Memorising the Qur'ān is a noble and fulfilling endeavour. But, along this journey, we may unknowingly adopt habits that hinder our progress. So I want to mention some essential habits to break to become your best self as you memorise the Qur'ān.
Break the following habits to become your best self:
Comparing Yourself
It's natural to look at others' progress, but constant comparison can lead to feelings of inadequacy and self-doubt. Remember, each person's memorisation journey is unique, and you need to be focusing on your own progress. Celebrate your achievements, no matter how small, and let it inspire you to continue striving. You want to compare yourself to yourself. How can you improve today as compared to yesterday?
When you're memorising the Qur'ān, you will see others memorising at really fast speeds or a speed that is much faster than your own. One crucial realisation is that you are better at being you than anyone else. Embrace your uniqueness and focus on your own journey. When you shift your mindset to concentrate on your personal growth, life becomes about becoming the best version of yourself. Your energy and efforts are directed towards improving your skills and abilities, rather than comparing yourself to others.
Embracing Discomfort
Growth occurs when we step out of our comfort zone. You need to embrace challenges and new experiences in your memorisation journey. Although it may feel daunting, these experiences provide opportunities for learning and development. Embracing discomfort is the key to unlocking your true potential.
A study shows that achieving personal growth often requires experiencing discomfort. What if instead of tolerating discomfort (e.g., feeling awkward or uncomfortable), people actively sought it out? It showed that seeking discomfort as a signal of self-growth motivated engagement and increased perceived goal achievement relative to standard instructions.
So, if you're memorising and you need a teacher, you need to get a teacher. If you're memorising and you're constantly hiding, you need to face some discomfort.
Persistence over Quitting
In the face of initial difficulties, resist the urge to quit. So many people will quit from the get go. Persistence is vital in memorising the Qur'ān. Challenges and setbacks are part of the journey towards success. Stay committed to your goals, and with perseverance, you will overcome any obstacles. You can read so many stories on this site. And you will see how much persistence everyone had.
Starting Amid Imperfect Conditions
So many people want to wait and delay starting. But you're never going to get anywhere by doing that. Don't wait for the "perfect" time to start memorising the Qur'ān. Begin now, regardless of external circumstances. Remember, progress is more important than perfection. Start where you are, and let your determination guide you towards excellence.
When pursuing a goal, we often look to successful individuals and try to replicate their strategies. Learning from others can be beneficial, but we must remember that what works for them now might not have been their starting point. We tend to set high standards for ourselves, aiming for perfection before taking the first step. This mindset can hinder progress, making us believe that we lack the necessary resources to begin. However, starting doesn't always require an optimal setup. For example, in traveling, you don't need expensive gear to begin; in business, a professional logo isn't crucial at the start; and for healthy eating, you don't need a perfect diet plan initially. Delaying action by waiting for the ideal conditions can prevent us from making any progress at all. Instead, we should focus on taking imperfect but meaningful steps forward. An imperfect start can always be refined later, while a perfect plan without action leads nowhere.
Limiting Phone Use
The smartphone can be a distraction that diverts your focus from Qur'ān memorisation. Limit mindless scrolling and social media consumption. Instead, engage in your hifz and things that contribute to your personal growth and well-being.
Studies highlight a significant association between excess use of phones and negative effects on physical and mental health wellbeing. Based on the results, it is recommended that more physical activities and alternatives to minimise phone usage should be planned for the students.
Complaining all the time
Fostering positivity in our lives can have a profound impact on our overall well-being and success. Complaining not only drains our energy but also creates a negative mindset that hinders problem-solving. Instead of dwelling on the difficulties we encounter, it's crucial to shift our focus towards finding solutions and maintaining a positive outlook.
One effective way to cultivate positivity is by embracing gratitude. Gratitude helps us recognise the positive aspects of our journey, even amidst challenges, and fosters a more optimistic perspective. It increases blessings.
Challenges are an inevitable part of life, and how we approach them can make all the difference. Instead of seeing obstacles as roadblocks, view them as opportunities for growth and learning. Every challenge presents a chance to develop resilience, problem-solving skills, and inner strength. Embracing challenges with a positive mindset allows us to tackle them more effectively and with confidence.
Moreover, surrounding ourselves with positive influences can significantly impact our attitude and outlook. Seek out people who radiate positivity and support your growth. Positive relationships can uplift our spirits, provide encouragement, and inspire us to be the best version of ourselves.
Practicing self-awareness also play vital roles in fostering positivity. When we become more aware of our thoughts and emotions, we can catch negative patterns early on and redirect them towards positive thinking. Mindfulness helps us stay present in the moment and prevents us from dwelling on past regrets or future anxieties.
It's essential to be kind to ourselves and practice self-compassion throughout our journey. We all experience setbacks and moments of self-doubt, but instead of being overly critical, treat ourselves with understanding and gentleness. Self-compassion enables us to bounce back from challenges with a renewed sense of determination.
Overcoming Unnecessary Procrastination
Overcoming unnecessary procrastination is essential for achieving our goals, especially when it comes to memorising the Qur'ān. Procrastination, without a valid reason, can hold us back from making progress and may result in missed opportunities and unfulfilled aspirations. To conquer procrastination and stay on track with our memorisation journey, it's crucial to take proactive steps and develop effective strategies.
The first step in overcoming procrastination is to set clear objectives. Define specific and achievable goals related to memorising the Qur'ān. Break down the memorisation process into manageable chunks, such as memorising a certain number of verses or chapters each week. Having clear objectives provides direction and helps us stay focused on what needs to be accomplished.
Once the objectives are set, create a realistic action plan. Organise a daily or weekly schedule that outlines dedicated time for Qur'ān memorisation. Allocate time during periods when you feel most focused and energised. By having a well-structured plan, you minimize the chances of procrastinating and maximize your productivity.
To stay motivated, it's essential to remind yourself of the purpose behind memorising the Qur'ān. Whether it's to strengthen your connection with Allāh, seek spiritual growth, or fulfill a personal aspiration, connecting with the deeper meaning of your memorisation journey can serve as a powerful source of motivation. Additionally, surround yourself with a supportive community, such as friends or family, who encourage and uplift you in your pursuit.
Taking consistent steps towards memorising the Qur'ān is crucial to overcome procrastination. Establish a daily routine that includes regular sessions for memorisation and revision. Consistency is key to making progress and retaining the verses memorised. As you witness the gradual advancement in your memorisation journey, the sense of accomplishment will further fuel your determination.
Another effective strategy to combat procrastination is to eliminate distractions during memorisation sessions. Furthermore, celebrate your achievements along the way. Acknowledge and reward yourself for the progress you make, no matter how small. Celebrating milestones boosts your self-confidence and reinforces positive behaviour, making it less likely for procrastination to creep in.
Memorising the Qur'ān is a journey of self-discovery and transformation. Embrace change as you learn and grow through this process. Memorising the Qur'ān isn't just about reciting words; it's a journey of self-discovery.
Lastly, be patient with yourself. Memorising the Qur'ān is a profound and noble endeavour that requires time and effort. It's natural to encounter challenges and setbacks, but don't let them discourage you. Embrace the process and trust that each step you take brings you closer to your ultimate goal.
Breaking these habits will empower you to become your best self on your Qur'ān memorisation journey. Embrace growth, foster positivity, and overcome challenges with determination. Remember that this is a transformative process, and progress is more important than perfection. Embrace the beauty of the Qur'ān, and let it illuminate your path towards spiritual fulfilment.
May Allāh make your journey a success!
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