Striving towards Excellence

-Karthik Gurumurthy

I've been thinking a lot about how I treat the people I care about. Nothing hurts more than those 3am thoughts when I wonder if I've let down someone who matters to me.

I've realized that when I treat people how I'd want to be treated, I'm much less likely to fail them. Like when my friend got a pink slip last month—instead of giving advice, I just listened and brought over his favorite ice cream, because that's what I'd want someone to do for me.

When I quiet my mind and really listen to my gut feeling, I usually know the right thing to do. There was that time my friend texted me something that irritated me, and my first instinct was to fire back something snarky. But that little voice inside said "wait," and I'm so glad I did. After taking a breath, I responded more kindly, and it turned out she was having an awful day.

It's funny how we end up crossing paths with exactly the people who need what we can offer. My neighbor who just moved in across my apartment was struggling  with Organic Chemistry, and it just so happens I love teaching Organic Chemistry. It felt good to choose kindness rather than pretending I didn't notice his frustration.

I've noticed how people respond to me often mirrors how I treat them. When I was patient with that new cashier who was learning the register, she was much more helpful when I came back with a return later.

I'm trying to remember that my inner voice is usually right if I just take the time to listen to it. When something feels off about how I'm about to respond to someone, there's usually a good reason for that feeling.

-Karthik Gurumurthy

I believe that every truth I discover is meant to be shared with others, not kept to myself alone, as Elizabeth Cady Stanton wisely noted.

Sometimes I feel like I'm a guardian of a fragile, threatened civilization—as if without my vigilance, everything would collapse. This feeling of sole responsibility can be overwhelming, giving me the sense that I alone understand what's truly happening in the world. When I notice these feelings arising, I recognize them as a signal to pause and reflect. These moments of certainty might indicate I need to check my reality and seek additional perspectives.

I've learned to test my perceptions against those of people I trust. This helps me avoid the trap of self-righteousness or isolation in my views. Through honest dialogue with others, I often discover new dimensions to what I thought I knew completely. This humility reminds me that I'm rarely the sole possessor of truth—truth is too vast and multifaceted for any one person to grasp entirely.

I've found that shared commitment to truth carries remarkable power and lifts my spirit in ways that solitary knowledge cannot. When multiple people recognize and honor the same truth together, it creates a bond that strengthens everyone involved. I feel compelled to express this commitment, whether through formal spiritual practice, community involvement, or simply in meaningful conversations with friends.

I've come to understand that truth often emerges not as a static fact but as a dynamic process—a relationship between myself and others that evolves through exchange and mutual discovery. When I share what I know, the truth gains depth and brilliance through others' perspectives and experiences.

I need courage to face the truth, especially when it challenges my assumptions or requires me to change. But I've learned that embracing truth, however difficult, ultimately strengthens me and helps me grow into a more authentic version of myself.

-Karthik Gurumurthy

I realize that limited expectations yield only limited results. My thoughts determine my actions, and when my thoughts are negative, my successes are few. What I hold in my mind inevitably shows up in how I spend my day. The good news is that I can fuel my thoughts positively if I choose to.

I can make positive self-assessment and encouraging self-talk habitual if my desire to live up to my potential is strong enough. The expectations I privately harbor, whether modest or ambitious, will set the pace for the progress I make today and every day that follows.

I can approach challenges with excitement when I've trained myself to believe in my capability for success. The first step is expecting to handle whatever confronts me with composure and confidence.

No one but me determines my course today. My success begins in my mind.

-Karthik Gurumurthy

My emotional wellbeing isn't about what happens to me—it's about how I choose to respond to it.

Take last Tuesday. My laptop died right before my big presentation. Two years ago, this would have sent me into a complete meltdown. Instead, I borrowed my colleague's computer, made a joke about technology karma, and carried on. The presentation wasn't perfect, but I didn't let those 15 minutes define my entire week.

I'm learning that I can't control most situations, but I do get to control my reaction. When  Parkwest Management (my landlord) announced a rent increase, I couldn't change their decision, but I could choose between spiraling into panic or calmly exploring my options.

The same goes for the good stuff too. When I got that spot recognition at work, I celebrated (hello, fancy dinner!), but I didn't let it go to my head or base my entire self-worth on that one moment of recognition. I enjoyed it without needing it to validate me.

I've definitely been on both ends of the reaction spectrum. Like when that driver cut me off and I let road rage consume my entire morning commute. Or when I received that thoughtful gift from my brother Aravind and barely acknowledged it because I was distracted by work stress. Neither extreme served me well.

Finding that middle ground takes real intention. 

