In my last article, I introduced the concept of being an introvert, and discussed their habits encouraged and discouraged in Islam. In this article, I’ll be sharing my advice on how introverts can make the most of their personality within the workplace.

Susan Cain, a well-known author on the subject of introversion said: “Introverts are really good, if they have a bunch of engaged employees, at letting those employees run with their ideas, cultivating those ideas. They’re less focused on putting their own stamp on things and more on bringing out other people’s strengths. They also tend to be very good at cultivating one-on-one alliances with the people they’re leading and really listening to what their needs are, what their input is.” 

We are in an age that values increasing creativity and collaboration in the workplace and in academia. Extroverts are naturally favored, but this environment can be energy-draining for introverts. So, how can introverts thrive and be productive in the workplace? Here are my tips for you to implement in your life, to make the most out of your personality, and excel where you work.

1. Charge yourself with tahajjud, the best form of solitude

There is an incorrect perception that introverts do not feel emotions. Contrary to this myth, introverts are very impassioned. However, who they share these feelings with are limited. This is why tahajjud is an excellent tool, because it means that you are able to express your emotions with the One who knows exactly how you are feeling. Not only are you relieving your heart and providing yourself some quiet time, but you are also gaining deeds by performing extra prayers at the best time.

2. Take breaks and pace yourself

In a busy environment, you work best in short bursts, so make them count. While it may seem like you are procrastinating, a couple minutes off will actually help your mind recharge. As an introvert, it is helpful to take a few moments to switch off to avoid being overstimulated. Take a short trip to the washroom, cafeteria, to drink water or visit another colleague.

3. Write things down and make time for them later

It is perfectly fine when you don’t know what to say right in the moment, when you are in a meeting, or a similar workplace situation. Being able to respond quickly does not necessarily equate to not being smart or witty. Take time to think and write about what you want to say, and then offer your well thought-out opinion via email or social media. Also, keep reminding yourself, actions speak louder than words. What you could not express in the meeting can be shown through your work. Develop your skills and talents especially those unique to you as an individual and to introverts in general.

Keep a journal to make you feel better and reflect upon your life. Take note of each event and have a conversation with yourself on how many ways you could have reacted and which one would be the best to follow.

4. Listening is your strength

Listening is an active process. We have to force ourselves to listen sometimes. The first step to productive listening is developing an open-mind. Listening is also a sign of obedience, as stated in these verses:

“Who listen to the speech and follow the best of it.” [Qur’an: Chapter 39, Verse 18]

Listening and being observant in the workplace is a great and useful skill to have.

5. Develop your communication skills

As an introvert, it is important to make sure when you speak you are not being vague and choose your words carefully. A’ishah, said:

“The Prophet Muhammad spoke in a distinct manner so that anyone who listened to him could understand it.” [Abi Dawud]

Do not fake or pretend to be someone you are not while communicating; this is the biggest reason for energy drain and frustration.

The Prophet said,

“He who believes in Allah and the Last Day must either speak good or remain silent.” [Muslim]

So, we don’t always need to speak! When it is unavoidable for you to engage in small talks, speak good and the truth. Or, just smile and listen! Additionally, introverts are actually quite skilled at encouraging others. This can be a powerful trait if applied in meetings, with friends, or the colleagues with whom you work.

Do not depend on written communication too much…

Depending solely on written communication is unhealthy as it makes you an outsider. Maintain a healthy balance between written and oral communications. When you leave your chair and approach your colleague to say meaningful, positive words, they will feel positively about you.

…and make time for social interactions

Communicating with others is a vital part of becoming successful. This is equally true in academia, at work and with family and friends. As an introvert, it might be draining to consistently be social. This is why it is important to dedicate time to being social. If you feel as if you have more energy to give at a specific time of day, then it is best to dedicate some of that time to social bonding. It helps improve your productivity, without causing you to sacrifice your inner energy. This also allows you to keep your bonds going, while remaining energized and positive, improving your personal and professional lives.

6. Take reprimands in a positive manner

No one likes to be reprimanded especially in public. But, our beloved Prophet was also reprimanded by Allah when he frowned upon a blind man, as Allah says in Surah ‘Abasa from verses 3 – 16.

