Ever dreamed of turning your wildest dreams into reality? Roxie Nafousi’s Manifest – Seven Steps to Living Your Best Life is a must-read for anyone who want to learn the secrets of manifestation and transform their lives with the power of positive thinking. Nafousi, a self-development guru and Instagram influencer, breaks down the concept of manifestation into practical steps that anyone can follow.

One of the most interesting parts of the book is the emphasis on vision boards. Nafousi explains how creating a visual representation of your goals can keep you focused and motivated. Imagine having a board filled with images and words that inspire you every day, and remind you of what you’re working towards. It’s like having a personalized roadmap to your dreams!

Nafousi provides powerful affirmations that you can repeat daily to build confidence and maintain a positive mindset. Her personal stories and practical exercises make the book feel like a conversation with a trusted mentor. She encourages you to believe in yourself and take actionable steps towards your goals. The book is filled with tips on setting clear intentions, visualizing success, and staying resilient in the face of challenges.

Manifest is perfect for teens who want to take control of their lives and achieve their dreams.

The post Manifest appeared first on The Teenager Today.

A young man on his way to the city met an old man and asked him, “How far is it to the city? Can I get there before sunset?” The old man replied, “If you walk slowly, you will reach by evening.” The young man was surprised at the answer and thought to himself, Usually everyone would say, ‘hurry up’. Thinking that the old man was making fun of him, he hurried on his way to the city. After a while, he slipped and fell. Forgetting the pain of his bruises, he started limping and saw another traveller struggling to walk. They spoke to each other. The new traveller said, “This was my situation yesterday. Neither of us understood what the old man had said. The road is humpy-bumpy and slippery. Maybe he meant that one should walk slowly, carefully, but with determination.”

On your journey towards your goals, the path with its ups and downs, twists and turns, may not be smooth and clear to you. But what is important is to take every step with care and determination. Martin Luther King Jr said, “You don’t have to see the whole staircase, just take the first step.” Every step you take on your journey provides an opportunity to learn and grow. Embrace the lessons you learn with each success and failure, and be willing to adapt your strategies accordingly as you progress. Albert Einstein has wisely said, “Life is like riding a bicycle. To keep your balance, you must keep moving.”

India’s recent T-20 World Cup victory against South Africa, featured as the cover story in this issue of TTT, conveys a strong message to us: success is not an accident or a stroke of luck; it is the result of taking the right steps with determination, strict discipline, hard work, perseverance, and teamwork. Each one of the players had begun with small steps from their humble backgrounds and reached the peak of success by recognizing, nurturing, and persevering with their unique talents. It teaches us that those who stand in the limelight today have often endured hard times to get there.

Success may not be visible in the beginning, but it is the courage that will help you to continue that matters. Take one step after another that will launch you on the path to success. It is about pushing forward, no matter how many times you fall. When the going gets tough, the tough ones keep going. Bruce Lee has wisely noted, “I fear not the man who has practised 10,000 kicks once, but I fear the man who has practised one kick 10,000 times.” This illustrates the power of discipline and focus in mastering any skill.

Besides the T-20 World Cup success, we have also featured the daring stories of people like Akansha Jagga (a 16-year-old student from Delhi), IPS officer N. Ambika, and Ritesh Agarwal (Founder of OYO) to inspire and motivate you!

The post One Step at a Time appeared first on The Teenager Today.

Motivational speaker Jim Rohn famously said that we are the average of the five people we spend the most time with. While it may sound like an exaggerated quote and lacks scientific validity, it helps to convey a very powerful idea that the people we surround ourselves with greatly influence our thoughts, behaviours, and ultimately shape who we become. Look at your closest friends and family who have made substantial contributions in shaping you. In some cases, you accomplished much more than you thought you were capable of because of their timely intervention. With a genuine desire that you shouldn’t fail in life, your closest friends and family didn’t allow you to follow your dream and they coerced you to follow easier goals. They do it out of love and concern for you and your dreams, aspirations and ambitions would never be accomplished because you were not allowed to pursue it for fear of failure.