Every day brings these little opportunities to practice—like emotional push-ups. The airline lost my luggage? That's a chance to practice flexibility. Got complimented by a stranger? That's a chance to accept kindness without letting my ego inflate.

No single event has the power to completely derail me unless I hand over that power. And honestly, taking responsibility for my reactions feels a lot better than feeling like a victim of circumstances.

Finding that sweet spot between totally freaking out and not caring at all takes real effort. I'm working on catching myself when I start catastrophizing about small problems or when I'm too numb to appreciate good moments. It's an ongoing practice, but I'm getting better at it.

No matter what happens today—whether my boss sends that stressful email or I get kudos for my presentation—I have a chance to practice responding in a way that's healthy for me. Life's going to throw curveballs either way; how I catch them is up to me.

-Karthik Gurumurthy

I've been thinking about my relationships lately and had this lightbulb moment: whenever I try to "improve" someone else, it actually messes things up between us.

Like last month, when my friend kept venting about her job. Instead of just listening, I jumped straight into solution mode—sending her job listings, suggesting resume updates, even offering to role-play interviews. She finally had to tell me point-blank: "I just need you to listen, not fix everything." Talk about a reality check.

I've noticed I do this pattern a lot. When my friend Alex was going through his divorce, I bombarded him with advice and book recommendations instead of just being there for him. Looking back, I was probably more focused on feeling helpful than on what he actually needed.

The funny thing is, I hate when people try to "fix" me! When I mention I'm tired and someone launches into a lecture about my sleep habits, diet, and exercise routine, it drives me nuts. Yet there I am doing the exact same thing to others.

I'm learning that the only person I can truly change is myself. Everyone else? Not my project. 

The healthiest relationships in my life are the ones where we accept each other as-is. My friend Susi (Sudarsanam Raman) and I have completely different views on various things, but we respect each other enough not to try changing the other's mind. That mutual respect is why we've stayed close for over two decades.

I'm working on catching myself when I start sentences with "You should..." or "If I were you..." because that's usually my first clue that I'm overstepping. Instead, I'm practicing saying "What do you think would help?" or sometimes just "That sounds really tough."

Bottom line: there's no such thing as telling someone something "for their own good" if they didn't ask for my input. Real respect means treating others how I want to be treated—and I definitely don't want to be someone's improvement project.

-Karthik Gurumurthy

I 've noticed that when I stay alert to what's happening around me, I'm constantly gathering new information. My brain sorts through it all—keeping what matters, though nothing's ever really forgotten.

Like last week, when I read that article about  taking different routes to the same destination.. I hadn't thought much about  before, but now I'm rethinking how I'll reroute to meet my student's home.

It's honestly way easier to just stick with what I know. I could use the same route which I have been taking for the last two years and follow my usual routine. Predictable? Yes. Exciting? Not really.

But where's the fun in that? Life gets interesting when I try new things. That yoga class  with Newton I was nervous about taking introduced me to  stretching and relaxing I'd never considered and now I have something that I really enjoy relaxing with Shobana.

The world is constantly offering opportunities to adjust my thinking and plans. When Shobana challenged my opinion on that movie we watched, I had to admit her perspective made sense after I thought about it more.

Being flexible when situations change doesn't mean I'm wishy-washy—it shows I'm engaged with life. I can proudly change my mind when new information comes my way, whether it's admitting I was wrong about a small thing like the best route to work or something bigger like reconsidering a long-held belief.

That's how I stay alive to possibilities instead of just going through the motions.

-Karthik Gurumurthy 

For the last few weeks, I have been reading a book called "Power of Now" by Eckhard Tolle and finished it finally last week. I just couldn't put down. I was madly underlining everything. There wasn't a wasted word; every sentence he wrote went straight to the heart. 

Early in the book, Tolle relates how, after years of depression, he reached a place of utter despair and said to himself,  " I just cannot live with myself longer." In that moment, on the brink of suicide, he suddenly realized how odd that thought was. His next thought was, "If I cannot live with myself, there must be two of me: the 'I' and the 'self' that 'I' cannot live with.

This intellectual breakthrough led Tolle directly into a radical experience of personal transformation. With the awareness of these two apparent identities- the "I" that was the consciousness observing the thoughts, and the "myself" that was doing the thinking-he understood for the first time that he was not the content of his mind. When he stopped identifying with those thoughts and could observe them as separate from himself, he found love and joy where before there had been fear and suffering. He writes that from that point on, there was a permanent undercurrent of peace in his life.

Most of us remember  hearing the phrase " I think, therefore I am". However what Tolle says, in effect, is, "I am therefore I think."

