Where there is a will, there is a way” is a familiar proverb, and while its general meaning is widely understood, not many realise its profound utility as a tool for self-transformation. One’s inner transformation is intrinsically linked to the strength of one’s will and the resoluteness of one’s spirit.

If an individual, with a strong and unbending will, decides to no longer harbour negative thoughts or indulge in a specific bad behavioural response, then partial or full success in inner change can be achieved; otherwise, one falters repeatedly, becomes demoralised sooner or later, and gives up the effort to change.

It is crucial to understand that on the path of self-transformation, temptations to seek tributes and laurels, to rise to fame and glory, will be incredibly strong. Gender attractions will exert a powerful pull on one’s mind, and situations to defray tempers will be too provocative or too numerous. One might feel cheated by these subtle ways of Maya.

Therefore, it is essential to stand firm and face these storms like a rock, saying to oneself: “It is a question of my integrity and honour. I have made a promise to myself that I will not now be a puppet or a slave to this negative habit of mine or that personality trait. Am I going to break my promise? Am I a person who does not stick to his or her words or whose promise has no value? Wouldn’t it be a breach of trust God has placed in me, or a breach of promise I have made with God, to indulge in this nefarious act which I swore that I had given up? Does it behove a person with any self-respect to break his promise and to do what he had considered as spiritually obnoxious and morally evil?” This kind of self-talk is very helpful while on the path of self-transformation. It has been observed that one weakness leading to the spiritual ruin of man is the postponement of implementing certain decisions, even though these were made voluntarily and are for his lasting good. This happens especially if a person fails in one’s initial steps to prevent any of one’s negative traits from manifesting, as a result of which, in case of failure, he feels frustrated and loses his self-confidence, believing all his efforts will end in smoke.

Having lost his will, he gives up the effort and says to himself: “I am not giving it up forever. I will start and fight against this evil that is entrenched in me but, perhaps, the time has not yet come. I will start it on some more auspicious and memorable day.”

And when that day finally comes, he thinks that for this day, he will start afresh. But again there is a pitfall. So, he says to himself: “I shall better start it from the first day of next month.” On that day, he starts it over again.

 But, one who has not determined that he will continue it now against all odds will admit his defeat again and again and, having lost his heart, will either give up efforts forever or will postpone it until another auspicious day! Such people get used to failing again and again and, in the process, they become weak.

Let us, therefore, make a strong affirmation and say to ourselves: “Even if the heavens fall, I am now not going to fall. My pledge is harder than steel. And I pledge that I am not going to falter and will now march from great to greater heights!”

When individuals thus work for self-change with a tenacious and determined will, then only does a society change. Apart from sharing this individual responsibility of self-change, there is no other known way of world-change.

This ripple effect, starting within each individual’s heart and mind, gradually expands to transform families, communities and ultimately, nations. A society composed of self-aware, morally grounded individuals inherently promotes peace, justice, and sustainable progress. It is in this collective awakening of individual wills that the true promise of a better world lies, offering a genuine path to universal welfare and harmony. Thus, the journey of self-transformation becomes the very bedrock of a flourishing, compassionate global civilisation.

(The writer is a popular columnist and a spiritual teacher. Views are personal)