IAS Officer Shares 10 Life Lessons on How to Navigate Challenges in Society

The naysayers might tell you life isn’t always cut out to be easy, but IAS officer Divya Mittal believes otherwise. The IIM Bangalore graduate often takes to X — formerly known as Twitter — to share her learnings on life and work.

In one thread, she shared 10 lessons she learned over the years, reflecting society’s behaviour. Here, we take a deep dive into these:

1. Believe in yourself

Believe in yourself

Believe in yourself even when no one believes in you. Especially at that time believe in yourself. Don't let other people define what you can or cannot do— Divya Mittal (@divyamittal_IAS) October 7, 2023

Society has funny ways of making one question their worth. But IAS Divya Mittal emphasises the importance of self-belief in such times.

2. You are beautiful

You are beautiful

You are wonderful the way God has made you. Don't let your self image be poor because you do not fit into some convention of society— Divya Mittal (@divyamittal_IAS) October 7, 2023

As unrealistic beauty standards dominate social media, it’s easy to go down a negative spiral. Mittal talks about not letting conventional standards cloud your judgment.

3. Be proud of your accomplishments

Be proud of your accomplishments

Only you know the struggles you have faced in life. And hence you know the difficulty of what you have achieved. Be proud of what you have done till now. Be hopeful of the future.— Divya Mittal (@divyamittal_IAS) October 7, 2023

Nothing that you have accomplished is a waste. Mittal emphasises celebrating the wins and the losses as each shapes you in its own way.

4. Believe in the goodness of people

Believe in the goodness of people

There are all kinds of people in this world. Some are not so good. But most of the world is nice and kind. Don't give up on people and humanity— Divya Mittal (@divyamittal_IAS) October 7, 2023

“Don’t give up on people and humanity,” shares Mittal.

5. Stand by each other

Stand by each other

You don't even know how much strength you can give to each other by just being there. Tell your friend who is going through a difficult time that you will be there. Then you will see that they will be able to overcome their problems themselves— Divya Mittal (@divyamittal_IAS) October 7, 2023

The value of human connection must not be misunderstood, says Mittal, as she goes on to highlight everyday instances of how people can lend a shoulder to each other.

6. Don’t compare

Don't compare

Don't compare yourself with others. Seing other's picture perfect life on social media is a major cause of sadness these days. Be happy with yourself— Divya Mittal (@divyamittal_IAS) October 7, 2023

Tracing back to the point of social media, Mittal notes how easy it is to begin comparing your worth to what you see on a screen. “It is a trap,” she notes.

7. Being sad is OK

Being sad is ok

Social media makes us believe everyone is happy all the time. That is not true. Don't force yourself to be happy. You will be sad at times. Sadness is a part of life.— Divya Mittal (@divyamittal_IAS) October 7, 2023

“Sadness is a part of life, and like all emotions, it will come and go. Stay strong.”

8. Learn to like what you do 

Learn to like what you do

Even when you are following your dreams, there will be times when you have to do things that you do not enjoy as much. Don't run after instant gratification all the time. Focus on the long term— Divya Mittal (@divyamittal_IAS) October 7, 2023

Mittal highlights the evils of running after instant gratification and how toxic it can be.

9. Be grateful

Be grateful

Be grateful for the things you have. Don't take things, people and feelings for granted. Never hurt the feelings of another person. If they slip away from you, you will realize how difficult it is to live without them— Divya Mittal (@divyamittal_IAS) October 7, 2023

Always show gratitude for the things and people around you, notes Mittal. “Make it a point to appreciate what you have.”

10. Depression

Depression

While being sad is normal, if the feeling of melancholy or any other psychological feeling is persisent, get yourself checked by a medical practitioner. There is no embarassment in admitting a mental issue. Get treated— Divya Mittal (@divyamittal_IAS) October 7, 2023

Mental health tops everything. Mittal encourages people to talk openly about their feelings especially if they persist.

Edited by Pranita Bhat

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