Whatever you hear is to correct you and to make you stronger. Take any criticisms constructively and plan how you can learn and grow from your mistakes.

7. Ask for help

If you are struggling on a task or a certain colleague, you should always try to ask someone for advice, be it another workmate or a superior. If you find it difficult to communicate confidently in this situation, write down the issue and email it, as I mentioned earlier. Asking for help is not a weakness – in fact, it is a strength to be able to recognise when you require assistance.

Most importantly, always ask for help from Allah . Prophet Musa made sure to ask Allah for his brother Harun to be made a prophet as well, so that he could help him speak to the people. He also had a stammer, was fearful of many things, and quick to anger. This is a great lesson in recognizing that Islam is a way of life, and being an introvert does not take away from a person the relationship s/he has with their faith. If it is difficult to find people to feel comfortable around, it is never difficult to speak to Allah for guidance and assistance. Musa made a du’a that is beneficial for introverts and extroverts alike.

This is the du’a that Musa made:

“Oh, my Lord! Open for me my chest (grant me self-confidence, contentment, and boldness). And, ease my task for me and make loose the knot from my tongue (remove the defect of my speech) that they understand my speech. And, appoint for me a helper from my family, Aaron, my brother. Increase my strength through him, and let him share my task that we may glorify You much, and remember You much. Indeed, You are of us Ever a Well-Seer.” [Qur’an: Chapter 20, Verses 25 – 35]

Ways to help an introvert at the workplace

Extroverts and introverts constitute the ummah, making them brothers and sisters. So, if you are an extrovert, it is important to support introverts and contribute towards a balanced society where everyone is thriving. This can be done by:

1. Giving everyone time outside of a meeting to make good group decisions.
2. Learning empathy by not listening to the stereotype of what an introvert is, but instead, getting to know an introvert by keeping an open mind. Each person is unique, including you!
3. Withholding judgment as much as possible. Be aware that you do not actually know all the facts about why a person is quiet or reserved.
4. Asking them if they want to join a get-together, and if it is a ‘no’, gently assure them that you recognize their need of being alone. (Yes, this is a universal need that Maslow did not mention in his hierarchy!)
5. Not disturbing them unnecessarily while working. For anyone, regaining internal stimuli can be at times arduous.
6. Making sure that it is a focused conversation that you want your introverted colleague to get engaged in. Focused conversation is the one with a productive purpose and requires engaged listening.

Introverts, social introverts, ambiverts, and extroverts are created by Allah to serve a purpose. Every introvert has their own way of obtaining their energy. The power to be productive can also be obtained from the environment that surrounds us and thus obtained power has its own ways to creativity. And, every person should benefit from that also. Thus, an adequate amount of interaction with the people and the ecosystem is necessary to develop new types of creativity! The ability to listen, analyze, reflect, encourage others, and gain internal stimuli are all factors that contribute to greater levels of productivity. These, if charged correctly, can lead to consistent success. Either by recharging self-energy through an internal powerhouse or through external stimuli, a balanced and productive ummah can be rhythmically created, in sha Allah.

What are your recommendations for developing a productive work environment for an introvert? Share your views and recommendations with us in the comments section below.

The post ​[How To Be A Productive Introvert]: Part 2 – In The Workplace appeared first on ProductiveMuslim.com.

These were all things I did – and that is when I realised I am an introvert. It was not that I was not a people person. In reality, my productivity reached its peak when I was in a comfortable setting that was shared with me, myself, and I.

Although introverts have always been in existence, the term ‘introversion’ was first used by Carl Jung in the 20s, to define psychological preferences. While terms such as ‘shy’ or ‘reclusive’ are often used, even in dictionaries, to describe a quiet person who finds difficulty in interacting with others, they are not fundamentally synonymous with introversion. On the contrary, it is more about where a person derives their energy, drive, and motivation. While extroverts thrive on external factors, introverts look within themselves in order to obtain the stimuli they are in need of. It was proven by the Myers-Briggs Test that introversion is not unnatural and is a preference that allows for a person to obtain their energy.

