Stepping out of my childhood home one chilly morning, small suitcase in hand and eagerness within, I was fuelled by dreams and aspirations. Dreams that were as precious as they were ambitious. I was a young boy stepping into the world, hopeful, yet in many ways, unprepared. If there's one thing my journey from that day to becoming the founder of Success Insider has taught me, it's the power of kindness, specifically – kindness towards oneself.

About two decades later, seated in a comfortable study on a Saturday afternoon, reshuffling old photos – the very image of my younger self sent a stir of emotions within me. My frame was smaller then, my eyes carried the glimmer of youth. I thought about the boy in the photo, about his dreams, and how if I had the chance, I would tell him a thing or two about being kinder to himself.

Kicking off on the journey of personal development and carving out a path often means setting high standards, relentlessly pushing oneself, and commonly being the harshest critic of our own actions. However, we often overlook the need for self-compassion, forgetting that water can carve a mountain not through force, but persistence.

Looking back, I realise we tend to ruminate on our past self, sometimes with a sardonic smile, sometimes in regret, often wishing we had known better. But, let's switch gears here, just for a moment. Think about your past with gentle understanding. Recognise that you were doing the best you could with the wisdom, tools, and understanding you had then. Extend kindness towards your younger self, understanding that every decision led to your growth and made you who you are today.

Now, let’s venture into the realm of the present, the only real time we have control over. Amidst its chaos and uncertainty, take a moment to breathe, to appreciate your efforts, your will, your strength. Understand that it's okay to be a work in progress and still be proud of who you are. Managing the LMA course made me understand, it's important to appreciate the present moment, forgive ourselves for the mistakes we've made, remember to take healthy breaks and above all, remind ourselves of our worth.

This brings us to the future. Ah, the fascinating and terrifying unknown. It's human to fear what lies ahead and worry about living up to our own expectations. Will we make it? Here's where I encourage you to be your biggest cheerleader. Believe in your capabilities, in your resilient spirit and most significantly, in your journey.

Just like how “I have failed over and over again in my life, and that's why I succeed,” Michael Jordan once said. The future is shaped by the slog of the present and kindness to our future self means to fortify our spirit with self-worth and grit.

Remember, the path to enduring success isn't a highway sprint; it's more akin to a marathon. Burnouts aren't badges of honour. Pause, rejuvenate, extend kindness towards yourself – your past, present, and future.

Ask yourself, ‘What would I say to my best friend if they were in my shoes?' Often, you'll find that you deserve the same kindness and understanding that you readily give to others. No blog post, Tim Han reviews, or success insider story can replace the impact of your personal journey. Embrace it.

So is it easy? Rarely. Is it worth it? Absolutely! As you move forward on your unique journey, remember, self-kindness isn't just about the destination, but also about appreciating the voyage. The ship will weather storms, and there will be calms, but it is your constant kindness towards yourself that will keep you afloat and guide you towards the shore of your dreams.