Winning Life’s Mind Game

Narvijay Yadav

Rock Solid Willpower is a transformative guide that blends personal resilience, practical strategies, and timeless wisdom. It was inspired by a battle with COVID-19 and offers 24 actionable techniques for strengthening inner strength

It is humbling and surreal to see my latest book, Rock Solid Willpower, resonate with readers and garner praise from luminaries like Mika Singh, Shaan, Sangram Singh, and Alex Outhwaite. Their words of encouragement add a new dimension to my journey—a journey that began with a fight for survival.

The idea for this book was born during one of the darkest phases of my life. In May 2021, the second wave of COVID-19 ravaged India, claiming countless lives. I, too, fell victim to the Delta variant, which severely damaged 92% of my lungs. My health deteriorated rapidly, and I was admitted to the ICU of GMCH-32 in Chandigarh. For weeks, I teetered between life and death, relying on a high-flow oxygen machine to keep me alive.

During this harrowing ordeal, my daughter’s unwavering support became my lifeline. Through heartfelt messages and video calls, she reminded me that “COVID is a mind game, and you can win it.” Her words ignited a spark within me. As I lay in that hospital bed, surrounded by the grim realities of the pandemic, I resolved to fight back.

Emerging from the hospital after a gruelling month and a half, I realized the profound truth behind those words. Life, much like COVID, is indeed a mind game. Those who can control their thoughts, emotions, and fears emerge victorious. This epiphany planted the seed for Rock Solid Willpower.

The book is a culmination of my personal experiences, the lessons I learned during my near-death encounter, and the timeless wisdom I’ve gathered over my 36-year journalism career. It offers 24 actionable strategies for developing unshakeable self-discipline and achieving success in any endeavour. These strategies are rooted in psychological research, spiritual principles, and practical advice.

The book uses the metaphor of willpower as a muscle. Like any muscle, willpower grows stronger with consistent practice and the right techniques. The chapters explore themes such as mindfulness, gratitude, and mental resilience, providing readers with tools to navigate life’s challenges.

Hearing prominent personalities endorse the book is deeply gratifying. Legendary Mika Singh’s words—“Narvijay, Our Babbar Sher”—reflect the essence of resilience that the book aims to instill in its readers. Shaan, a celebrated Bollywood singer, described it as “truly inspiring and powerful.” International wrestler Sangram Singh, whose journey of overcoming childhood rheumatoid arthritis exemplifies sheer determination, vouched for the book’s practical value. UK-based travel TV presenter Alex Outhwaite praised its positive and empowering insights, calling them a key to unlocking inner strength.

Motivational speaker Sangram Singh’s story is particularly close to my heart. As a child, he faced insurmountable odds—he was unable to walk properly for the first eight years of his life due to severe arthritis. His transformation from a frail child to an international wrestler is a testament to what unwavering willpower can achieve. His journey is a powerful example of the central theme of my book: the mind’s ability to triumph over adversity.

Rock Solid Willpower is more than just a guide; it is a call to action for anyone seeking to conquer their inner struggles and rise above life’s challenges. At just 86 pages, it is a concise yet impactful roadmap designed for readers from all walks of life. Published by Adhyyan Books, the book is easily accessible on Amazon and priced at Rs 299 for the paperback and Rs 99 for the eBook.

As I look back, I am filled with gratitude for the experiences—both harrowing and uplifting—that shaped this book. Writing it was a journey of healing and reflection, and I hope it becomes a source of strength and inspiration for its readers.

I’ve learned that life is not about avoiding challenges but confronting them with resilience and determination. With the right mindset and the strategies outlined in Rock Solid Willpower, I believe anyone can achieve their goals and emerge victorious in the game of life.

(The writer is a senior journalist and columnist. Views are personal. Email: narvijayindia@gmail.com)