We were lucky to catch up with Nahrin Chowdhury recently and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Nahrin , so happy you were able to devote some time to sharing your thoughts and wisdom with our community. So, we’ve always admired how you have seemingly never let nay-sayers or haters keep you down. Can you talk to us about how to persist despite the negative energy that so often is thrown at folks trying to do something special with their lives?
In life’s journey toward personal fulfillment and professional success, encountering doubters and critics is inevitable. Over time, I’ve encountered difficult situations that have pushed me to cultivate my mindset, perseverance, and understanding of my purpose and passion. These challenges were not roadblocks but opportunities for me to rise above confidently in my convictions.
Growing up as a second-generation Bengali in the United States, I often felt torn between the norms of my cultural community and my own aspirations. Straying from the traditional path meant facing a barrage of disapproval, whether it was leaving my pharmacy career or navigating the taboo of divorce.
In these moments, I discovered the power of staying true to myself. I realized that to overcome the impacts of the criticism, I needed to first believe in my voice and vision. I distanced myself from the negativity, surrounding myself with friends who appreciated me for who I am, cheered me on, and supported me without judgment.
Defining my core values was pivotal in this journey. It gave me a strong sense of identity and confidence in my path. It also helped me establish a vision for my life. While I embraced the values instilled in me during my upbringing, I recognized the need to identify the fundamental principles and values that would guide me as an adult. Over the years, I’ve evolved, and some of my core values have shifted. However, my foundational list of core values remains the same: respect, integrity, compassion, gratitude, happiness, growth, resilience, generosity, courage, and authenticity. I keep this list accessible on my phone, frequently revisiting it to reflect on how I am embodying these values in my daily life. This exercise has provided me with a strong sense of identity and confidence in who I am and who I strive to be.
I also realized that defining success is deeply personal, and no one else can dictate what it looks like for me. With the support of my loved ones, I found the courage to embrace my unique path and desires. Confident in who I am and where I’m headed, I forged ahead, knowing that my journey is mine alone to navigate.
During this period, I learned to trust my instincts above all else. Despite holding a great position as an Assistant Principal, I made the difficult decision to resign after realizing the toxic nature of the work environment. Despite warnings that this choice could negatively impact my future job prospects, I knew deep down it was the right move for me. Reflecting on my core values of respect and authenticity, I recognized that staying in a place devoid of respect would compromise my integrity. With confidence in my decision, I resigned, knowing it was better to honor my values than to remain in a situation that stifled my authenticity.
Similarly, when given the opportunity to move to California despite skepticism from others, I chose to trust my instincts once again. Conversations aimed at dissuading me were mostly to warn me “this is a terrible financial decision because you’ll lose your pension” or “you do this at 20, not at 40” and of course, “you should get your life together” referring to getting married, having kids, and buying a home. Despite the concerns, I listened to my inner voice and took a leap of faith. In hindsight, this decision proved to be rewarding professionally and personally, leading to a wonderful experience that reaffirmed the importance of trusting oneself and embracing change.
While staying true to myself and trusting my instincts are crucial aspects of my journey, I’ve also come to recognize the importance of embracing constructive feedback. This feedback has been instrumental in guiding me toward confidence, growth, and self-improvement. Learning to distinguish between genuine concern and baseless criticism has been really important.
Prior to founding Unstressified LLC, I devoted over a year to designing an app for women. However, during a feedback session with a mentor, it became clear that not only a significant shift in direction was necessary but abandoning almost all of the work put in. This was the advice I needed for success. Despite facing criticism and mockery when I started Unstressified, I drew strength from the support and encouragement of those who celebrated my vision and continued to draw upon the constructive feedback of trusted individuals. Their wisdom pushed me forward, allowing me to focus on my goals while disregarding the negativity of others.
So, to anyone facing their own naysayers and haters, here’s my advice:
Define your core values and stay true to them, even when it’s difficult.
Surround yourself with supportive people who believe in you and your dreams.
Listen to constructive feedback, but trust your own instincts above all else.
Remind yourself that your journey is yours alone to navigate, and no one else can define your success.
And most importantly, never let the doubters dim your light. You will always win if you stay true to yourself and follow your own path.
As I reflect on my journey today, I am grateful for the challenges and critics that have played a pivotal role in shaping me into the person I am. Despite the difficulty and hurtfulness of criticism, it has contributed to my growth, resilience, and confidence. Remembering David Goggins’ words, “you will never meet a hater doing better than you,” serves as a powerful reminder to stay focused on my path.
It’s essential to define who you are, who you want to be, and what success means to you. By doing so, no one’s words can derail you from your chosen path. I am deeply fulfilled by the path I have chosen, and to any naysayers now, I not only have the ability to drown out their negativity, but I also extend my wish for them to discover their own identity, passion, and purpose. May they find fulfillment and live in gratitude instead of criticism.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
I’m a proud New York native, with roots tracing back to Bangladesh, where my parents immigrated from. For the last five years, I embraced the laid-back vibes of Los Angeles after relocating there for a job opportunity. What was initially meant to be a one-year stint turned into a transformative five-year journey. Returning to New York recently, I find myself appreciating the lively energy of the city while also missing the calm, sunny days of Southern California.
