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Kanchan

Kanchan Rai  | Answer  |Ask -

Relationships Expert, Mind Coach - Answered on Mar 03, 2023

Kanchan Rai has 10 years of experience in therapy, nurturing soft skills and leadership coaching. She is the founder of the Let Us Talk Foundation, which offers mindfulness workshops to help people stay emotionally and mentally healthy.
Rai has a degree in leadership development and customer centricity from Harvard Business School, Boston. She is an internationally certified coach from the International Coaching Federation, a global organisation in professional coaching.... more
Asked by Anonymous - Feb 28, 2023Hindi
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Hello mam, I cannot focus on my work....I keep overthinking about the future and even after being skilled i cannot execute my work.I get distracted and agitated easily these days.I have lost confidence in myself i keep thinking how i would tackle things in future,I dont know what to do.Can you please guide.

Ans: Improving self-confidence and avoiding overthinking are two related but distinct issues. Here are some tips for both:

To improve self-confidence:

Identify your strengths and achievements. Write them down and revisit them when you feel insecure.Practice self-care, such as getting enough sleep, exercising, and eating healthy.Set realistic goals and work towards achieving them.Focus on your progress rather than comparing yourself to others.Surround yourself with positive and supportive people.Learn from your mistakes and failures rather than dwelling on them.Challenge negative self-talk and replace it with positive affirmations.Try new things and step out of your comfort zone.

To avoid overthinking:

Recognize when you're overthinking and acknowledge that it's not productive.Set aside time to think about the issue, but limit it to a specific amount of time.Engage in activities that distract you, such as exercise or hobbies.Practice mindfulness and focus on the present moment.Write down your thoughts and feelings to gain perspective and clarity.Talk to a trusted friend or therapist about your concerns.Accept that not everything can be controlled and focus on what you can control.Remind yourself that worrying won't solve the problem and take action towards a solution.

You may like to see similar questions and answers below

Anu

Anu Krishna  |1822 Answers  |Ask -

Relationships Expert, Mind Coach - Answered on Jun 09, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - Jun 01, 2024Hindi
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Hi mam. I kind of need mental fitness advice. I am 26 years old female. I am afraid a lot in taking up the decisions in my life due to overthinking. But it is not same when it comes to my work side. Always taking up the negative things from my surroundings and expressing the same. Sometimes i make negative situations in my mind and cry. Is there a way to change my mindset to overcome my overthinking as well as my negative mindset. Pls give me some tips to overcome laziness as well as procastination. Is there any yoga or medidation to cure this one. Because i really hate myself for this.
Ans: Dear Anonymous,
What exactly do you get by punishing yourself? It's another way to indulge in self-pity which will only keep you in the problem zone for longer.
Instead pay attention to the reasons towards laziness and procrastination.
Ask:
- Do I display laziness with every activity or a few or one specific one?
- If Yes, which is it?
- What about that activity/situation makes me want to procrastinate and not take action on it?
- If I actually make a plan and act on that activity/situation, how will things change for me?

This will give you an idea as to what exactly happens in the mind to avoid something and what you can do about it. We are never motivated to do anything if we don not get something concrete back in return. So, define the reward clearly...
And as far as negative things go, if you choose to focus on it, obviously it will grow bigger in the mind.

Keep the above questions list with you and check at regular intervals when faced with procrastination. Have a social circle of friends who can pull you up when you are down BUT they will not be kind all the time if you are going to indulge into self-pity. So, the decision to get better, to become more positive and actually do something big in life is a decision. Focus on how much your life will change for the better when you do this and it will be a clean and quick switchover.

All the best!
Anu Krishna
Mind Coach|NLP Trainer|Author
Drop in: www.unfear.io
Reach me: Facebook: anukrish07/ AND LinkedIn: anukrishna-joyofserving/

