No matter what you practice, whether it is university studies, body fitness, sports, martial arts practice, playing a musical instrument, language A learning, or any spiritual practice.

If there is no push, there is no growth. You need a master, coach, or mentor. 

Simply because they will direct and clarify what is an appropriate way to use your time effectively. And second, they will give you a healthy push so that you do not control yourself from your habit and comfort zone. If you are able to manage both things by yourself, you don’t need an external mentor or master. But somehow, many people can’t push themselves in a healthy way if they don’t have the proper awareness and determination. 

The thin line between an unhealthy and a healthy push:

When you are competitive and goal-oriented, you will put a lot of pressure on yourself to grow in a particular direction. The tension in your practice will impact another area of your life.

May you improve your skills, but on the other hand, you will miss grace and alignment. 

Push yourself without pushing. 

There is a conflict between going with the flow (letting it be) and pushing.

There is a conflict between listening to your body, and emotions and pushing your limits. 

Sometimes when you do something, your body will signal that you need to rest, so, now you need to listen to your body, so you will either take a pause to relax or you will push yourself to witness your true strength. 

That will be determined by your honesty, authenticity, and dedication to your vision and goal. If you truly have a vision and determination and are honest with yourself, you will know the thin line between listening to your body’s emotions and giving your body and mind a healthy push. 

Most people who don’t have an honest commitment often fall into their body’s weaknesses and think they need to listen to their body. But you must be aware, whatever you do, if it is right, you are bringing blessings to yourself. If it’s manipulated by your weakness, you are fooling yourself. 

So, before trying to listen to your body, question your procrastinating patterns and your laziness.

If you are honest with yourself about your weaknesses, you will know how to give yourself a healthy push. If a master or guide pushes you, accept it with respect. 

When you are practicing skills, sometimes you try a lot but you can’t progress in your efforts.

You may also be angry with yourself.

Be conscious whenever you try to do things forcefully. Sometimes it works, but many times it won’t.

When you don’t get something despite your best efforts, it means you need to give it some time. Take some mindful breaks, but here again, there is a thin line.  Taking a break doesn’t mean your focus is occupied by other things. If that becomes you, that will become a distraction. 

For example, suppose you are attempting to solve a mathematical problem or acquire some technical knowledge, but are unable to do so. You have worked hard but have received no results.

Give yourself a break and relax your mind at that time. Come into your peaceful state. 

For that, you may walk in nature, take a shower, do some light gardening work, or meditate. Allow yourself to fall into calmness, tranquillity, and peace, but don’t be occupied and busy with any other stuff. When your mind comes into deep calmness, boom, you get the clarity to solve it. That’s the way to progress in any critical challenge or situation. 

A ‘healthy push’ means having self-respect, calmness, focus, tranquillity, and peace when you are pushing your limits. 

Unhealthy pushing means rushing to accomplish the work. Insecurity about not being able to finish it before someone, hesitation, too many expectations, jealousy, hatred, and anger.

Revenge, In any of these combinations. If you try to push hard and try to accomplish your task and goals, you will end up with sickness and weakness.

Any practice you do should help you master your weaknesses and become a wholesome person. 

When you are wholesome, you can contribute better to your family and community.