of trust. Embracing a code of honor doesn’t just define who we are; it shapes the world we wish to create.

Growing into leadership

| MyWorldWithoutWalls

Organic Transformation – A Metamorphosis to Developing Into Accommodative Leader

In the aftermath of the Lok Sabha Elections I feel strongly the need for emergence of leaders who have committed themselves to emerge as a leader who can fill the gaps in the society for its urgent transformation and development. India is in desperate need of leaders who are visionaries and are prepared to take up the difficult road of self transformation.

Ego centric leadership is outdated. Such leaders often tend to use brute force alone to get what they need. They are not visionaries. They control, oppress and instill fear in the hearts of their followers. The intelligentsia becomes indifferent and live in a bubble.

Paramhansa Yogananda the author of ‘Autobiography of A Yogi’ continues to inspire youths even to this day to embrace a path of integrity, spirituality and physical discipline to attain the marks of leadership that can shed light into a world that tends to get dark without conscious effort.

Persons of strong character do not blame others for difficulties that can be traced to their own actions and lack of understanding. They know that no one has the power to detract from their happiness unless they themselves allow the adverse thoughts and actions of others to affect them. (Paramhansa Yogananda)

I am reminded of my natural father who never ever blamed others even when they were hostile to him or belittled him for no reason. The times were difficult.  It was post world wars, post freedom struggle…post several episodes of global dimension into which empaths and serious thinkers often fell into.

Everybody faces adversities in their journey of life.  When we encounter new set of circumstances we encounter adversities. Should we then give into fear and not try out new things in our lives? Of course not!

Great opportunities come with a package of negative surprises often as curve balls.  If we try to understand the Universal laws, we will understand that they happen as the energies start moving around and taking new forms.  The Universe throws them at us as part of our learning process.  It is up to us to read into them without shaming, blaming or complaining about unexpected incidents. A certain amount of stress tolerance is part of the journey of growth and transformation.  Piling up negative emotions associated with fear, sorrow and anger will cause harm to our earthen bodies.  

Many a large successful family falls apart in India, failing to expand by shutting the doors to new ideas and new ways of thinking.  The law of nature is to nourish and nurture us in order for our fuller expression in our living circumstance.  The Universe does not accommodate for long stagnation and resistance to change. Resistance to change causes things to fall apart. Things start disintegrating due to lack of regeneration in life and living.  This is pure Physics.

Commitment to personal development and growth is the single most important thing to commit to, in one’s life.  In order for this to happen, we must commit ourselves to building our innermost strength from which flows our unique characters.  Most people fail to develop their unique characters due to lack of effort in their entire lives. They become easily satisfied with their attainments and do not want to take risks for fear of failure.  Growth mindset and growth awareness is available for every person to grasp and make. But only a few have the courage to grasp this great opportunity that we have in the course of our lives.

Your real power resides within you.  One sign of growing in maturity is taking full responsibility of things that seem not quite right around you.  When we get out of the endless cycle of blaming, shaming, complaining and finding fault with one another, we become master of our own destinies.  We create our own blueprint of life.

It is extraordinarily exhilarating to go about doing good and freeing one’s own self and those around that God sends down your path from Karmic entanglements.  This is what Jesus was doing and nobody seemed to understand him.  They only saw the surface…he was changing ways of thinking and mindsets that had become entrenched for generations without positive changes.

In his humanity Jesus was one of the finest leaders who drew strength from His Father to even give his life on the Cross in order to free humanity from suffering and living in a degraded state.

Taking responsibility for things happening around you without blaming, accusing or shaming others is the hallmark of true leadership.