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Anu

Anu Krishna  |1822 Answers  |Ask -

Relationships Expert, Mind Coach - Answered on Nov 07, 2024

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Help me!!! 1.I'm starting new "work" on my own(challenging for me) but my mind says quit it, be quite & do nothing. I myself don't know that wether the result of work will be +ive or uncompleted like alws. 2. My mind has become like order seeker type, when someone orders me, I do those things with dedicated(but sad from inside) manner. But when myself will try something different(which i fear, but necessary) then. "I QUITS IT" & sometimes I don't even start. 3. I'm like stuck no clue what/whom I want to do in life, I'm in cllg(1 yr) doing (CSE) ,. 4. I want to do/try (sports,talking girls,study,stocks,coding..) many things, but myself, my thoughts(overthinker), R like just be in the place where u are[confused,po*n,think about past/future(being billio..re,olympics..), girl (that u liked & never talked), abusive/beating self,.. sometimes feels like end life, but don't hv courage for that also.. 5. I tried self help books, spirituality, god, self affirmation, writing... & thay affected me(sometimes) but for only some time, then again that devil me comes up &these things never get completed. As no one in my family knows about all these, so that's Y ,I hv to fight/loose/try again, the battles with myself.
Ans: Dear Harsh,
If in the past you have had the urge to QUIT, how is this time going to be different? This is not to discourage you from taking up 'new work' but pointing out that there is some amount of work that you need to put to clear the mind out of blockages.
-What is limiting you?
- What is the reason for putting off things?
- What comes first to the mind when you start something new?
Also, focus on one thing at a time; study and go deep into it...what's this thing with work? I don't understand. When the mind is unsettled, take one thing/activity, pursue it and finish it. It could simply be studying for Year 1 of your college...just only do that...once your mind is trained in completing an activity, you can add another one the next year along with studying and then pursue both...it could be some sport and studying...then the next year, you could add a third activity. This is called 'training the mind in discipline'. Discipline will make sure that you start and finish things...So, go slow and do one thing at a time.

All the best!
Anu Krishna
Mind Coach|NLP Trainer|Author
Drop in: www.unfear.io
Reach me: Facebook: anukrish07/ AND LinkedIn: anukrishna-joyofserving/

..Read more

Anu

Anu Krishna  |1822 Answers  |Ask -

Relationships Expert, Mind Coach - Answered on Jan 19, 2025

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The seconds of time during taking action..I get into the overthinking/over-analysing thoughts... 1. Imaginative: Where I becom's the character & live life(see images, speak..) in those..like being rich,powerfull,disciplined,wife,kids....things which I want/perceive from social media...+ memos of past also.. 2. Stuck: Where I becom's a "OBJECT" & voices + images of brain guides me to quit task's when doing things/challenging...by saying.. *What this thing(task/book..) gonna benefit you? *Don't do it, you will do worse/fail..people gonna judge/laugh to you...look yourself!!..no good face, no good dress, u don't hv courage/skill to do that thing. 3. Coping: "Quit it" & use Mobile(songs,reels,yt videos..) to stop/distract myself from those dark clouds. i) What/How [solution] to don't get stuck in those next time. ii) How to use that overthinking for my advantage.. with hving control. iii) I tried to fill the possible voids by dress/looks but things were same..so it's internal.. What to do for that?
Ans: Dear Work,
Overthinking and over processing never helped anyone. Focus on your self-talk and change that.
- Journaling
- Sports
- Art work
- Meditation
- Breathwork
These are a few ways in which you can attempt to slow down the mind from racing thoughts. Once that happens, work on your self-talk to make it more useful where you start to direct yourself towards what you want to do.

All the best!
Anu Krishna
Mind Coach|NLP Trainer|Author
Drop in: www.unfear.io
Reach me: Facebook: anukrish07/ AND LinkedIn: anukrishna-joyofserving/

..Read more

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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |11485 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Oct 16, 2026

Asked by Anonymous - Oct 15, 2026
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I am a 50 year old widow, and have a 21 year old daughter. She is currently pursuing her internship (10 k per month). I earn 1 L 20k every month and receive my husband's pension of 1L 20 k every month that will reduce to 88 K after 9 years.I have invested in SIP of 10 k per month in ICICI Value Discovery Fund - Growth through an agent. I am not sure if it was a right decision. She said it will be a SWP from 2035 onwards and 15k will be amount of withdrawal. And also another 10k per month SIP in ICICI India Opportunities Fund Growth. Both were started in Feb 2025. Please advise me if this is a right investment for me or not. How do I stop this autodebit and what will be the tax implications if I stop these SIPs and redeem the amount. It would be great if you could guide me - I am intimidated by numbers. Thanks a lot.
Ans: Thank you for sharing your situation so openly. You have been managing your family finances while supporting your daughter, and it is understandable to feel unsure when investment decisions involve complex numbers.
The good news is that you do not need to understand every technical detail to make sound financial decisions. Your investments should give you clarity, flexibility and peace of mind.
» 1. Are Your Current SIP Investments Right for You?
You are investing Rs.20,000 every month in two mutual funds. Both investments started in February 2025.
– Your income and your husbands pension together provide a strong monthly cash flow today.
– However, your pension will reduce after nine years. Your financial plan should prepare for that change well in advance.
– Your daughter is 21 and may need support for higher education, career development or other important goals.
– At age 50, you should balance long-term growth with financial safety. Investing only for returns is not enough.
Mutual fund SIPs can be useful for long-term goals. But the right investment depends on your existing savings, monthly expenses, emergency funds and future needs.
» 2. Is the Promised SWP of Rs.15,000 from 2035 Reliable?
An SWP, or Systematic Withdrawal Plan, allows you to withdraw a fixed amount from your mutual fund at regular intervals.
However, the Rs.15,000 monthly withdrawal mentioned by your agent is not guaranteed income.
– Your investment value in 2035 will depend on the amount invested, market performance and expenses.
– If withdrawals are higher than the portfolio can support, your investment may reduce over time.
– Mutual fund returns are not fixed like pension income or bank deposit interest.
– A withdrawal of Rs.15,000 per month does not mean that the fund will generate Rs.15,000 as profit every month. Part of the withdrawal may come from your invested capital.
Please ask your agent for a written projection showing the estimated investment value in 2035 under different return assumptions. Treat it as an illustration, not a promise.