As you begin this wonderful academic year, you may want to do some introspection and identify those people who have influence on you. Do they uplift and inspire you or do they bring you down? Have they limited you in some way? Or have they kept you in your comfort zone? When you look back you will know how strong was their influence on you and how your life has been shaped by their influence. Maybe it is a good time to make a resolution to associate more with people who will uplift and help you reach your fullest potential and make you the best version of you. And when you give more time to such people in your life, you’ll find that the negative people will have no more influence on you. Your decisions to say ‘No’ to gossiping, bunking classes, getting into infatuations, fights, quarrels, drugs and overuse of social media will distance you from such negative people. If you associate yourself with such friends, it’s likely that you will inherit such habits.

Subscribe to The Teenager Today print / digital editions to read the full article.

The post Surround Yourself with Positive People appeared first on The Teenager Today.

Tiny Leaps, Big Changes focuses on habits you can develop in your everyday life to lead to a bigger change. This personal development podcast focuses on exploring the day-to-day behaviours we all engage in that determine the results we gain. It covers topics such as learning new skills, consistent improvement, eating healthier, managing anxiety, overcoming perfectionism, beating procrastination, etc. Hosted by Gregg Clunis, the show shares simple strategies you can implement to start moving towards your goals.

The post Tiny Leaps, Big Changes appeared first on The Teenager Today.

As the calendar page turns, and 2024 dawns, the hopes and the goals of today’s youngsters for the coming year illuminate a road of personal growth, perseverance, and self-discovery. In the spirit of Youth Day on 12 January, this special segment shares young voices from across the country and their hopes and dreams for 2024. From self-improvement journeys to facing the hurdles of new beginnings, these stories provide a vivid picture of youthful optimism and tenacity, revealing the diverse goals that will shape the fabric of the coming year.

“In the upcoming year, my aspirations as a student are oriented towards personal and academic development. Beyond academic development, my main dream is to better myself, for myself, doing things that will benefit me, and no one else. With the New Year approaching fast, I am dedicated to enjoying the remaining few days by prioritizing myself and my close ones. And instead of setting New Year goals, I will go with the flow, taking the pressure off of me. My only aim for the New Year is making most of the days, and enjoying it.”
BAVANA VINOD THALATHOTI (21) / Maharashtra

“Winter is the time when old leaves fall out making room for the new ones; it’s the time when animals hibernate, preparing themselves for a new summer. The New Year falls in this season, bidding farewell to the past and celebrating what’s yet to come with hope and laughter. This year has been a rollercoaster ride for me — new city, new faces, taking a small step towards my big dreams. I faltered at times, my instinctive fear holding me back from putting myself out there in the world. Setting resolutions have never worked out for me, so this year I am going to go with the flow, keeping my eyes wide open for the opportunities coming my way and letting go of the things that are holding me back. This year I will focus on gracefully letting go of the things that are holding me back and working towards my betterment.”
SHARANYA SUNIL NAIR (20) / Gujarat

“My hopes and dreams for 2024 would be to improve and explore new opportunities for myself. Since I’m a student and a freelancer, I would like to improve my camera and directional skills to showcase and improve my content. I would like to improve on my priorities so that I can create an environment where I have a work-life balance to ensure that I don’t feel burnt out and miss out on important experiences and events which could help me personally and professionally. Lastly, my only dream and goal is to give back to my parents and relate with their goals and dreams as they have given me the opportunity to explore and take my dream profession and career.”
NIHAL KONDUR (21) / Kerala

