These are some of the important lessons that Army Training at the National Defence Academy (NDA) imparted. These are personal experiences that continue to resonate:
1. It's all in the mind.
If your mind believes you can, then you definitely can. The mental aspect often defines your limits more than the physical.
2. You never truly know your physical capabilities.
You often underestimate what you're capable of. Once you stretch yourself, you realize that you can regularly achieve more than what you did yesterday.
3. 5 minutes is a very long time.
It's enough time to take a nap, enough to get ready in any outfit, enough to have a 3-course meal, and many other things that we feel require longer. If you only have 5 minutes, don't give up.
4. Letters leave more impact than phone calls.
The effort and tangibility of a letter often convey deeper meaning and connection than a quick call.
5. All kinds of food can be great.
Taste is often a function of hunger. When truly hungry, you appreciate all food.
6. English is easy to learn and speak.
You just have to be willing to forget that you know any other language and immerse yourself.
All of the above are personal experiences which still stay with me.