[Barbie WOH!rld] Summer Radio - Week 3

[Lee]

Welcome to the third round-up of Radio.

As previously said, by the end of each week a host will endeavour to respond to questions and answers made during that week. Occasionally you might come across trivial rants on topics. I hope you enjoy today's session.

Radio host: @Lee

 

Thank you for joining in to the third session of Radio. This week, I drew reference to the Barbie movie and asked two questions that came from my viewing of that. 

 

The first question I asked was:

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Is there someone who you know in your life who inspires you to do your best each day?

It can be quite hard to answer this question, and it depends on how you choose to answer it. I've purposefully left it open-ended.

I might be in agreement with the responses this week in that I cannot quickly point to someone within my immediate circle who has directly impacted my actions and given me the "strength", if you will, to use it to do my best every day.

I would say, though, that people have inspired me in smaller ways. I will admit that my interactions with some of these people are varied, and in some ways, valuable, although it could also just be my own perception of it.

I guess another way of approaching this question is from a lense of encouragement. I would say that in my immediate circle, my family, especially my mum, reminds me regularly to "work hard" and stay determined. That is not to say, of course, that others have not encouraged me in the same way. I would argue similarly that some people's actions, albeit indirect, have also motivated me to reconsider what I'm doing, and that in turn makes me rethink about what it means to "do your best".

Personally, I don't find myself getting inspired much by idols, although it is sometimes interesting to read about that sort of dynamic. Idols often open up about various topics such as mental health, or show wit and humour as a way to cope with often unwarranted criticism. In some ways, because they're public figures, I can empathise with them, but because I don't know them personally, I tend to accept what they say as being general advice, or giving "another perspective" if you will.

I would agree that being able to love yourself is a good way to "lift your game" and to also boost your spirit and morale. Easier said than done, of course, but just something to send to ourselves as a reminder.

 

I've kind of answered in part for what I wanted to say with the next question, but let's deal with it anyway:

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What type of general advice might you want to give to someone who comes to you to ask this same question?

I do agree that self-motivation is key, and I agree similarly that being able to "keep yourself together", especially in situations when things quickly become overwhelming, is also something that gives you the drive to continue. Thinking about the "big picture" can help because it orients you towards a specific goal; and "benefits" and "satisfaction", yes, can give you the much-needed push to go further.

Speaking of "improvements", I would say it is natural to feel discouraged when things do not go your way. I personally struggle with this as well, because I tend to set "higher standards" for myself personally. While growing up, I was constantly told that I had to meet a "benchmark" in order to be able to make it somewhere. I recall the pressure being quite immense. In retrospect, I think many of the things that were said could have been worded more nicely. Things certainly didn't have to be "tough". So if you find yourself in a situation like that, try to look for a "silver lining", because chances are that others might be struggling similarly with it.

Everyone does follow their own path in life. Everyone has a "journey", and some of them may even have a "destination". I wouldn't say there isn't a point in comparing your progress in life to someone else. It is good to see what others might be doing, because that might somehow also allow you to think about how you might want to go about approaching certain things. What is unhelpful, however, is dwelling on what others are doing, at the detriment of your own capacity to succeed.

Regrets? Yeah, try not to live a life with regrets, but do make wise choices. Don't do something so stupid that it creates a feeling of regret. If in doubt, ask. 

It is important to accept what others have to say — because some are well-intentioned — but I guess the main takeaway is that your personal experiences are valid, and that the only standard that ultimately matters is the one that you choose to apply on to yourself. In other words, when looking at yourself, it is important to see that "your best" is yours.

 

Thank you for joining in today's session.

The next set of questions for Radio will be posted soon to the thread. So be sure to check that out if you haven't already.