Tolle's book helped me to understand that no matter what is going on in your mind, it's not really who you are. Your mind is a tool of the self- a part of your being-but not the real you. The real you stands behind your mind-and is far greater than the mind itself. I realized that I was no longer at the mercy of my mind; even if fearful thoughts came into my mind, I wasn't fearful. I didn't have to be gripped by emotions but could watch them come and go.

What Tolle said wasn't new, but because it was presented in the context of his own life story, it had tremendous clarity and power.  All fear comes from living in the past or the future, which are both in our minds- in reality, it is always now. As long as we stay with the Now, we have peace. Knowing this, we can choose peace at any moment. I learned to find peace in the moment and this is something which I need to take it forward in the future.

I think the truth and wisdom that Tolle bring forth can help anyone in a time of crisis, as well as in everyday life. Emotions come and go, but we are not those emotions; they just pass through us. At any moment, we can choose to participate in fear and doubt, or we can turn to the Now and find peace. Then, from that place of peace, we can continue forward to deal with the situation at hand. Our life situation may be the same, but we can alter our response to it. The peace that I found in the moment of Now is at the core of every individual being and also the collective Being of everything that is. 

-Karthik Gurumurthy

You know how there's a difference between reading about how to ride a bike and actually learning to ride one? That's what we're talking about here! There's "knowing that" (facts you can learn from books) and "knowing how" (stuff you need someone to show you).

Think about it like this: pretty much everything we know about physics is written down somewhere. But when it comes to something like tae kwon do? Most of that knowledge isn't in books - it's in the heads and muscles of the masters who teach it. If all those masters disappeared tomorrow, poof! A lot of that knowledge would vanish too.

Here's the funny thing - people will spend forever hunting down the perfect book but will work with any random mentor who comes along. That's kind of backwards when you think about it! While both book learning and hands-on learning matter, some things just can't be packed into a neat little PDF, you know?

Speaking of mentors, finding someone who can actually give good advice is like finding a parking spot in downtown on a busy weekend - pretty rare! The best mentors aren't just trying to show off how smart they are. Instead, they're like great tour guides - they know the territory AND they know you. They can look at your situation and see patterns that you might miss, just like how expert firefighters can look at a fire and predict where it's heading while rookies just see the flames.

-Karthik Gurumurthy

You know how your body's super smart about what it keeps and what it tosses out? Like, when you eat a burger, your body's like "Cool, I'll take these nutrients" and shows everything else the door. Same with water and air - your body's got this awesome filter system going on.

But here's the funny thing - when it comes to our thoughts and emotions, we suddenly forget how to filter! Someone says something mean to us, and instead of just taking any useful feedback and dumping the rest, we're like a sponge soaking up ALL the negativity. Not so smart, right?

It's like we're walking around with these emotional backpacks full of old hurts and grudges. Sure, we might say we've forgiven people, but we're still lugging around all that emotional junk in our mental attic. And guess what? All this emotional hoarding starts showing up in physical ways - weight gain, tummy troubles, achy joints, and just feeling like the world's sitting on your shoulders.

Here's a cool life hack: Every night, do a quick replay of your day. But instead of just remembering everything, play it like you're your body dealing with food - keep the good stuff, trash the rest. You can even make it official by telling yourself, "I'm keeping the lesson here and throwing out the drama."

The really wild part? A lot of us don't realize how our thoughts are like little chemical factories in our bodies. Every time you think "Ugh, I hate that person!" your body's brewing up some nasty stress cocktails. And when we keep playing these negative thoughts on repeat, they become like our personal theme song - you know, those "I can't do this" or "I'm not good enough" greatest hits we play in our heads.

Bottom line? We need to learn to think like our bodies process food - take what serves us and let the rest go. Otherwise, we're just making our minds into storage units for stuff we really don't need to keep!

-Karthik Gurumurthy

I remember clutching my "secret work notebook" like it contained the codes to Fort Knox. You know the one - where you write down all those precious processes and shortcuts that make you the "go-to person" at work. I thought being irreplaceable was the ultimate job security. Boy, was I wrong!

The wake-up call came during my vacation. I returned to 357 emails (yes, I counted) and a team that had been practically paralyzed because "only you know how to do this!" That's when it hit me - I hadn't made myself indispensable; I'd made myself a bottleneck.

Here's what happened next:

• My colleague Sarah needed help with a report I'd been doing for years
• My first instinct? "Well, it's complicated..." (translation: I'm scared you'll do it better)
• Then I remembered the vacation email nightmare
• Deep breath. "Let me walk you through it"

The funny thing? Teaching Sarah didn't make me less valuable - it made both of us better. She found ways to improve the process I thought was perfect. (Turns out, doing something the same way for three years doesn't make it the best way, just the familiar way!)

