Photo by Tim Marshall on Unsplash
When asked how I have reached this point in my life, I often attribute my journey to a blend of luck, a desire to make a positive impact, calculated risk-taking, and a profound sense of self-belief. However, upon reflection, I realised that the most essential element in any success story is kindness—both in giving and in being receptive to it.
No man is an island, and what we contribute to the world often returns to us in unexpected ways. By volunteering your time, sharing your knowledge, mentoring younger students, or working on projects that benefit others, you not only experience the profound fulfillment that comes from helping others, but you also unlock unforeseen opportunities. Kindness should never be transactional; when you give freely, expecting nothing in return, the universe has a way of rewarding you in remarkable and surprising ways.
It saddens me when I see others respond to calls for help with questions about what they stand to gain. Writing this is challenging for me, as I too often feel overwhelmed by the many requests I receive online. It is crucial to set boundaries; we are not obliged to respond to every message or email. However, when a sincere and thoughtful request is made, it deserves to be met with kindness, not with dismissive or belittling remarks. It does not matter who that person is; he or she can be the King or Queen of a country, your junior colleague, or someone you do not know.
Perhaps I have yet to convince you that kindness should not be transactional, so allow me to express it differently. In our consumer-driven society, we frequently fixate on personal gain and seek to minimise losses. While many prioritise accumulating financial capital, I have opted to invest in cultural capital as well. At times, when others were tightening their belts, I devoted my resources to pursuits that some might deem impractical. Life is not merely defined by financial success, but by the meaningful connections we cultivate and the enrichment we bring to others—and ourselves—through learning and diverse experiences. Sometimes, what may initially seem like a wasteful investment (be it time, money, or effort) can ultimately prove to be the most rewarding financial decision. But, remember, at the heart of successful connections is kindness, not the act of engaging with someone simply to gain something in return.
No opportunity in life comes without a cost. The enriching experiences I have been fortunate to enjoy arise from years of volunteering and dedicating myself to causes I hold dear, which have inadvertently shaped my CV and helped build the career I aspire to. That said, I do not support unpaid internships (with a caveat). Furthermore, I do not harbour grand ambitions of saving the world, as some might believe. I simply wish to contribute in my own small way, offering what I can. And in doing so, I live my life with no regrets.
In practising kindness, it is essential to remember to be kind to yourself first, ensuring that you do not stretch beyond your limits in your efforts to serve others. Remember, that you too deserve kindness. Sometimes, in the midst of a demanding work shift, particularly in fields like medicine, the best one can offer may simply be civility—and that is perfectly acceptable, so long that one avoids being unkind.
In conclusion, kindness remains a fundamental pillar of a meaningful and successful life, transcending mere transactions or expectations of reciprocity. By investing in cultural capital and dedicating ourselves to causes we care about, we not only enrich our own lives but also contribute to the greater good. Kindness fosters genuine connections, which are essential for personal and professional growth, often opening doors to unforeseen opportunities. While it is vital to establish boundaries and advocate for fair compensation within the voluntary sector, we must also embrace our capacity to make a difference, however small.
I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to those who have shown me kindness as I climbed the ladder of my career. Their support and generosity have made a significant impact on my journey. Ultimately, by practising self-compassion and extending kindness to others, we can create a ripple effect that enhances our communities, nurtures our relationships, and enriches our shared humanity. In doing so, we pave the way for a more fulfilling and successful life, grounded in the values that truly matter.
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About the Author: Hannah Nazri

Hannah, you are clever, gorgeous, and also kind! Wow what a combo 🙂
This put a smile on my face, you’re too kind.
Hannah, your writing here is just as incredible as the work you do—thoughtful, kind, and deeply impactful. You have a way of capturing the heart of what truly matters, and it shines through in every word. Keep shining and leading with that heart of gold 💛💛💛
Thank you for reading my blog. Means the world to me!