We should all have guilty pleasures, according to Mithali Raj

What’s an indulgence you daydream about, but at the same time, the thought of it also gives you stress sweats? Before your mind turns the corner into a dark galli, let me tell you, I’m talking sugar and carbs. Peri-peri fries, a spicy aglio-olio, a glistening doughnut, or the perfect scoop of decadent Belgian chocolate ice cream. Treats that hit all the right spots and send waves of pleasure through your body.

You could be a 7-year-old child waiting for an after-school treat, a 24-year-old thinking about a pick-me-up after a particularly rough Monday at work or the former captain of the national women’s cricket team, cricketer Mithali Raj. There are some foods which will just satisfy your soul. “When you have a hectic schedule (here are some ways to unwind), there are times when you just want to freshen up, and things like ice cream, burger or pizza will get that energy going for you,” says Raj in conversation with our founder Twinkle Khanna in the latest episode of The Icons on Tweak India’s youtube channel.

Would you rather be in a relationship with the snooze button than catch a sunrise? Raj too. But being a star athlete goes hand in glove with a strict routine. So, how did she get on track to be a multi-record breaker?

Mithali Raj tells us how discipline dashed into her life

Early bird gets the worm

Considering how dedicated and disciplined athletes are, it’s hard to picture Mithali Raj, an athlete, as someone who once preferred the company of her pillows over anything else. But living up to the stereotype of second child syndrome, Raj would hit the snooze button without a care as a child. Her father started taking her to the cricket ground with her brother to bring some routine and discipline to her life.

What started as more of a punishment quickly turned into an unexpected love for the sport that took her to captaincy. Perhaps 6 AM is the true golden hour.

Maa ka pyaar does wonders

Bangla, gaadi, paisa – all on one end, ma on the other.

Behind every successful person is a mom working round the clock, sacrificing their own desires and needs to make it possible. Well, at least pave a smoother path for their child’s success.

Raj’s mother has been her backend support on her journey to become a world-class athlete. She quit her job to be home for Raj, ensuring there was always a hot meal waiting when she returned from training or to nurse her back to health. “Managing academics, dance and cricket, 24 hours was too little for me as a kid. I would never do my homework. It was my mom who used to stay up late at night and finish all my homework,” Raj recalls. Her mother’s diligence and incredible sacrifices kept Raj motivated.

Be your own cheerleader

Aside from smashing sixes, Raj says her greatest strength is emotional resilience. “I’ve learnt through the difficult phases in my career that do not give strength to people to break your spirit. That power should be yours alone.” Reminding yourself that it’s your life and your choices, and regardless of how people judge you and your actions, you alone can pull yourself up.