You have to soar higher by defying gravity and you have to fulfill your higher dreams by pursuing them tirelessly.

-HH Sudhanshuji Maharaj

Undoubtedly, the 21st century youth is motivated, spirited, full of fresh ideas and open to modern customs, beliefs, and technologies. They are highly ambitious. They are intelligent and way far ahead of their times in terms of knowledge and awareness. They have the potential to bring tremendous growth to their motherland.

They also have the courage to outshine the mindset of older generations and bring fresh changes that the society indeed is waiting for.

However, to see the real change in society, actions need to be taken.

Are our youth ready for the action? Are they ready for the hard work?

Challenges before Millennials

In order to bring positive changes in society, the youth must change themselves first. Of course, they have the right to see what is wrong with the society and criticize that, but they should earn that right through realizing what is wrong with themselves first and take corrective measures and then do something for society. Every revolution in the world was the result of revolutionary minds. So for a new revolution today that will benefit the society the youth must start working on themselves first.

They can start this ‘Inner Revolution’ by transforming their undesirable habits into more desirable ones.

A message to Youth for changing their bad habits

How are habits formed?

“Habits make my life”. Repeat this sentence in your mind. When you think deeply, you realize that you are operating in automation without mindfulness. Your habits are controlling your actions. So, no matter what you decide or resolve, the outcomes will be according to these habits only.

It hardly matters how smart you are, habits become an integral part of your life. A habit of getting angry easily, a habit of believing in something, a habit of sleeping till afternoon, a habit of insisting upon something, a habit of taking false pride in something, a habit of uttering negative words, and abusing others, and a habit of getting indulged in a fight.

Further, adopting the behaviour of empathy, compassion and love is also a kind of habit, and cursing self is also a habit. Pointing out others’ flaws is also a habit, being moody all the time is also a habit.

These habits are formed gradually. Sometimes people fail to understand that they are building a bad habit by repeating something constantly.

Therefore, keep in mind, all the habits follow a pattern of repetition. The more you repeat, the stronger they become. And the stronger they are, the more firmly they get engraved in your subconscious mind motivating you for further action and reaction.

Remember that habits are your life and you work according to your habits. You are strong because of these habits and you are feeble due to them.

Can I Change my Bad Habits?

Now the question will arise, whatever I have become due to my habits, will I remain that way forever? The answer is ‘No’ you can still develop good habits and stay away from bad habits. If you want to shun bad habits start taking action immediately.

You can start with ‘self-talk’.

Sit in silence and reflect upon all your bad as well as good habits. Note down all the good habits that help you succeed and then think of the bad habits that are dragging you downward in life. Also try to think how you get trapped in your bad habits.

Remember, you have to strive to fly higher even if you have to fall back to the earth; you have to fulfill your dreams even if you have to fight with yourself. If you repeat certain things constantly, they will turn into strong habits.

So ask yourself: what you want to do, how you wish to be in life, what habit you want to form? Appreciate that habit and also feel that I am inculcating a good habit.

Practice will make you perfect!

For any good habit to form you have to practice it for 21 days and to do away with any bad habit you have to abstain from it for 40 days consistently. This is because it is quite easy to learn good things but it is not an easy task to get rid of bad attributes, yet it is not impossible. If you are willing and if you really want it, you can easily develop good habits, including the habit of exercising, yoga, meditation, and eating healthy.

Also make a habit of acting wisely always; waking up in the morning with a smile, spreading positivity, helping others, volunteering for social work, and developing a magnetic appeal in your personality through beautiful behaviour. Start building these habits from now onward. Know that if you build good habits when you’re young, you’ll set yourself up for a great success in the long-term.

Also know that long-lasting behavioral change is possible only if it is self-motivated and deep-rooted in a positive mindset.

Thus, today on National Youth Day, take a pledge that you’ll inculcate good habits and cast away bad habits that are detrimental to your life. As you bring positive changes in yourself, the society will change for good inevitably.