Introverts face many issues, due to the stereotypes that label them. Since there are many people who are uninformed as to what introverts actually are, introverts are looked down upon in society. When they are in a group, it can be difficult to feel accommodated or comfortable unless the subject is interesting and worthy of discussing. Introverts enjoy a healthy debate filled with meaningful conversation. But small talk can make them feel both exhausted and suffocated. This silence and discomfort of introverts is often deemed weird, arrogant, antisocial and so on. They are also considered weak, shy, or lacking in personality for simply not being expressive or “open” enough. In addition, Introverts have the tendency to listen more than they speak. While this is a well-appreciated quality, they are often labeled as ‘foolish’, ‘weak-willed’ or ‘non-committed’ or even ‘disrespectful’ towards other people in a gathering.

These issues affect the productivity of introverts because it causes them to not be favored by society. Their rational and creativity are not given proper space to develop. While introverts can flourish in the correct atmosphere, this pushes them to demean themselves or even reach the level of depression. However, when we align the characteristics of an introvert with Islamic principles, it can help introverts feel comfortable with their preferred style of working, and with these thoughts in mind, can work to maximise your productivity.

Habits of introverts encouraged in Islam

While the Qur’an does not divide people based on their level of introversion or extroversion, certain qualities that introverts possess are praised.

1. Haya (modesty)

As Muslims, we are told to be modest both externally and internally. Though external modesty is easier to adopt, internal modesty requires time, effort, patience, and perseverance. For an introvert, developing internal modesty is relatively easier as they are modest in speech and not too proud or confident (before they accept themselves).

Allah says:
“O children of Adam, We have bestowed upon you clothing to conceal your private parts and as adornment. But the clothing of righteousness – that is best. That is from the signs of Allah that perhaps they will remember.” [Qur’an: Chapter 7, Verse 26]

2. Tadabbur (reflection)

Introverts have a desire to reflect and spend time on their own thinking. Reflecting promotes intellectual thoughts and wisdom. The Prophet Muhammad said:

“There is no wisdom like reflection, and no honor like good manners.” [Darussalam]

In order to reflect productively, it is helpful to be in a calming atmosphere. Thinking ahead and having an organized schedule, an updated to-do list, and a tidy room before reflecting makes the experience relaxing, beneficial, and fruitful.

3. Keeping away from idle talks and asking questions

Introverts are gifted with the tendency to keep away from small talk, which can prove to be quite a blessing. Having a strong desire to have meaningful conversations means that insignificant talk is often deemed unnecessary and avoided.

The Prophet said, “… And Allah dislikes idle talk, to ask too many questions (for things which will be of no benefit to one)…” [Al-Bukhari and Muslim]

From this, we can understand that it is good to ask questions, but the questions should serve a purpose. Whether an introvert, an ambivert, or an extrovert, keeping this in mind helps one develop the attitude of focusing on asking significant questions appropriately.

4. Quietness and reticence

While it is seen as a flaw to be quiet, Prophet Muhammad actually encouraged it. Known for his quiet laugh and nights spent in quite worship in i’tikaf, he thought before he spoke and encouraged his sahabah to do so as well. He said:

“Whoever is silent, he is saved.” [Darussalam]

When we make an intention to have a quiet nature to follow the sunnah, your natural character will be rewarded in sha Allah.

5. Listening

Listening is a strong quality to be blessed with. It is proven to be valuable in the Qur’an, in ahadith, and in quotes of wisdom meant to benefit the reader. It is found evident here, as Allah says:

“Indeed in that is a reminder for whoever has a heart or who listens while he is present [in mind]” [Qur’an: Chapter 50, Verse 37]

Listening with an intention to understand [listen – take notice – while present in mind] rather than to reply is the key to becoming an effective listener.

6. Silence

Silence implies humility and intelligence. When an introvert is silent in front of someone, it is because they are listening. When they are silent on their own, it is simply because they are reflecting.
Susan Cain, author of “Quiet” proves that being silent does not imply disrespect or foolishness. In her words, “It’s a very powerful thing to be quiet and collect your thoughts.” The Prophet said,

“He who believes in Allah and the Last Day must either speak good or remain silent.” [Muslim]

He also said:

“Do not indulge in excessive talk except when remembering Allah . Excessive talking without the Remembrance of Allah hardens the heart, and those who are the farthest from Allah are those whose hearts are hard.” [At-Tirmidhi]

Habits of introverts strictly discouraged in Islam

As we mentioned earlier, Allah does not divide people based on the modern terms ‘introvert’ or ‘extrovert’. By the modern understanding of the word ‘introvert’, there may be some characteristics that would be disliked in Islam, and would actually hinder your productivity.