The decision to return to New York was driven by my desire to be closer to my family, especially my aging parents. Family holds immense importance to me, and being back here allows me to blend the lessons and personal growth I experienced in LA with the familiarity of home. With a passion for education, particularly equity in education, my 20-year career has been deeply fulfilling. Whether teaching math or leading transformative change in the school system, I’ve found joy in making a difference.
My time in LA taught me the importance of balancing ambition with self-care and mindfulness. These practices not only fostered personal growth and fulfillment but also strengthened me professionally. It was this realization that inspired me to launch Unstressified, my stress management company. My goal is to share the lessons I’ve learned and help others find peace and fulfillment in their own lives.
Beyond work, I cherish quality time spent with friends and family, staying active through workouts and sports, and finding joy in life’s simple pleasures—a good cup of coffee, an interesting book, or watching a beautiful sunset. I thrive on learning new things, great conversation, and finding adventures. Despite encountering challenges along the way, I remain committed to reaching my full potential, making a positive impact, and embracing gratitude each day on my journey.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
Staying True to Who You Are: One of the most crucial aspects of my journey has been ensuring that my decisions and actions align with my core values and beliefs. It’s essential to be authentic and genuine in every aspect of life, whether it’s choosing a career path, forming relationships, or navigating challenges. My advice to those early in their journey is to take the time to understand themselves deeply and identify their values. Once you have a clear sense of what truly matters to you, strive to surround yourself with people, opportunities, and environments that resonate with those values. This alignment will not only bring fulfillment but also provide a solid foundation for personal and professional growth.
Embracing Change: Change is inevitable, and embracing it has been instrumental in my growth journey. Instead of resisting or fearing change, I’ve learned to view it as an opportunity for growth and transformation. My advice to others is to cultivate a mindset of openness and adaptability. Rather than clinging to a rigid sense of control, embrace uncertainty and view challenges as stepping stones toward becoming the person you aspire to be. Set goals and aspirations, but remain flexible in your approach, allowing room for unexpected opportunities and learning experiences along the way.
Continuous Learning and Humility: The journey of self-improvement is never-ending, and staying humble and committed to lifelong learning has been invaluable for me. Recognizing that there is always more to learn keeps me curious, motivated, and open-minded. I encourage those starting their journey to adopt a similar mindset. Be willing to admit when you don’t know something and seek out opportunities for growth and development. Whether through formal education, mentorship, or simply being receptive to new ideas and perspectives, prioritize expanding your knowledge and skillset. Let go of the need to be right and embrace the humility that comes with acknowledging that there is always more to discover.
Who is your ideal client or what sort of characteristics would make someone an ideal client for you?
At Unstressified, our ideal client is someone who embodies the characteristics of a busy individual facing the daily challenges of balancing career success, personal obligations, and overall well-being. We specialize in empowering these individuals, particularly high-achieving women, who find themselves feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or disconnected from their personal and professional goals.
Our ideal client is someone who:
Is Busy and Overwhelmed: They are juggling multiple responsibilities, whether it’s excelling in their career, managing a household, or fulfilling family obligations. They may feel stretched thin and struggle to find time for self-care amidst their busy schedule.
Desires Change and Growth: Despite their success and accomplishments, they recognize that something is missing or not quite aligned in their life. They are motivated to make positive changes, break free from stress, and achieve greater fulfillment in both their personal and professional lives.
Seeks Guidance and Support: They understand the value of seeking guidance and support to navigate life’s challenges and obstacles. They are open to new ideas, perspectives, and strategies for managing stress, prioritizing self-care, and achieving their goals.
Values Personalization and Tailored Support: They appreciate personalized approaches to their unique needs and aspirations. They understand that one-size-fits-all solutions may not work for them and are looking for tailored strategies that resonate with their individual circumstances and preferences.
Is Committed to Growth and Transformation: They are committed to their own growth and transformation journey. They understand that change takes time and effort, and they are willing to invest in themselves to create positive, lasting change in their lives.
At Unstressified, we recognize that personal and professional empowerment often requires learning new skills and strategies to navigate life’s complexities. Whether it’s setting boundaries with friends, honing leadership skills at work, or improving communication with family, we’re here to help you develop the tools and confidence you need to thrive in all areas of your life.
Our personalized coaching and consulting services are designed to support you in identifying and cultivating the skills necessary for personal and professional growth. From integrating non-intrusive self care into your day to assertiveness training to conflict resolution techniques, we offer practical guidance and support tailored to your unique goals and aspirations.
If you resonate with these characteristics and are ready to embark on an empowering journey of growth and transformation, we invite you to join us at Unstressified. Together, we’ll create a roadmap to help you achieve the life you envision and find peace and calm amidst life’s demands.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://linktr.ee/unstressified
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/unstressified
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nahrin-chowdhury-73559b120
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