The Discipline of Radiance: Why Self-Care is My Highest Standard
By Evelyn Chen

If you ever met my family, they would likely tell you that I spend an extraordinary amount of time on myself. Whether it is skincare, haircare, bodycare, makeup, exercise or curated clothing, my approach is, by their definition, entirely ‘over the top.’

I simply do not know how to do things half-heartedly. Every task assigned to me is executed with the utmost care. I am naturally fastidious, but when it involves caring for my own person, I invest even more effort. I truly believe you cannot pour from an empty bottle. To me, discipline is the finest form of self-care one can possess.

Caring for ourselves is a reflection of more than just our vanity; it is a mirror of our upbringing and the values we were taught. I have friends who frown upon this belief, viewing my routines as mere narcissism. They aren’t entirely wrong, and I don’t disagree. I do like to smell nice, to be clean and to maintain clear skin. In that pursuit, I treat my face like a canvas, ‘painting’ with shimmering Dior palettes and the timeless effervescence of Coco Chanel. There is nothing inherently wrong with wanting to look pretty.

When you look good and smell nice, you automatically feel better. It is a catalyst for confidence. Even when I am unwell, I force myself into a hot shower and complete my full routine. More often than not, it works. It is a psychological reset that pulls me out of the lethargy of sickness.

Furthermore, I believe that if you can dedicate time to self-maintenance, you likely possess the tenacity to do an amazing job elsewhere. It might sound a bit ‘blonde’, but consider a job interview: if someone arrives looking presentable, I know they have planned ahead. They would have woken up early, showered, ironed their clothes and managed the minute details required to secure a future. That level of preparation is a precursor to their professional performance. If they can care for their own image with such diligence, they will apply that same precision to their work.

Ultimately, my ‘over the top’ routines are not just about the mirror; they are about the standard I set for how I show up in the world. When I am disciplined with myself, I am disciplined with my life. If you can master the small rituals of your morning, you can master the massive challenges of your day. So, what do you think? Shall we start taking care of ourselves even better? After all, you are your own most important project and you cannot pour from an empty bottle. If we are all we’ve got, let’s make sure we are at our very best.

When we elevate our personal standards, we elevate our lives.

Vocabulary for the Fastidious Soul

Utmost: Of the greatest or highest degree or quantity.

Fastidious: Very attentive to and concerned about accuracy and detail.

Narcissism: Excessive interest in or admiration of oneself and one’s physical appearance.

Effervescence: Vivacity and enthusiasm; or the quality of being sparkling/bubbly.

Catalyst: A person or thing that precipitates an event or change.

Tenacity: The quality or fact of being able to grip something firmly; persistence.

Precursor: A person or thing that comes before another of the same kind.

Diligence: Careful and persistent work or effort.

__________________________________________

Ready to apply the same discipline to your future as you do to your self-care? Just as a polished look reflects a polished mind, a refined education at ILTI reflects your commitment to excellence. Don’t do things half-heartedly, invest in your growth and execute your career goals with the utmost care. Enrol at ILTI today and let your brilliance shine through.

Your English learning journey starts here. Call/WhatsApp: 010-395 3067 or email us at info@ilti.edu.my

Transform your English skills—one word at a time.