Light the Spark (2/2)
Dear Friends,
Hope you’re doing great.
Continuing from my last post, I’ve been sharing the most valuable lessons, the ones that shaped me, challenged me and stayed with me through it all.
Growing up in a small town, electricity was a big struggle back in 2004. It was only consistently available between 10 PM - 4:30 AM, and that reality shaped my life in ways I never expected. To make the most of it, I built a habit of waking up at 5 AM, every single day. In those quiet morning hours, I tackled the hardest challenges, solved the toughest problems/decisions, and trained myself to push through. This routine became my secret weapon. It helped me crack one of the toughest entrance exams in India, paved my path to pursue my MS and PhD abroad, and even now, it fuels my work … guiding me as I write, research, and build something meaningful through my technical and productive journals. What started as a necessity became the greatest strength.
…. Rise early in the morning.
Growing up in a lower-middle-class family shaped me to be a good human being, It taught me the beauty of simple, honest living- the kind where every joy feels like a grand victory. The tiny triumphs of winning small prizes in society and school weren’t just about recognition; they were life’s way of whispering. They instilled in me the wisdom that a fulfilling life isn’t about spending more but about spending wisely: living with less and saving more. With this mindset, I’ve travelled to 20 countries before turning 40, not by splurging, but by making conscious choices. Every journey has been an adventure, but the real lesson comes after returning home—pausing to reflect on every expense and asking, Was it all necessary, did it make any sense? That’s where the real growth happens.
... Celebrate tiny triumphs, exploit hardship.
... Be disciplined, humble and a good human being.
…. Reflect your actions.
It’s not that I’ve never faced trouble—the mean people out there in the world can be very harsh, always trying to prove that they are richer, smarter, and better in every aspect. But I’ve learned something powerful: ego thrives on resistance. When faced with rigid minds, I don’t argue; I simply say, “You’re better than me,” or “You know everything.” And just like that, 90% of my problems disappear. Sometimes, the real strength lies not in proving yourself, but in letting go.
…. If you resist anything it will generate stress, so let it go.
…. Respect everyone.
…. Accept that life is not fair.
Cooking in Germany was a real challenge for me - because I had never cooked back home in India. Our class was a mix of cultures: Americans, Russians, Europeans, Iranians, and Asians. Some were well-off, while others, like a few from Sri Lanka and Nepal, were on scholarships.
But do you know who made my life easier out there? None other than a topper from Kathmandu University - a brilliant mind from Nepal. Sometimes, help comes from the most unexpected places, and those moments stay with you forever.
…. If you want to change yourself, measure a person by the size of their heart ❤️ (not their social status)
Probably this speech will motivate you further.
Have you ever gone to a restaurant or travelled with a large group, only to have everything go wrong—bad food, poor service, uncomfortable stays? If yes, I’ve noticed something interesting: sometimes, it’s not just bad luck but the energy certain people bring with them. Negative vibes can subtly shape experiences, making things feel off, no matter how well they were planned. Ever felt that? Trust me or not, we are all connected and neurologically wired. There are many examples I have read in neuroscience books, recently I came across a post that touched me.
…. Feel good, attract good vibes. Even God doesn’t want to connect with those terrible people.
…. Strangers help (have you ever wondered why ?), they don’t want anything in return.
Before I end this post, I want to share something deeply personal—something that still gives me chills. My cousin sister lost her father in the Kedarnath flood of 2013. Years later, she reached out to me, saying she was preparing for the Bank exams and needed help buying books. I didn’t think twice. I told her, “I’ll get you everything you need, but promise me you’ll give it your all, that you’ll fight for this.”
And she did. She cracked the exam.
…. If you have a dream, you have to protect it.
…. Choose your words wisely: because they hold power. A single sentence can lift someone or break them down.
These small yet powerful lessons have helped me along the way, and maybe they can help you as well in this unknown field too.
In my next post, I’ll share a mental model and a journal template to help you reflect on your thoughts and take meaningful action. Stay tuned! ✨