I had this mentor once who told me, "If you're the only one who can do your job, you're doing your job wrong." I thought he was crazy. Now I call him the Workplace Yoda.

My favorite teaching moment? When a junior team member asked about my "special" Excel formulas. Instead of giving my usual "Oh, it's just something I developed" (read: back off, these are MY formulas), I spent an afternoon showing him. A week later, he showed me three better ways to do the same thing. Talk about a humility sandwich!

Now I have a new rule: If I do something more than twice, I teach someone else how to do it. Not because I have to, but because:

• It forces me to understand it better
• Sometimes explaining why you do something makes you realize you don't know why
• Teaching others pushes you to grow (because they ask those annoying "but why?" questions)

The real plot twist? The more I taught others, the more valuable I became. Instead of being "the person who does that thing," I became "the person who helps everyone do things better."

-Karthik Gurumurthy

I am the expert on my own life. In a world where advertisers, evangelists, publishers, and educators constantly try to shape who I should be, I choose to listen to myself first.

One danger in our society is confusing the individual with the mass—using statistics to define people instead of recognizing our unique qualities. "Trendiness" only pulls me away from my true self. When I make choices, I take full responsibility by simply saying, "I do this because I want to."

Deep down, I have an interior voice that knows what I truly want. Even when this self-knowledge brings discomfort, I recognize that I'm a unique individual with goals and behaviors distinct from others. Embracing my full humanity means owning my differences and listening to my own voice.

Today and every day, I will be wise enough to consult myself first.

-Karthik Gurumurthy

I recognize the fundamental unfairness of expecting others to take on responsibilities I myself am unwilling to accept.

I've come to understand that equality stems from an internal mindset. When I genuinely value my own worth, I can comfortably acknowledge the accomplishments and well-being of those around me. My tendency to criticize others or make demands I wouldn't fulfill myself reveals insecurities in my self-perception.

Like most people, I experience fluctuations in my self-confidence. These doubts may emerge when facing significant challenges or appear unexpectedly during seemingly ordinary moments. I accept that occasional lack of self-assurance is simply part of being human. During these times, I remind myself that life unfolds purposefully and that my experiences are meaningful by design.

Almost every day, I encounter situations that initially seem beyond my capabilities, and I'm tempted to delegate these responsibilities to someone else. I try to remember that I'm never presented with challenges I'm unprepared to handle. Similarly, I shouldn't transfer to others the experiences necessary for my personal development and growth.

Today, I commit to doing my own growing. If I ask others to fulfill my responsibilities, I fail to honor my part in life's agreement.

-Karthik Gurumurthy

I've discovered that true wonder exists everywhere—from the microscopic elements of my body to the immense cosmic expanses, and within the intricate connections that bind all these together.

When I pause to observe my surroundings, I notice how everything connects to me and to all other aspects of this vast universe. There exists a universal rhythm with which all life synchronizes.

My existence, along with all existence, deserves profound appreciation. I marvel at the perfection found in a simple rosebud, an infant's tiny toenails, or a dog's innate sense of direction. My presence here isn't accidental—the beating of my heart contributes to the ongoing rhythm of the Universe. The wholeness of everything depends on the integration of all its parts.

I recognize that all life is sacred—friends, people with diferent thought processses, colleagues, neighbors, teachers. and parents alike. As this understanding permeates the depths of my being, I discover true love and self-knowledge. Above all, I experience the peace that comes from trusting in the vastness and rightness of the Universe and everything it encompasses.

Everything my eyes can see and my heart can sense contributes to my personal existence today.

-Karthik Gurumurthy

Here's the deal about attachment – I've figured out that chasing after it or expecting it just makes me needy. It's like when I kept texting that friend who never responds quickly, hoping they'd finally give me the attention I wanted. I was exhausting myself and probably pushing them away.

I get love when I give it freely, no strings attached. When I try to bargain – like "I'll listen to your work problems if you validate my feelings" – it never works out. It's like going to a market expecting to pay half-price for everything. I end up feeling cheated in my relationships.

Everyone needs love, including me. I catch myself looking for reassurance from my wife, family, or friends all the time. But that search never ends until I actually start loving myself. Self-love clicked for me when I finally understood that I matter just as I am, not because of what I achieve or how I perform.

When I started recognizing my own value – like appreciating my ability to listen well rather than beating myself up for not being more outgoing – everything shifted. I stopped doubting myself so much and could actually be present for others. I don't need to grasp for validation when I hang out with people anymore. I can just enjoy connecting with them.