1. Keeping away from guests

Introverts limit how often they are in a noisy and people filled environment where small talk is required. Remaining silent and quiet is considered disrespectful, in situations where you may be visiting family or other Muslims. Prophet said, “… and let him who believes in Allah and the Last Day be generous to his guest.” [Al-Bukhari]

There is a duty upon Muslims to serve guests and be hospitable. It is considered a noble deed when a person makes even the slightest effort to make his/her guests comfortable, and is a great source of barakah for the host. This means that an introvert may need to step out of their comfort zone in order to please Allah by serving your guests.

2. Not paying visits to relatives and friends

The Messenger of Allah related,

“An angel visited a man while he was going to meet his brother only because he loved his brother for the sake of Allah . The angel informed him that he was a messenger from Allah and Allah loved that man as he loved his brother for His sake. “[Muslim]

It is important to make it a habit to visit relatives and friends at least one day per week in order to spend quality time with them. Having regular, though small, visits allow for bonds to be developed and strengthened, making it easy to interact with them as there will be a warm level of comfort and acceptance. You just have to convince your mind and maintain endurance for the sake of Allah . Behaviors are to be learned and they can be unlearned too. Remember, there is a great reward for keeping family ties, and the one who breaks family ties in danger of committing a major sin.

3. Isolating oneself from people

“The believer who mixes with people and bears their annoyance with patience will have a greater reward than the believer who does not mix with people and does not put up with their annoyance.” [Sunan Ibn Majah]

Introverts look for depth in their conversations, making it a bit more challenging to tolerate ‘annoying’ or trivial interactions. However, even these conversations are sometimes unavoidable and inevitably have to be dealt with politely in order to please Allah . If your is starting to become drained, the best solution is to take a deep breath, renew intentions, and say ‘Bismillah.’ Remembering that it is for the sake of Allah makes it much easier to cope with.

In the book, The Productive Muslim, Br. Mohammed Faris, an introvert himself, tells us how his productivity dropped when he started working alone more often, showing that, even though his productivity increased being alone, there comes a point where it starts to become a hindrance. Coming to terms with and accepting this, helped him enhance his productivity, with interactions like phoning to a friend, visiting a potential new client and, having online meetings with his team. These routines made him immediately feel excited to work again. Even introverts are in need of an adequate amount of social energy to keep them going.

So there you have it! If you consider yourself an introvert, you can boost your productivity by accepting your character traits, whilst being able to step out of your comfort zone once in a while. Combine that with a firm intention to please Allah , and in sha Allah you will be productive and rewarded no matter what your personality is like.

Are you an introvert? What are your tips to develop the pros and mitigate the cons of being an introvert? Share your views with us in the comments section below!

The post ​[How To Be A Productive Introvert] Part 1: Self Improvement appeared first on ProductiveMuslim.com.

Consider Mariam’s case

Mariam was told that she was the cream of the crop. She was given all the confidence she needed and was treated like a star in each classroom she walked into. Mariam graduated with high grades and got into an amazing college. But then everything changed. Life suddenly went from studying the night before and getting an A, to barely even passing her courses due to not knowing how to properly study for an exam.

So, what gave her the flat tire that prevented her from reaching her destination? It is because Mariam was praised, not challenged. She became overconfident in her abilities, so she settled. She developed a fixed mindset, which hindered her growth. This mindset resulted in her becoming okay with underachieving, which in turn decreased Mariam’s level of productivity. Some might have gotten luckier than Mariam and succeeded in college and the real world, but it did not come without its own share of hard work and the desire to truly become successful.

So what is the problem with too much praise?

