What I meant to say

Tag: Blogging

  • Half year done, what’s the next surprise?

    The calendar tells me I’ve completed six months of whatever this grand experiment called blogging is. The receipts, however, tell a different story. Missed deadlines for posts and overall shabby writing, but hey I am not complaining!

    Few Surprises that stood out for me this year:

    First surprise: my alarm clock now doubles as a motivational coach with a cruel sense of humor. It buzzes at the exact moment I decide to ignore responsibility, then rewards me with a gentle reminder about missed exercise slots, I so so diligently planned out. Needless to say, I am looking at cheaper Mounjaro/Ozempic options.

    Second surprise: meetings labeled “quick catch-up” have the dramatic length of a feature film. It’s complete with cliffhangers, plot twists, and a mid-roll intermission titled: “Did you actually read the agenda?” I’ve learned to bring snacks, a notebook, and the patience of a saint who has memorized the corporate mission statement. Absent 1 on 1s makes the heart grow fonder.

    So, what’s the takeaway after six months of this unconventional course? Expect the unexpected, but do not underestimate the charm of small, ridiculous victories.

    As the next six months approach, I resolve to welcome surprises with better posture, a keener sense of humor, and a head stocked with patience, calmness and the wisdom not to shout out loud “I don’t give a fuck!”

    Ciao!!

  • Dude, Where’s my blog?

    So, I wrote in my January blog (this year) that I will start blogging “aggressively“. What do I go ahead and do then? No posts in February and finally realizing that I would be missing out in March too.

    My last post was in April 2024(before the grand announcement post) . I had never been a regular writer but I always wanted to write. Some of my posts(whether LinkedIn or otherwise) have been indirectly alluded to be AI generated, but I can assure everyone. All this “SLOP” is mine.

    So, I get back on the horse and I get riding to the blogging horizon. I am going to write at least a post each month and may be more, but who knows?The fact of the matter is that it takes an enormous amount of motion for me to move out of my inertia. The idea of writing to inspire has long gone. Now I write to “brain dump” and “aura farm“. See, my effort at the Gen-Z lingo falls flat, right?

    I am ready to fail again but this time, I want to be a bit more regular while writing. Not to be popular, but it feels a bit cathartic to me. Of all the time pass activities I do, this one is my favorite and yet the most neglected. Looking forward to posting my next one, hope you are too!

  • Blogging: Why Aggresive Persistence Will Define My 2026

    Hey everyone! Yes, it’s me, dusting off this old blog after what feels like an eternity. If you’re reading this, you’re either a loyal reader from my more active days or a new face curious about my return. Either way, welcome back (or welcome aboard). It’s January 26, 2026, and I’m hitting “publish” on my first post in ages. Why now? I don’t know but I intend to find out.

    The Long Hiatus: Life Happened, But Excuses Won’t Cut It

    Let’s be real: I stopped blogging consistently a couple of years back. Work piled up, side hustles distracted me, and that endless scroll of social media promised quicker wins. “Blogs are dead,” I told myself, focussed more on catching up with the fleeting Instagram stories. Sound familiar? We all have those phases where momentum fizzles, and the keyboard gathers dust.

    But here’s the truth, I missed it. The rhythm of stringing words into ideas, hitting publish, and connecting with you all. My break wasn’t a noble sabbatical; it was procrastination disguised as busyness. Coming back feels vulnerable, like stepping onto a stage after years away. Yet, that’s the point: persistence means showing up, even when the spotlight flickers.

    Persistence: The Unsung Hero of 2026

    This year, persistence is my north star. Not the flashy goals like “go viral” or “monetize overnight,” but the gritty habit of daily action. Think of it like training for a marathon—you don’t win on race day; you win in the quiet miles before dawn.

    Why persistence? In a world of AI tools and instant gratification, real progress demands showing up repeatedly. Studies back this: psychologist Angela Duckworth’s research on “grit” shows that perseverance trumps talent every time. It’s not about perfection; it’s about stacking small wins. One post a month becomes a habit. A habit becomes a voice. A voice becomes impact.

    For me, persistence looks like this in 2026:

    • Weekly writing sprints: 500 words, no matter how messy. Linkedin posts or Blog posts, I don’t care!
    • No zero weeks: Even on tough weeks, I jot notes or outlines.
    • Embracing rejection: Not every post will blow up, and that’s fine.
    • Community over isolation: Engaging with readers like you keeps the fire lit.

    These aren’t resolutions, rather they’re commitments. Because last year taught me that quitting mid-journey leaves you with regrets, not rest.