Going forward, I'm going to really be there for someone I care about, without any hidden agenda, and try to understand what they bring to my life.

-Karthik Gurumurthy

I'm struck by the possibility that this present moment might be uniquely mine—promised and destined for me out of all the countless moments in existence.

All I truly have is this instant. While I make plans for what's ahead and reflect on what's behind, I can only act within the present moment. I have no power to halt its passage or accelerate the arrival of the next. Like everyone else on this planet, I'm participating in this shared moment—sometimes mundane, sometimes extraordinary, always unpredictable.

If there's ever a time that belongs to me, it must be now, because there is no alternative. I may have experienced special moments in my past, and meaningful times might await me in the future. However, the only moment that truly belongs to me is this one—where I exist right now. What I choose to do with this time is entirely my decision.

Each moment belongs to me, to shape into something beautiful or painful according to my choices.

-Karthik Gurumurthy

My reality is shaped by how I perceive reality itself, regardless of whether those perceptions are accurate.

How I approach today will influence what I receive from it. My expectations will manifest themselves, which means I possess the personal power to guide my thoughts and subsequent actions. It's both empowering and exciting to understand that I am responsible for my circumstances. I'll either handle them smoothly or face challenges according to my established patterns.

What I perceive in any situation directly corresponds to my vision of that moment. If I desire more joy, enhanced freedom, or greater achievements, they remain within my reach—they can't escape me unless I allow them to. However, I must first establish my direction and then deliberately guide my steps along that path.

I go where I choose to go. I see what I choose to see. Everything can transform in an instant when I shift my perspective.

-Karthik Gurumurthy

I've been contemplating Helen Keller's insight about happiness - how it's not what we have or what others do for us that brings true joy, but rather what we think, feel, and do for others first, then ourselves.

I've noticed in my own life how focusing on someone else's needs creates this uplifting energy that benefits both of us. It's like there's this counterintuitive path to emotional well-being that involves shifting attention away from myself. The more I prioritize others' needs above my own concerns, the more I seem to progress toward a sense of wholeness.

What's particularly interesting is how this shift in focus affects my personal problems. When I look beyond myself, the issues I've been fixating on often fade away from simple neglect. I've realized that many of my problems only persist because I keep feeding them with my attention and obsession. There's something genuinely refreshing about switching perspective - it offers a new outlook that almost always proves beneficial.

I try to remind myself daily that I'm surrounded by people whose needs may be greater than my own. There's something healing about temporarily forgetting myself in service to others. My own well-being seems to flourish most when I'm focused outward rather than inward.

-Karthik Gurumurthy

I've been reflecting on Nietzsche's observation about resentment being a consuming force. It's made me examine my own tendencies to try controlling situations and people around me.

I've noticed how this pattern plays out: I try to control others or outcomes, inevitably fail in these attempts, and then find myself harboring resentment. While it feels completely natural to want things to go my way, the aftermath is what's troubling. That resentment I develop doesn't just sit quietly - it starts controlling me instead, leading to frustration, occasional panic, and a persistent undercurrent of unhappiness.

What's particularly concerning is how resentment blinds me to opportunities. When I'm stuck feeling bitter about someone or something, I completely miss the meaningful possibilities right in front of me. My personal growth stalls because I'm too focused on what went wrong rather than what could go right.

I've realized that resentment is essentially a power drain. When I allow it to take over, my very identity becomes tangled up in it. I lose my ability to take responsible action. The irony is that while I resent losing control of external situations, I'm simultaneously surrendering control over myself.

The good news I'm discovering is that reclaiming my power is surprisingly straightforward - not necessarily easy, but simple in concept. I just need to decide to let go of the resentment.

The lesson I'm working to internalize is that my sphere of control is much smaller than I've wanted to believe - it extends only to my own behavior and attitudes. That's both humbling and liberating. Each day offers a fresh opportunity to practice this understanding, a new beginning to focus on what I can actually control rather than what I cannot.

-Karthik Gurumurthy

I've been thinking about faith lately - not as some gamble or bet on being right, but as Joanna Russ describes it: an intentional leap so far into the future that you break free from time's constraints and touch something timeless.

I'm fascinated by people who've mastered living in the present. They don't waste energy worrying about tomorrow or regretting yesterday. There's that saying: "Two days I can't do anything about - yesterday and tomorrow."

I catch myself doing this all the time - imagining alternative histories or future scenarios. What if  Robert Clive had died as a child? Where would I go if I had a time machine? But I'm realizing these mental gymnastics can be a trap. The past and future are, in many ways, just constructs of our imagination. The only true reality is this moment right now. Yes, past events shaped my present, and yes, today's choices will influence my tomorrow - but neither yesterday nor tomorrow are within my reach. Only now is.