Overconfidence can limit your productivity

Labelling students as the brightest crayons in the box comes with a heavy price. Whilst some might think that it increases a person’s confidence and enhances their abilities, it does very little to prepare them for the real world. For a person who is constantly fed compliments and praise, failure becomes a fear and the fixed mindset becomes a daily practice.

What do I mean by fixed mindset? They lose faith when circumstances do not go as they please, they give up quickly and become discouraged if they are not immediately successful at something.

Whilst they might be naturally smart, they forget that the level of intelligence a person has is not the determinant for whether or not they become a successful student or a thriving employee. For most, college becomes a reality check as it is no longer about how smart a person is, but how hard they work and how well they study.

The overconfidence these students are given by being told they are smarter than others limits their ability to put in the extra effort. It also limits them from being able to accept criticism and reach their potential.

Since Mariam’s experience might sound like a nightmare for some of us, let us explore ways to limit the negative effects of overconfidence.

1. Remember where your talent came from

For someone who is going through this or knows someone who is struggling with the disappointments of overconfidence, it helps to remember where their talent came from to begin with. It is most definitely a gift from Allah . It was not something you chose. Rather than accepting compliments for having a certain talent, accept constructive criticism that will help improve that talent and build on it. Rather than relishing in praise for something, look for ways to be better.

In doing so, the person becomes more serious, sincere and appreciative of the gifts of Allah . Remember that Allah says

“‘If you are grateful, I will surely increase you [in favor]” [Qur’an: Chapter 14, Verse 7].

2. Have sincere intentions

“The reward of deeds depends upon the intentions and every person will get the reward according to what he has intended.” [Sahih Bukhari]

When embarking on a task, ask yourself: Why am I doing this? Is it to show off and receive praise or become popular, or to have a real positive impact and serve others?

It is very helpful to remember that we should work to impress Allah first, and then our loved ones.

Often we do things to receive praise from others, however, this has a temporary effect. Once overconfidence kicks in, one will start to lack the desire to impress others, and subsequently the quality of their work will deteriorate because they’ve lost the derive.

The solution for this is to work in solitude and increase ibadah. This is not just ibadah in the ritual sense. It is possible to turn even the day-to-day activities into an act of ibadah if one has sincere intentions.

When you have a project, an exam or a class that you find difficult, ask yourself what is the purpose behind all that? Are you studying in order to pursue a career that helps you positively impact and serve others? Are you working to earn money you can spend in the way of Allah ?

This is essential because if we do something for the sake of Allah , we cannot compromise the quality of the work. We also know that He appreciates all efforts, so one should be motivated and hopeful of Allah .

3. Reflect daily on these questions

It helps greatly to have daily reminders and reflect on what you have achieved and how you can do better. Some good thoughts include:

1. Success is for the sake of Allah . What are ways to become successful that will please Him in return?
2. Is my mindset going to help in the long run? If not, what are ways to turn it into a positive mindset that comes with lasting results?
3. How are today’s actions going to benefit the world?
4. Is this level of confidence influencing my abilities negatively?
5. How necessary is people’s praise to truly becoming successful?

These daily reflections will motivate you to become better and allow you to find your weaknesses and work on them.

4. Aspire to be a hardworking person

The desire to “become hardworking” rather than “be smart” creates the need to accomplish more. It increases productivity because it becomes an innate desire to take on the next task and achieve it. One of the many results of that includes increasing one’s intelligence and wisdom. Even if your work ended unsuccessfully, the knowledge that resulted from the attempt becomes a successful lesson of its own. It means that every day you are striving to achieve something and learn something new.

5. Acknowledge and encourage

It is better to say, “I noticed you tried really hard to do this” than it is to say “You are such a smart kid!”

When someone is constantly praised, they tend to think that they have done something wrong if they are not praised for their action. Acknowledgement proves that you have paid attention to what a person is doing. Encouragement shows that you want to motivate them to do more. This allows them to challenge themselves to keep moving forward.

Without even realizing it, overconfidence can easily be a nightmare in disguise. It can make life seem like a dream at first. However, when the real world comes knocking, it unveils the negative consequences of being given too much praise, but not enough instructions, proper encouragement and direction.

