'Treat yourself the way you treat your work': Woman's career advice strikes a chord online

An Instagram post by a user has resonated with social media users after she shared a personal lesson about prioritising herself with the same commitment she gives to her career. In a video reflecting on life after turning 34, she said the shift in mindset has transformed the decisions she makes and encouraged others to invest the same focus in their personal lives that they devote to work.

The post drew widespread support, with many users saying they related to her experience of putting professional responsibilities ahead of personal goals.

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A post shared by Shirin Rai Bhardwaj (@shirinraigupta)

'The best version of myself goes to me'

In the video, Shirin said she realised her life would change once she began treating herself the way she treated her employer and work.

"This year, when I turned 34, I had a massive realisation that my life will change when I start treating myself the way I treat my work and my employer. Complete focus. Non-negotiable. The best version of myself goes to me," she said.

She added that the decisions she had made since adopting this approach had been among the best for herself. Concluding her reflection, she said, "If it doesn't make your heart sing and makes it sink, out with it."

The video carried the on-screen text, "My big mid-30s realisation."

Applying workplace discipline to personal life

In the caption accompanying the video, Shirin said the qualities that help people excel professionally can also improve their personal lives when applied with equal commitment.

She wrote that skills such as prioritisation, budget discipline, strategic thinking and delegation are often reserved for work, while personal well-being is treated as an afterthought.

Reflecting on her own habits, she said she would carefully review work presentations, manage team budgets and plan ahead for others, but often neglected her workout routine, personal finances and long-term goals. She added that she was now using the lessons learned over 15 years in the corporate world to improve her own life.

Social media users share similar experiences

The post prompted many users to reflect on their own work-life priorities.

One user commented, "Can't agree more, treat your personal goals also as OKRs! Meet those targets that you set up for yourself."

Another wrote, "Agree."

Others responded with messages such as "We love you" and "Preach."

Some users also shared their personal journeys. One commenter said it had taken them years to reach the same realisation, while another wrote that they had stepped away from the corporate world in their mid-30s to prioritise their mental and physical well-being and focus on building something of their own.

The post resonated with many who said it served as a reminder that the time, discipline and energy invested in work should also be directed towards personal growth and well-being.