“A New Year is forever; it keeps coming year after year, and so do my new dreams. There have been so many dreams for me to fulfil, and I take resolution and fail to meet them. But this time, I am not the same anymore. My goal for 2024 is not about getting a good job or being productive. It’s about making myself healthy and confident. 2023 has been a hell of a ride. So many changes in my life have happened, wherein I failed to look after my physical and mental health, which has put me down in many ways. This time, I am not going to give up. I am going to prioritise my mental and physical health, and I am not going to compromise on my health anymore. Eating clean food and exercising for at least an hour will be my compulsory activity here on. Hopefully, this year will be a kickstart for my activeness to control and grow my body and health.”
VINISHAA N. D. (21) / Tamil Nadu

Approaching the New Year, I stand at the crossroads of reflection and anticipation. My heart echoes with the whispers of hopes, and dreams unfold like a story waiting to be written. In the tapestry of the coming 365 days, I see a journey of growth and resilience. Resolutions become the guiding compass, pointing me towards the uncharted territories of self-discovery. As the clock ticks down, each second resonates with the promise of a fresh start. With open arms, I welcome the unknown, ready to embrace the challenges and triumphs that will follow. Here’s to a new chapter, a canvas yet untouched, and the adventures that lie ahead.
RITIKA MITRA (20) / Kolkata

Excitement fills my heart as the New Year approaches. Hopes and dreams bloom in the garden of possibilities. Standing at the threshold of 365 days, I see a canvas for resilience, joy, and growth. Embracing the unknown, I envision a personal metamorphosis. Challenges may come, but my spirit remains undaunted. With each tick of the clock, aspirations harmonize with the universe. The forthcoming year is a blank chapter, and I am the author, penning a saga of purpose and new beginnings.
BHAVYA GIRISH (21) / Karnataka

The post Navigating New Beginnings: Voices of Hope for the Coming Year appeared first on The Teenager Today.

Dear teenagers,

This open letter to you can be the key with which you can open several doors — doors leading to success, and a fulfilling life.

Let me ask you a few questions:

DO you think that you are a capable, smart and a meritorious teenager?
ARE you ready to face life head-on and embark on your journey towards the future?
DO you think that you are better than several others you know in your network?
DO you want to succeed in life?
DO you dream of a life that gives you complete happiness?
DO you wish to travel around the world? Have a wonderful house and live happily with a loved one?
HOWEVER, are you feeling a bit unsettled and confused now? Perhaps, even a bit confused?
ARE you afraid of facing the future?

If the answer to most or all of the above questions is YES, then this letter is certainly meant for YOU!

You must be learning a lot these days; observing, listening and processing a lot of information, and the source of this info could be:

• Your parents telling you that you are simply the BEST and that your place shall be amongst the stars! Or reversely, some telling you that you are STUPID, useless and that you won’t accomplish much in your life.
• Many ideas must be forming and desires taking birth from the K-dramas or content appealing to you on OTT platforms.
• You must be observing a lot happening in the lives of your peers, classmates and friends.
• You must be watching your favourite actors or sports stars and role models living luxurious lifestyles, making you envious of them.

Subscribe to The Teenager Today print / digital editions to read the full article.

The post Are You Ready to Face Your Future? appeared first on The Teenager Today.

An aim is imperative for every person, because without an aim man is ineffectual. An aim in life refers to the sturdy intention to achieve something. It gives meaning to your existence. You may face hurdles in achieving it, but a determined aim will bring success to your life. Your aims should build your life with everything worthy and righteous that life has to offer.

An aim motivates you to channel all your energies into getting out of where you are now towards where you want to be. An aim gives decorous meaning to the voyage of life. A precise aim means a precise life and a vague aim means a vague life. You need to set aims that relate to the high significances in your life. Your aims should be crystal clear and well-defined. As Oscar Wilde said, “The aim of life is self-development. To realize one’s nature perfectly, that is what each of us is here for.”

An aim helps you to put your triumphs into perspective. It directs your life to a specific destination. It provides you with a long-term vision. You should be pragmatic with your aims and they should be relevant to the direction of your life. The more robust your aims are, the more you will be able to act on them. Those who walk that extra mile and make an impression are the people who have focused aims.