It is not necessary to be the brightest crayon in the box. There is beauty in having just enough confidence to want to strive for success. More important than having the need to be fed compliments (ones that only bring about temporary happiness), is being determined to have a bright future that can only come with hard work, dedication, renewed intentions, and the desire to please The One .

What do you think are ways to direct confidence properly and avoid the negative consequences of overconfidence? Share with us your thoughts in the comments section.

The post How Overconfidence Threatens Your Productivity appeared first on ProductiveMuslim.com.

Is success fixed, or is it something you can develop? This is the question that might be running through your mind as you anxiously stand on the doorsteps of your future and give your mind the permission to wander ten steps ahead. Anxiety and stress begin to cloud your mind, as uncertainty makes its way through the doors. For one second, you think about giving up, but something or someone tells you it will be okay. Despite the fears that tug at your sleeves, you hold on.

This could be you. It could be that you are a university student. Maybe you are a struggling parent. You could also be a fresh graduate attempting to get your startup business up-and-running. In addition to the inner pressure, obstacles are found in multiple corners throughout your path. These hurdles have the potential to dim your journey, forcing you to forget that faith is one of the most important components that light your way.

Overcome the ‘fixed’ mindset

There are two types of people. There are those who have a fixed mindset and those with a growth mindset.

People with the fixed mindset tend to give up quickly, lose faith when circumstances do not go as they please and they become discouraged if they are not immediately successful at something. Their mindset tends to be limited and, as a result, it also becomes easy for them to blame their lack of happiness and success on a lack of love from their Creator. People with a fixed mindset forget that obstacles are not meant to prevent success, they are meant to be conquered in order to make the bigger picture even more satisfying when achieved.

Develop a ‘growth’ mindset

The people who have a growth mindset view the glass as half full. These are the people that take failure as a lesson, embrace challenges, have faith in the best of times, and they know how to acquire faith from their adversities. Even when life gets difficult, they constantly work hard to become successful. People with a growth mindset know that intelligence is something that you can always achieve and develop, because it is unlimited.

To put it into perspective, imagine the pressure that comes with being a university student. On top of taking a full course load, there is the requirement to attend all classes, study for all classes, and then it is equally important to do well in these classes. Aside from this, it is mandatory to impress your family by getting high grades so that they can tell all of your extended family what you’re doing and compare you to your siblings and your cousins. Not to mention the need to get into a good graduate program, and find a stable job, whilst struggling with questions like: did I choose the wrong course, wrong university or even the wrong path?

If you do that, bear in mind that this is only one aspect of your life. It can be so easy to succumb to the stress and simply give up. Sometimes all it takes to lose inspiration is one bad grade or the inability to understand what the professor is saying. Failure to do well becomes an excuse to become helpless, allowing you to be blinded by the lesson you were meant to learn. Eventually, you begin to lose faith in God.

However, this is not the route you have to take. A lot of the stress and unhappiness is not from the circumstances you are put in, but from how you choose to deal with them.

The road can be much easier, and here are some tips to help you along the way:

Do not neglect “yourself”

When life gets difficult, it becomes easy to lose your sense of self. If you are a university student, you trade self-care for extra last minute studying. If your career or parenting becomes hectic, you also forget that your wellness matters. The solution to this is a fixed-commitment calendar for some “me time”. Taking time out to do something that relaxes you and frees your mind of stress is important, whether it’s reading a book, exercising, baking or just having a meal with friends.

Make the most out of your prayers

With all the chaos that takes place, your prayer can be the one constant that allows you to relax and breathe. This is your opportunity to get away from the hectic atmosphere and obtain the positive energy you are in need of. You immediately feel refreshed, and you are able to acquire a sense of calmness that cannot be found anywhere else. Allah says so eloquently 

 “Unquestionably, by the remembrance of Allah hearts are assured.” [Qur’an: Chapter 13, Verse 28]

Remain ‘in the present’

If you want to be stress resistant, it is important to remain present. Be in the here and now by giving yourself reminders. Do you happen to feel as if you are drifting far off into the future? Create sticky notes that remind you to stay present. While it is good to think ahead, it is not good to live ahead. These reminders help you focus on what needs to be accomplished right now, rather than the unwanted stress of false predictions over the future.

