PEOPLESPEAK: For a different me, or better me?

Changing and doing away with bad habits is undoubtedly the best way of making oneself a better person. But completely altering a character trait? We are what we are, because of each little trait we own. So changing even the minutest of our character details, be it positive or negative, leaves us as a different person. Thus, the question is — can we accept becoming a “different me” in the quest of becoming a “better me”?

— Pallavi Koirala, Maitidevi

Everybody has his or her own strengths and weaknesses. The main challenge in life is to overcome these weaknesses by using our inner strengths. In my case, my foremost weakness is lack of concentration including in my studies. Although I doubt that absence of this weakness will make me a better person, it will definitely please my heart.

— Amish Ratna Sthapit, Hetauda

My weak point is that I cannot take quick decisions at the right time. First I try to know more about the problem and then search for the best solution for this problem. This takes a lot of time. To overcome this problem, I am applying some techniques. I try to anticipate the problem that I might face and prepare myself to face it. I feel better than before now. — Santosh Ghimire, Balkhu

We are quick about observing others, but hardly have time or are too fearful to observe ourselves. This may be the reason why we see more mistakes in others than in ourselves. For example, if we evaluate ourselves, we will blame ourselves first and then the government every time we throw a bag of garbage out of our windows or from buses on the road. The habit of self-realisation will bring out the better human in each one of us, and thus creating a better atmosphere to live and work in.

— Banodita Acharya

I would like to change my inability to refuse someone’s requests. This is the reason I am left behind and am always left serving other’s ends. Only after I am able to say ‘no’ to others, would I lead a happier life.

— Aneesha Bhattarai 

Everyone in this world has some merits and demerits. Only those who are able to recognise both of these in themselves can change their lives. I want to learn ‘The Art of Living’, as it teaches a good way of living.

— Abhinay Jayaswal

If I could change anything in me, it would be my level of enthusiasm. Enthusiasm is the key to success. And the progress of this physical world is also a direct consequence of the inner enthusiasm of people. 

— Nischal Poudyal, Kathmandu

I a not blowing my own trumpet but I don’t want to change anything in me. My ideal model, my greatest icon of love, my sweet mother praises everything I do, every word I speak and every step I walk. She keeps on saying, “Kanchu, be the same forever, don’t change.”

— Pratima Poudel, Kathmandu

The strength and weakness in human beings are like the two sides of a coin — without one, the other is incomplete. Nobody possesses only strengths or only weaknesses. My greatest weakness is that I cannot take a decision. Once I was offered a job in two private offices at the same time. I was confused and couldn’t decide on which to take. Both of them seemed very good. But as I couldn’t take a decision on time, both the jobs were handed over to others. So, I would like to do away with the dual thoughts that arise in my mind. Taking decision for one may be good or bad, but it is definitely better than being plagued by a dilemma.

— Srijana Poudel, Kalanki

Among my many weaknesses is the lack of communicative skill. This is hampering my career. I have many things in my head, but I cannot express myself properly and interestingly. Owing to this, it is very difficult to convince others of what I am trying to say. When my boss complains about my work, I am too nervous to defend it even though I believe what I have done is good. This hampers my performance appraisals, rewards and so on. I also lag behind my colleagues due to this. If I could change one thing in me, then I would definitely change my communication skills and style and also improve my my interpersonal skill to develop my personality.

— Damodar Tripathee, CBS

Among my negative traits, I would first and foremost like to change my habit of getting angry. Everyone gets angry, but it is the high level of anger that proves harmful. Yes, a number of researches have revealed that although very high level and very low level of anger are useful only in some situations such as in high speed racing events and in emergency services in hospitals. However, under normal circumstances both are counter productive. For an overall better performance, one must always maintain his anger at a moderate level. This would be useful for my career and obviously for my nation too.

— Pranav Dhakal

One thing that I would like to change in myself is my feelings regarding peace. I need to believe that ‘peace’ is not gained by possessing any material object, nor is it lost by losing the dear birds that we have. Peace is the feeling that comes from our mind. If every person feels this way, then peace is just in front of us.

— Surendra Pandit, Kathmandu

I would change myself from the inside. In the name of the development and prestige, people have forgotten the basic cordiality required in society. People see themselves as having become almighty, thanks to their ego and self-centered manners. We always tend to judge our thinking as being valid for all and negate others’ views. Thus, I would like to change this habit of selfishness in me. By doing this, I would be able to free my mind from greed, and the dominant values surrounding money and egotism would lose its colour.

— Shiva Pandey, Kathmandu

The problem with me is that I cannot get along easily with people besides my close friends, and this makes me feel awkward. Perhaps ridding myself of this trait would help me develop better interaction with others. And by thus interacting, I shall also be able to gather more information. And I feel my life would move ahead in a better manner.

— Avanthi Shrestha, New Baneswor

I would definitely change my habit of telling my secrets to all of my friends because I could be betrayed by anyone.

— Ravi Koirala, Hetauda

If I could change one thing about me, it would be my hot temper. Everybody knows that anger has led men to fight with each other. I think it is harmful and will put me on the list of bad guys. I also want to exchange my anger for peace. And with peace I could progress and move ahead disseminating the message of peace in our country and all over the world.

— Kes Bahadur Pun, Simpani

I think I am too emotional as a person and I am always trying to please people around me. This becomes impossible most of the time and it makes me sad. I don’t like this trait of mine at all. I have discovered that this is my zodiac’s typical character and can be hardly altered. But if I could, I would want to be a more light-hearted and optimistic person who carries relationships casually, who lives in the present rather than worrying about the future and for whom everything is just a part of life.

— Sumnima Khatri

I spent most of my young days at school, an I now have difficulty in getting closer to my parents at home. I am doing what I can to adapt at home. So if I could remove this obstacle, I would be very happy.

— Ashok Banjade

If I have to change one thing about myself it would be my paranoia. I’m paranoid which puts me in trouble. I cannot trust people easily and always believe that the world is not reliable. I’m nervous and not comfortable while dealing with people. I think if I’m able to change this trait of mine, then I can surely succeed in making my life better and more meaningful.

— Shanti Gurung

I am a short-tempered person. I get furious whenever there is an imbalance in the surroundings. My close friends and folk are often at the receiving end of my harsh words . When I am furious, I throw a tantrum and yell and the person near me has to bear the brunt. After sometime I calm down and find myself in an awkward situation and I sulk for days. People who are calm and patient lead a blissful life. Minus my short temper, undoubtedly I am a good friend, good daughter, good sister.

— Sushma Ghimire

Selflessness, a virtue I inherited from my parents, has been my greatest strength. It gives me a sense of satisfaction and immense pleasure when I help others without having any selfish motive. I do this not for any other reason but for self-satisfaction. And while judging my weaknesses I find myself too sentimental. Sometimes I feel that this is my weakness and has been a great hurdle in achieving desired goals in life. I wish if I could have control over this weakness of mine.

— Ambika Pandey, Chitwan

The way one speaks reflects one’s personality. So, I would like to change the way I speak with people. I believe speaking at the right time and saying the right things keep one a step ahead. Staying silent has been a disadvantage for me on many occasions.

— Ashish Chandra Shrestha, TU

I always give priority to humanity. This is my strength, whereas my weakness is that I do not have the desire to earn to lots of money. Living in this materialistic world where money is admired and worshipped by all, this trait of mine is definitely my weakness.

— Eklaxmi Nepal