Another Sanskrit phrase from the Bhagavad Gita, ‘कर्मण्येवाधिकारस्ते’ translates to – You have the right to perform your duty. And the full shloka means – You have the right to perform your duty, but not the entitlement of the fruit’.
This simple Sanskrit phrase is not exactly an affirmation, but rather a motivation for the right-minded. It awares us about the importance of focusing on the action and not getting attached to the outcome. For example, in everyday life whenever we do a certain task, or go out of our way to complete something, we do it with the intention of getting something in return. It could be praise, a gift, some appreciation, or just some validation. But, when this does not happen, the feeling of doom strikes us and the motivation all vanishes in thin air. So when you tell yourself ‘कर्मण्येवाधिकारस्ते’, you make yourself understand that doing good work is your duty, and you should continue to do your best.