Subscribe to The Teenager Today print / digital editions to read the full article.

The post How to Achieve Your Aim in Life appeared first on The Teenager Today.

It’s been a hard day of trekking for me in Ephesus, Turkey, but what I’ve learnt I don’t think I could have picked up from any encyclopedia or Google search. Gary Player, for years, was a great competitor in national and international golf tournaments. People constantly said to him, “I’d give anything if I could hit a golf ball like you.”

Upon hearing that comment one day, the player responded impatiently: “No, you wouldn’t. You’d do anything to hit a golf ball like me, if it were easy! Do you know what you have to do to hit a golf ball like me? You’ve got to get up at 5:00 every morning, go out to the golf course, and hit a thousand golf balls! Your hands start bleeding, you walk to the clubhouse, wash the blood off your hands, sign a check to pay off your home loan, slap a bandage on, and go out and hit another thousand golf balls! That is what it takes to hit a golf ball like me!”

Subscribe to The Teenager Today print / digital editions to read the full article.

The post Nothing comes easy! appeared first on The Teenager Today.

Life is not going to last forever. You must learn to live and appreciate life with passion. In life, all you can do is do your best. Life is not about counting the years, but making the years count. Life may not move as you thought or planned, but as long as you are doing your best, the rest will be fine. Trust the power in you instead of worrying about circumstances. Do your best, trust the rest to God, and hope for splendid things to come. Make the time you have count right now. God created you to make an impact here on earth.

You will never make your life count until you make your day count. You will never make your day count until you make every hour count. You will never make every hour count until you make every moment count. You will never make every moment count until you make your actions count. You will never make your actions count until you make your words count. You will never make your words count until you make your thoughts count.

The roads to success and failure are never mistake-free. Your choice matters. Work towards realising your dreams. Here are some actions you can implement every day to get the desired outcome:

Live and Let Live

Diversity is there in all elements and it adjoins the beauty of nature. Live your own way and let others live their own; this is the rule of respectable living. “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you,” said Jesus. You can lead a level-headed and undisturbed life if you “live and let live”. This is what great men like the Buddha and Guru Nanak taught us.

Subscribe to The Teenager Today print / digital editions to read the full article.

The post Make Your Life Count appeared first on The Teenager Today.

Our thoughts have tremendous energy and they have the power to make or mar us. For example, if a student has failed in the final exams, he/she may think that his/her life is totally ruined and may decide to end his/her life as the result of such thinking. However, if that student thinks that failures are a part of life and his/her life is not over with one failure or repeated failures, and as a result he/she resumes his attempts, then that student’s thinking will build his/her life meaningfully and make it worthwhile.

As you begin your academic year after the summer holidays, it is wise to take charge of your thought patterns to make your lives meaningful and successful. The greatest discovery today is that a person can change his future by changing his thought patterns and acting accordingly! Our set ways of behaviour have been formed by our thoughts and beliefs. We are creatures of habits. A new type of thought pattern can set the stage for new habits that can empower and fulfil our life. Now, if you are serious about achieving your goals then you have to change your thinking patterns to have a new type of life that you have decided to live.

Therefore, change the focus in your life. The more you train your thoughts to focus on something, the more likely you will be able to achieve it. Set meaningful goals to achieve it. Then, harness your energy to achieve your goals that are beyond the ordinary, that which are enduring and valuable. Consider setting your focus on goals that would help not only yourself but also the overall happiness and welfare of everyone connected to you.

This year, 5 June marks the 50th anniversary of World Environment Day. The degrading quality of life is a great threat to our existence and survival on earth. We have offered a few articles in this issue dealing with the subject, including an article on a few steps to minimize plastic pollution. Can you think and take steps to make our ecosystem more safe, supportive and sustainable?

The post Change your thoughts, Change your world! appeared first on The Teenager Today.