What's struck me recently is the paradox that people with strong faith often seem most capable of fully inhabiting the present moment. Their faith isn't about escaping reality but embracing it more deeply. They demonstrate a reverence for the present - a care for the quality of each moment that reflects a deeper faith in life itself.

This kind of faith whispers a profound truth: the present is precious because it's all we truly have.

I'm trying to learn this way of being - to swim in the present moment with both reverence and fearlessness, supported by the sustaining waters of life itself.

-Karthik Gurumurthy

I've been reflecting on what Benedetto Croce said about goodness and blind passion. It's made me realize that there's real danger in willful blindness - in deliberately shutting out parts of reality that I don't want to see. When I close my mind's eye to something, I'm essentially closing myself off from a piece of life itself. And that kind of selective vision often leads to unintended harm.

I've noticed how challenging it is when strong emotions take hold of me - that impulse to react immediately is so powerful. But I'm learning that giving myself space before acting isn't just preferable, it's essential. Those times when I've yielded to impulse without taking time to see the situation clearly have almost always left me with regret afterward.

What's interesting is that I don't necessarily need complete information before making decisions - I just need to know myself. When I'm caught up in blind passion, I lose sight of who I really am and what truly matters to me. Passion might drive me to do something that seems selfless, but without clarity, even well-intentioned actions can go astray.

The most meaningful and positive actions in my life have come from moments of clear-sightedness, not emotional reactivity. I'm training myself to pause when strong feelings arise, to mistrust that initial blind impulse, and to wait for clarity before taking action. It's becoming a form of self-trust - I trust myself enough to wait for a clearer perspective.

-Karthik Gurumurthy

You know, I've been thinking about how we're so afraid of failing, but actually, every great success story is built on top of some epic failures. Let me tell you about some examples that really inspire me.

Look at Abraham Lincoln - his life was basically a series of failures until he hit his 50s! Failed at business at 21, lost elections left and right, had a nervous breakdown, lost his sweetheart... the list goes on and on. But at 52? Becomes President of the United States! Like, can you imagine having that kind of resilience?

And Colonel Sanders - this guy was 65 years old with just a car and $100 to his name. SIXTY-FIVE! When most people are settling into retirement, he's out there knocking on doors trying to sell his chicken recipe. And not just a few doors - he got rejected ONE THOUSAND times before someone said yes. Now KFC is everywhere! Would I have that kind of persistence at that age? I honestly don't know.

Then there's Beethoven - his mom was advised to abort him because doctors predicted he'd have disabilities like all her other kids. And guess what? He was born deaf. A deaf kid sent to music school! They literally sent him home saying "this isn't going to work." And yet he created some of the most beautiful music the world has ever known.

And Edison - labeled "too stupid and deaf to learn" as a kid, only had four months of actual schooling. When he was trying to invent the light bulb, he failed 10,000 times! TEN THOUSAND! Most of us give up after like, three attempts. But that's not even the craziest part - at 67, his factory burned down, destroying everything. Instead of giving up, he said, "Great! All our mistakes are burnt up. Thank God we can start anew." Three weeks later, he invented the phonograph. What kind of mindset is that?!

I think what hits me about all these stories is that setbacks are just part of the journey. They can actually drive us forward and teach us some humility along the way. In those tough moments, we find courage we didn't know we had. The real enemy isn't failure - it's fear and doubt that paralyze us.

We all get to choose: do we want to be victims of our circumstances, or victors despite them? I know which one I'm aiming for.

-Karthik Gurumurthy

ou know, I've been thinking about this whole struggle with getting out of bed in the morning. For some people, dragging yourself out from under those cozy blankets feels like climbing Mount Everest. Even when there's a ton of stuff waiting to be done at home, school, or work, that magnetic pull of "just five more minutes" is real!

But when you think about it, isn't it kind of crazy? Our bodies are these incredible machines - hearts pumping non-stop, eyes that outperform the fanciest cameras ever made, brains more sophisticated than any computer. We're walking miracles! Yet somehow we still find ourselves stuck in this psychological quicksand called procrastination.

It's sneaky how procrastination works. It's not just about morning laziness - it creeps into everything. Like when I notice those cobwebs in the corner and think, "I'll deal with those tomorrow." Or that email I need to write that keeps sliding down my to-do list day after day until whatever it was about doesn't even matter anymore.