» 3. Should You Stop the SIPs or Continue?
My suggestion is not to redeem both investments in a hurry. First, separate two decisions: stopping future monthly investments and withdrawing the money already invested.
– You can stop future SIP instalments without redeeming the units you already own.
– If your monthly income comfortably covers your household expenses, you may continue investing for long-term goals, provided the funds suit your risk level.
– If you are uncomfortable with these investments, stopping the SIPs temporarily while reviewing your finances is a reasonable option.
– Do not continue only because your agent has suggested an SWP from 2035. Your plan should suit your needs, not just a future withdrawal illustration.
» 4. How to Stop the Auto-Debit
You can stop future SIP instalments by contacting the mutual fund company or the platform through which the SIP was registered.
– Check your latest mutual fund statement to confirm the scheme names, SIP amounts and registration details.
– Contact the mutual fund company or your agent and request cancellation of both SIP registrations.
– If the SIPs were registered through your bank mandate, ask your bank how to cancel the relevant recurring debit mandate as well.
– Obtain confirmation that both SIPs and their auto-debits have been cancelled. Do not assume that cancelling the bank mandate automatically cancels every SIP registration.
Stopping the SIP does not automatically sell your existing mutual fund units. You can retain those units and decide what to do later.
» 5. What Are the Tax Implications if You Redeem?
Since you started investing in February 2025, the tax depends on the purchase dates of the units, the redemption date and the profit or loss on the units sold.
For equity-oriented mutual funds, the general current rules are:
– Units held for 12 months or less: short-term capital gains are generally taxed at 20%.
– Units held for more than 12 months: long-term capital gains above the annual aggregate exemption of Rs.1.25 lakh are generally taxed at 12.5%.
– If you redeem at a loss, there may be no capital gains tax on that transaction. Eligible capital losses may be set off or carried forward subject to tax rules.
Each SIP instalment is treated as a separate purchase for tax purposes. An exit load may also apply to some units, depending on the scheme rules and holding period.
You do not pay capital gains tax merely because you stop future SIP instalments. Tax generally arises when you redeem units and realise a taxable gain.
» 6. A More Suitable Financial Plan for You
Your pension and salary provide a good starting point for planning. However, your husbands pension will reduce in nine years, so preparing for that change is important.
I would suggest the following priorities:
– Maintain an emergency fund to cover essential household expenses and unexpected needs.
– Keep money required for your daughters education or other near-term goals in suitable, lower-risk investments.
– Review your retirement savings and estimate your expenses after your pension reduces.
– Continue equity mutual fund investments only for goals that are several years away and can tolerate market ups and downs.
– Review your life and health insurance needs, existing savings and any other liabilities before deciding how much to invest every month.
You do not need to choose investments based on complicated return projections. A simple plan linked to your monthly expenses and future goals can work well.
» 7. What I Need to Know Before Suggesting the Next Step
Please share just these three details:
– Approximately how much do you spend every month on household expenses, including any support for your daughter?
– Do you have any bank deposits, PPF, EPF or other savings apart from these two SIPs?
– Is your main goal to build retirement savings, provide for your daughter, or generate monthly income from 2035 onwards?
With these details, it will be easier to assess whether you should continue both SIPs, stop one, or change your investment approach. There is no need to panic or redeem everything immediately.
Best Regards,
K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,
AMFI-Registered MFD – ARN 4188
www.holisticinvestment.in
https://www.linkedin.com/in/ramalingamcfp/

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DISCLAIMER: The content of this post by the expert is the personal view of the rediffGURU. Investment in securities market are subject to market risks. Read all the related document carefully before investing. The securities quoted are for illustration only and are not recommendatory. Users are advised to pursue the information provided by the rediffGURU only as a source of information and as a point of reference and to rely on their own judgement when making a decision. RediffGURUS is an intermediary as per India's Information Technology Act.

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