    Lessons from the Comeback Trail

    Returning to blogging has already surfaced gems I almost forgot:

    • Clarity through consistency: Writing forces me to think deeply. My first draft this week clarified my entire 2026 vision: persistence as the theme that ties fitness, career, and creativity together.
    • The compound effect: One post snowballs. This one might inspire your own return to a forgotten passion.
    • Joy in the process: Metrics matter, but the thrill of creation? Priceless.

    What’s Next: Join the Persistence Party

    I’m committing to weekly posts here: stories, tips, and raw reflections on making persistence stick. Topics ahead? Building habits that last, overcoming creative blocks, and real-talk on balancing life in fast-paced India.

    If you’re restarting something this year, a blog, a gym routine, a side project, know this: persistence isn’t superhuman. It’s human. It’s choosing “one more try” when the easy button calls.

    Stick around. Let’s persist together.

    What about you? What’s one thing you’re persisting with in 2026?

  • It’s been a long day, I mean, year!!

    So my blog was last updated in January of this year and before that in April of last year! I thought I would be updating this thing at least monthly but couldn’t be bothered to update this. Being honest, Netflix kept me more occupied than this blog.

    So, after a year or so of whiling away my time on Netflix, Instagram Reels and other such time sinks, I thought of updating my blog, just to restart my writing habit. This would most definitely be my sixth or so post on “Restart” or some such theme.

    I recently read a blog post on the most essential skill in the coming years, in the wake of Generative AI and other technical advancements. What struck me in the advice below (quoted verbatim from the post) is the sheer timelessness of the advice. It was relevant 20 years back and would relevant 20 years from now, besides also being relevant now. Learn to build a narrative. It’s going to take you far.

    The arc of evolution bends toward good storytellers. Communities with larger proportions of skilled storytellers experience greater levels of cooperation, and … procreation. Their evolutionary fitness is buttressed, as storytelling translates to more efficient transmission of survival-relevant information. Storytellers themselves are more likely to receive acts of service from their peers — and among men, being skilled in storytelling increases attractiveness and perceived status to potential long-term mates. My dad used to tell me that men get turned on with their eyes, women with their ears. It turns out his theory is backed by science.

    Scott Galloway – https://www.profgalloway.com/storytelling/

    So, I think, in the vast digital expanse, your story matters. So pick up your pen or your keyboard , embrace your authenticity, and let your words ripple across the ether. For in the end, it’s not the algorithm that remembers you—it’s the hearts you touch.

  • False Starts and Life

    My previous post on the blog was around April of last year. I had written about being committed to the blog but I wasn’t able to stick to it. Ironic, isn’t it?

    Well, life happened. I had joined a new job and was a bit caught up with the same. I have been pretty busy with the job and meeting new people, although, mainly for work. When you are nearing 40s, you recognise that most of your friends were made before you turned 25. All others are just acquaintances.

    I have been meaning to write about what I have been feeling for a long time now, but I have been held back by a couple of false starts. What I felt was a good idea to write, turned out to be a half baked idea in my head, and I thought that it shouldn’t be that way. Then I realised, or rather heard(or probably read) somewhere that perfection is the enemy of progress. If you are looking to express some of your ideas, start by expressing them, no matter how half baked they are. Once you get into the groove, edit your work, but till then, keep churning out something.

    Something similar happens with life too. Keep attempting what you wish to do. Write what you want to, sing if you want to, dance if you want to. However, keep in mind, you have a finite life. Having grit is great, but knowing when to give up and retreat is also a good thing.

    Here is me recovering from another false start and going back to what I loved doing once.

    Ciao!

  • Back after Hiatus! Fresh Restart!

    Hello! I’m back after a long hiatus from blogging. I know it’s been a while since I last posted anything, and I’m sorry.

    Why I took a break from writing? Well, the truth is, I needed some time to reflect on myself and my goals. I was feeling burned out and uninspired by the things I was doing. I felt like I was losing touch with my creativity.

    So, I decided to take a step back and focus on other aspects of my life. I spent more time with my family and job, explored old hobbies and interests. I also did a lot of soul-searching and journaling, trying to figure out what I really wanted to do with my blog and my career.

    And you know what? It was the best decision I ever made. Taking a hiatus helped me rediscover my love for writing. It also gave me a fresh perspective and new ideas for my future posts.

    I have a lot of things planned for this blog in the coming weeks and months. I’ll be writing about topics that are close to my heart, such as personal growth, mental health, productivity, and happiness. I’ll also be sharing some of the lessons and insights I learned during my hiatus, as well as some of the stories and experiences that inspired me.

    I can’t wait to hear from you and to catch up on what you’ve been up to. Please leave a comment below and let me know how you’re feeling, what you’re working on, or what you’d like me to write about next. I’d love to hear your thoughts and feedback.

    Ciao!