What I've realized is that we're masters at justifying our procrastination. "It's Saturday!" "My boss is away today anyway." "I deserve a break." We create these little stories to make ourselves feel better about not doing what needs to be done.

But here's the thing - if someone offered me $4,000 to be first at the office tomorrow morning, you better believe my alarm would be set and I'd be out the door before sunrise! So clearly it's not that I can't get up early - it's that I haven't found the right motivation.

The real satisfaction doesn't come from those extra minutes of half-sleep when you're just lying there anyway. It comes from actually accomplishing things and moving forward with your day. There's this genuine joy in checking things off your list that no amount of bed-lounging can match.

I try to remind myself of this simple truth: there are only two rules of procrastination to remember. First, do it today. Second, remember that tomorrow will also be "today" when it arrives - so you're just pushing the same problem forward.

Maybe the trick is shifting focus from how comfy the bed feels to how good it'll feel to have conquered the day!

-Karthik Gurumurthy

I've been thinking a lot about how we react to the frustrating realities that we face in India. You know what makes my blood boil? All those traders blocking walkways, officials demanding bribes for basic documents that should be free, police abusing their power, and politicians who couldn't care less about the people they're supposed to serve. It's like the troublemakers are running the show everywhere.

When I dwell on this stuff, I feel like my head's going to explode - like someone poured hot acid into my brain. My whole body tenses up! Sometimes I find myself thinking, "Is there really no way to fix any of this?"

I'm not alone in feeling this way. Plenty of people vent like this, getting angry to the point where their blood pressure skyrockets. Others just retreat into themselves, feeling defeated. And honestly, their frustration makes perfect sense.

But I heard this story that got me thinking differently. There was this marketing superstar (MS) waiting at an airport when they announced a four-hour flight delay. Instead of groaning like everyone else, he just said, "Fantastic!" The guy next to him was baffled and asked what could possibly be fantastic about it.

The MS explained, "Well, there are three likely reasons for the delay: something's wrong with the plane, something's wrong with the pilot, or the weather at our destination is bad. I wouldn't want to fly under any of those conditions!" When they announced an additional delay later, he again said, "Fantastic!" His explanation? "More time to prepare for my next seminar."

The confused passengers finally asked if he was genuinely not irritated. He admitted, "I'm saying 'fantastic' specifically to avoid getting irritated. What other choice do I have? By saying it, I'm creating the energy of how I want to feel." He called it "transformation vocabulary" - words that create a more empowering mindset.

So how do we deal with issues like corruption and bribery that seem intolerable? On one hand, wishing for a corruption-free society is ideal but not realistic right now. On the other hand, just saying "It's impossible to end corruption, so just accept it" isn't right either.

Some people get worked up over everything - from major corruption to tiny mistakes at work or home. Their blood pressure spikes, they lose control, and sometimes they even lash out violently. That approach just creates more problems.

It reminds me of boxing - you need to control your emotions and play by the rules. Life is even more complex because we're playing multiple roles in different "games" simultaneously.

I think of it like fish in the ocean. Some are tiny and get eaten by predators. Others are sharks that survive by attacking everything around them. But then there are dolphins - they swim in the same ocean with all the dangers but know how to navigate without becoming prey or predator.

Maybe that's the answer - can we be like dolphins? Enjoy life, be good people, but also know how to keep a safe distance from negative influences while still thriving in the same environment?

-Karthik Gurumurthy

I've been thinking about how life is always changing - it's the one thing we can count on! But change isn't something to fear. I see it as moving from one amazing experience to another, each with its own beauty and mystery to uncover.

Dealing with change is really what good leadership comes down to. In my experience, the best leaders don't just stick with what's comfortable or familiar. They have this amazing ability to see beyond what's right in front of them. Average people think "what I have is good," but exceptional ones think "whatever is good, I'll make it mine."

I've found this fascinating concept called the 'law of three' really helpful. It's like this: when you put out positive energy (first force), you'll inevitably face resistance (second force). But here's the cool part - if you keep pushing with that positive energy, eventually this third force kicks in and actually transforms all that negativity into something positive! But you have to stick with it, or the negative will take over.

There's this story that really drives this home for me. Some biology students were watching a butterfly emerge from its cocoon, and they felt bad seeing it struggle, so they helped it out. But the butterfly died! Their teacher explained that the struggle was actually necessary - it strengthens the butterfly's wings. By "helping," they accidentally killed it.

That's been such an eye-opener for me - sometimes the struggles we face are exactly what we need to grow stronger. Good leaders get this. They stay positive even when everything around them is falling apart.

I also try to follow what I call the "ladder principle" - we're all on different rungs of personal growth. If you want to climb higher, you should help others up too, not pull anyone down.

