Everyone has their own philosophy in life, and so do I. The journey of my life, from childhood to the present, shaped me into someone who believes deeply in the process of learning. The phrase “from zero to hero,” commonly used worldwide, captures the essence of the journey required to develop a hero. It’s not a short process; it takes time to build character and personality. This is the core of my belief, which aligns with the concept of the “Four Pillars of Self-Leadership” that Prof. Astuty shared during the BC4DCP course recently.
The first foundation in developing self-leadership is understanding your own abilities and weaknesses. This self-awareness is the key to building self-confidence. Becoming a hero is not easy, but with the right process and constant self-reflection, it is something that can naturally develop. The second pillar of self-leadership is understanding the intrinsic and extrinsic sources of motivation that influence us. For me, my husband and children are my primary sources of strength in facing challenges in life and my career. I also acknowledge that another powerful motivator for me is seeing the fruits of my hard work pay off in success; whether it’s the success of my students, my team, or even my own achievements. Bringing happiness to my parents is also a significant achievement for me. Their encouragement and advice fuel my confidence, empowering me to continue moving forward and contributing to society and the community.
Additionally, it’s important to recognize both our strengths and weaknesses. Everyone has their own unique set of abilities and limitations. We must accept and acknowledge them, rather than living in denial, avoiding the truth about our weaknesses. I, too, struggle with time management, particularly in prioritizing my tasks at the faculty and in my role as a lecturer. Honestly, it’s not easy for me, especially after spending seven years working in the private education sector before transitioning to academia. However, the skills, knowledge, and network I developed in my previous career continue to benefit me to this day. While recognizing my weaknesses, I also believe that everyone has their own strengths. These strengths are what lead us to success. For me, my resilience, ability to self-motivate, and communication skills are what have propelled me forward.
Getting to know ourselves; our strengths and weaknesses is an ongoing process. As we grow older, our attitudes and preferences change. We must accept that we are lifelong learners. When we know our goals, understand our nature and strengths, and tap into the sources of motivation that inspire us, we can continue moving forward. With Allah’s permission, we will find success in this temporary life.
A lot of thanks to Prof. Astuty for her invaluable insights on self-leadership during the BC4DCP program. Her session was deeply inspiring, and I gained a wealth of knowledge from it. As a woman in higher education, Prof. Astuty stands as an exemplary role model, demonstrating what it takes to be an effective leader in this field. Her experience and leadership have taught me the value of strong guidance and unwavering determination.