Remember that change takes time

Having a fixed mindset is the easiest way to prevent yourself from having a growing relationship with Allah . It might be that you fail a test or much worse, lose a family member. Instantly, you stop thinking positively. You lose faith in Allah , rather than appreciate the lesson as an opportunity to get closer to Him. When you take the perspective of a growth mindset, you realize that these lessons are meant to benefit you. It becomes essential for you to focus on having trust in Allah , because then you find no need to become dependent upon anyone else. This does not happen overnight, but the beauty of the growth mindset is that the best of results happen over time.

Invest in yourself

Focus on your strengths, rather than your weaknesses. Tap into your inner strengths. Try to push yourself one step further and see what happens next. Chances are you are more than capable of taking even more steps towards your goal. Think what skills/talents Allah has blessed you with and work on honing those. Whatever your weaknesses are: whether they’re a trait pertaining to your character or a skill that you’re lacking, work on bettering that whist remembering that knowledge can be acquired and it is unlimited. Just because someone else is good at something doesn’t mean you can’t be too. Remember every expert started off as a beginner.

Know how and when to make dua

Try not to feel helpless. Feeling helpless is the first sign of quitting. When you do feel this way, simply ask yourself: “Why do I feel helpless?” Then, think of what it is you can do to resolve your problem. One method is consistent dua in tahajjud prayers. Remember, if you really want something, then you should be praying for it, and this is something that Allah said,  

“And your Lord says call upon me, I will answer you”. [Qur’an: Chapter 40, Verse 60].

If you do not see the results you want, then it could be that you either have or will be given something better or you should renew your intentions and pray for what will bring you closer to your Creator. What brings you closer to Him is also what will offer you permanent happiness. In the darkness of the night, you can find the solace and comfort in knowing you are having a private meeting with your Creator with no distractions. As Allah says in the Qur’an

“And from [part of] the night, pray with it as additional [worship] for you; it is expected that your Lord will resurrect you to a praised station.” [Qur’an: Chapter 17, Verse 79]  

Sometimes our hearts can be so fixated on something; whether it’s a job, a university, a house or even a future husband/wife, and we start questioning. We wonder: Why didn’t Allah give me what I want, I made so much dua, I have been so steadfast in my actions, couldn’t Allah give me this one thing? Don’t I deserve it? That’s when we need to remember

“Perhaps you hate a thing, and it is good for you, and perhaps you love a thing and it is bad for you” [Qur’an: Chapter 2, Verse 216].

Sometimes your life takes an unexpected route that completely throws you off, but we don’t know the future, only Allah does. So rather than make dua for material desires, why don’t we put our trust in our Master and make dua to be guided to what is best for our dunya and akhira?

Be grateful

Finally, write down the reasons why you should be grateful. It could be that your mind is so full that you have no room to remember the good in your life. It helps to jot the good in your life down and put the note in the place you sit the most. Having the opportunity to look up at this simple reminder makes it easier for you to focus on the good, instead of the temporary bad. Remember that the good is meant to lift you higher each time you take a look at that note. I once was sent a reminder that had a simple question on it. “If one day all of your blessings were to disappear except for the ones that you said ‘alhamdulillah’ for, how many blessings would remain?”

It was the right and most needed message.

It is the quality of your hard work that leads to permanent results. The best of outcomes always take time to achieve. It is easy to go into anything with the mindset of “I have to be successful,” and it is just as easy to say “I was not successful, I give up.” However, it is so much better to go in with the mindset of “I will become successful, insha’Allah.” Every synonym of “struggle” is a part of the journey towards success; you will discover obstacles, struggles, difficulties and even hardships. This does not mean it is impossible to get through them all. Everything becomes that much easier when you remember that throughout this all, the support of Allah is always with you. The future might be uncertain, but the present is as certain as you allow for it to be. You know quite well by now that Rome was not built in a day, which is why your relationship with Allah will take time and dedication to become as beautiful and rewarding as you dream for it to be. This is also why you cannot stop here and you cannot give up on yourself. Take a look at the complete picture you are aiming for. Your struggles are meant to one day blossom into accomplishments.

Lets us know your thoughts and reflections in the comments below!

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