When I'm working with people, I've learned it's crucial to keep their hopes alive. I focus less on my own career path and more on helping others develop theirs. The real skill is igniting enthusiasm in others. I love what Andrew Carnegie said about having the patience of a gold miner - you have to sift through a lot of dust to find those golden moments with people.

-Karthik Gurumurthy

I've been thinking a lot about how mindset shapes our reality, and I've developed some personal practices that have really transformed my approach to daily life.

 I've learned that life never stands still - we're either moving forward or sliding backward. That's why I make sure each day includes at least one small step forward. It was challenging at first, but now it's become second nature. The momentum this creates is incredible - positive changes start snowballing in ways I never expected.

My daily routine has been transformative, and it's quite straightforward:

1. I never let negative thoughts linger - I immediately replace them with positive ones, sometimes taking specific actions to cement the positive mindset.
2. I go to bed planning tomorrow and visualizing success, allowing my subconscious to work on solutions while I sleep.
3. I prioritize happiness, knowing a positive mind is much easier to maintain than trying to climb out of negativity. When I feel down, I've found doing something kind for someone else is the fastest way back to contentment.
4. I start each morning with genuine enthusiasm - talking about positive expectations over breakfast and approaching the day with anticipation.
5. I'm selective about who I spend time with, gravitating toward positive influences and limiting exposure to negativity unless I'm in a position to help.

I'm not claiming I created these ideas alone - they're the culmination of wisdom from countless teachers, authors, and experiences I've encountered. 

My sincere hope is that these ideas become more than just interesting concepts for you - that they become the catalyst for genuine transformation in your life. I believe these principles can help remove whatever obstacles currently stand between you and true happiness.

-Karthik Gurumurthy

-Karthik Gurumurthy

I've been reflecting on how our past shapes our future. We face tomorrow with the experiences of yesterday firmly in hand. I can't really escape my history - it's always with me, coloring how I see things now.

When I think about it, my reactions today are deeply influenced by what I've been through before. The roots of who I am run deep into my past experiences.

I'm starting to see each day as preparation for what's ahead. Every experience, every challenge, is teaching me something I'll need later. Without these lessons, I couldn't fully develop into who I'm meant to become.

What's fascinating is how nothing in our lives is random. I believe we encounter precisely the experiences that align with our unique talents and the specific role we're meant to play. There's comfort in knowing that whatever challenges come my way are within my capacity to handle - I won't be faced with something I'm not equipped for.

So I'm embracing this truth: All is well. I'm ready for whatever today brings, because my yesterdays have prepared me perfectly for this moment.

-Karthik Gurumurthy

I  remember sitting in my office late one evening, surrounded by a stack of leadership books and professional development courses I had signed up for. Each one promised to teach me a new skill - public speaking, strategic planning, financial analysis, team building - you name it. I was trying to become this "perfect" leader who could do it all.

Like many of us, I had fallen into the trap of thinking I needed to master everything. If there was a training session on negotiation, I was there. A workshop on data analytics? Sign me up. I was spreading myself thin, like trying to be both an orchestra conductor and every instrument player at once.

Then came a pivotal moment during a presentation I was giving. I had studied all the "right" ways to present - trying to be bold and commanding like the charismatic leaders I admired. But something felt off. The words weren't flowing naturally, and I could sense the disconnect with my audience. Later that week, I led a small team discussion in my usual collaborative, quiet style, and the engagement was completely different - ideas flowed, people opened up, and we made real progress.

It reminded me of studying Churchill and Gandhi in history. Here were two incredibly effective leaders with completely opposite styles. Churchill didn't try to be gentle and philosophical like Gandhi, and Gandhi never attempted to be forceful and dramatic like Churchill. Yet both changed the course of history by being authentically themselves.

The turning point came when I started thinking about my student Rob's father. He is a carpenter, and I used to watch him select exactly the right tool for each job. He never tried to use a saw when he needed a hammer, or force a screwdriver to do a chisel's work. Each tool had its purpose, and his expertise lay in knowing exactly when and how to use each one.

That's when it clicked - my leadership style was like my toolbox of natural strengths. Instead of trying to fill it with every tool ever made, I needed to sharpen and master the ones that already felt right in my hands. When I focused on developing my natural abilities in fostering collaboration, building relationships, and finding creative solutions, my effectiveness as a leader grew naturally.

Now, when I mentor others, I share this story and encourage them to discover their own unique strengths rather than trying to become a carbon copy of someone else. After all, the world doesn't need another Churchill or Gandhi - it needs authentic leaders who understand and leverage their own natural gifts.