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Most powerful motivation comes from within
When my dad was in his eighties and unfortunately, not in very good health. But on some days when he feels a bit better, he would go outside the house, sit on a chair, and learn Malayalam – a language totally alien to him. One day, my neighbor (a...
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Life is not a single game
A few years ago, while teaching physics to a bunch of high-schoolers, I erred in deriving a formula. And in a split second, even before I could...
Willpower alone can’t break habits
When your fingers are itching to open WhatsApp or Instagram, why is it so hard to resist? Why can't you break distractions through sheer willpower?...
Hidden secret to longevity
Once I wrote a newsletter about a sprightly 101-year-old Navy veteran Commander (retired) Sriramulu, who runs 18 km every alternate day. In...
Do less, focus more
A McKinsey colleague, curious about my policing experience, once asked me, "What was the most difficult aspect of leading a police force?" The...
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Perspective is everything
Once I had to visit a cancer hospital in Trivandrum to seek a medical opinion for a friend's father. The hospital was packed with patients, many of whom were suffering immensely. When you see those gaunt faces and shaved heads, you realize what a...
The Truth About Influencers
Most influencers are lying. They tell you that you can make a 6 or 7-figure income working 2-4 hours a day while chilling on the beaches of Maldives. You have no bosses, no stress, full freedom, lots of money, creative work, and public adulation....
How to Find Your Inner Motivation
Today, during a Q&A session I was conducting at Nokia, someone asked -- "How do I find motivation for a task?" A part of the answer is hidden in plain sight -- in your own life. Take this example: Nobody likes filling out forms, waiting in...
The Pain of Growth
Talking about growth mindset has become such a cliche that not a day goes without hearing it. Then why aren't we all adopting that mindset? Because growth does not come free. Take the example of muscle growth -- how does it happen? You go to the...