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December 2024

Happy New Year 2025

-Karthik Gurumurthy

As we approach 2025, I would like to share several meaningful commitments I have made to myself, with the hope that they may serve as inspiration for others to develop their own aspirations:
 
While acknowledging the importance of reflection, I intend to focus predominantly on future opportunities and potential accomplishments in 2025, cultivating an optimistic outlook for the year ahead.
  1. I commit to developing a comprehensive understanding of emerging technologies and disruptive trends by immersing myself in thorough research and well-documented perspectives, rather than relying on cursory headlines.
  2. I shall endeavor to make meaningful contributions, both significant and modest, toward improving our collective environment beginning in early 2025.
  3. I resolve to prioritize quality time with family, cultivate existing friendships, and commit to few lasting relationships.
  4. I commit to actively mentoring handful of  individuals throughout the year, monitoring and supporting their development.
  5. I shall practice suspending judgment and exercise deliberate listening, acknowledging that I must improve my tendency toward hasty assessments of others.
  6. I will implement a structured approach to health management, including regular exercise, proper nutrition, and stress reduction, with measurable baseline metrics to track progress.
  7. Inspired by Jonathan Haidt's "The Anxious Generation," I commit to designated daily periods of digital disconnection.
  8. I shall cultivate more moments of levity, recognizing laughter's therapeutic benefits.
  9. I will maintain a weekly gratitude journal and express appreciation to others through written correspondence (Shobana is best at it, She always makes time to write letters regularly)
I extend my sincere wishes for a prosperous and healthful 2025 to all.

Whatever you focus, grows!

-Karthik Gurumurthy

Hey, want to unlock your hidden superpowers? Here's the deal: we've all got this massive reservoir of potential just waiting to be tapped into. Let me break down some cool ways to make that happen!

  • First up, you need a game plan. Napoleon Hill (after hanging out with America's richest folks) figured out that having a clear purpose is like rocket fuel for success. So grab a journal and map out your future - not just those "New Year, New Me" resolutions that fizzle out by February, but a real vision that gets you fired up!
  • Keep that brain of yours in learning mode. Think of yourself as an "infinite learner" (cool term from Reid Hoffman). Read everything you can get your hands on, listen to podcasts, follow the experts in your field. And here's a pro tip: read stuff outside your comfort zone too - you never know where that next brilliant idea might come from!
  • Take care of that body! Even a 30-minute walk can get those happy chemicals flowing and boost your brain power. It's not about New Year's resolutions; it's about making it part of your everyday life.
  • Here's something people often forget: celebrate your wins, no matter how small! Don't wait for others to pat you on the back - be your own cheerleader. And speaking of positivity, practice gratitude. You can chase your dreams while still appreciating what you've got right now.
  • Time management? It's really about managing yourself. There are 168 hours in a week for everyone - even Beyoncé! It's what you do with them that counts. Focus on today's tasks instead of getting overwhelmed by the big picture.
  • Fear's totally normal (even Mark Twain worried about stuff that never happened), but don't let it stop you. And remember to take breaks - sometimes your best ideas come when you're just chilling out.
  • Define success your way - don't let society do it for you. And hey, stop comparing yourself to others - you're running your own race! As someone wise once said, "There's nothing noble in being superior to others. True nobility is being superior to your former self."
  • Bottom line? Your life matters, and you can be great at whatever lights you up. Just figure out what you want your life to stand for - that's something only you can decide. Make it personal, make it meaningful, and go for it!

Decluttering

-Karthik Gurumurthy

I just read a heartwarming story in  Times of India  about learning to let go! So this retired Indian Air Force veteran had accumulated quite the collection over the years - we're talking eight different uniforms, six types of shoes, and enough headgear to start a hat shop! His first big decluttering win? Making his wife super happy by emptying out his wardrobe.

Then came the really tricky stuff. Moving from a 4-bedroom house to a 3-bedroom apartment meant he had to part with all kinds of things, from kitchen stuff to curtains. The toughest part? His massive collection of books and magazines - we're talking hundreds of Reader's Digests and National Geographic! (That would give Marie Kondo a run for her money!)

But wait, it gets more touching. After his wife passed away, he cleared out her cupboards in just three days, donating everything to orphanages and hospitals. Though he admits his heart skipped a beat seeing her empty cupboard the next day. Now whenever his son asks for something, he sweetly says, "It's in your mama's cupboard."

The final decluttering mission came after his cancer surgeries, when he decided to embrace the simple life. He's now down to just eight sets of basics and five pairs of PJs in his travel bag. But here's the catch - he ends his story wondering if he can declutter his memories as easily as his possessions. Pretty deep, right?

Best part? He's still writing and sharing his story, showing us all that sometimes having less stuff actually gives you more life. How's that for inspiration to clean out our own closets?


Sanjay Subrahmanyan concert

-Karthik Gurumurthy
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Since way back in the 1990s, I have been following amazing classical Indian musician named Sanjay Subrahmanyan who's been capturing hearts left and right. What makes him special? Well, even though he's deeply rooted in traditional music, he's got this incredible knack for finding fresh, exciting ways to present every song and raga he performs.
 
Think of him as a musical archaeologist - he's always digging up hidden gems! He discovers these beautiful, forgotten compositions from various composers and brings them back to life. Sometimes, he even takes these lost pieces and adds his own musical magic to them. And when it comes to Tamil songs? Oh boy, he absolutely loves performing them - whether they're famous classics or rare treasures - and Tamil language enthusiasts just can't get enough!

Reflections and Revelations

-Karthik Gurumurthy

As I sit here on this crisp December morning of 2024, watching the sun peek through my window, I can't help but reflect on the incredible journey that brought me here. You know, life has this funny way of teaching us lessons when we least expect them, and over the years, I've collected quite a few pearls of wisdom that I'd love to share with you.

Picture this: We're all like unique snowflakes drifting through life. Even identical twins, believe it or not, chart their own distinct paths. It took me years to realize that comparing myself to others was like comparing apples to shooting stars – completely pointless! As my friend Robert would say, "Don't strive to be the best; strive to be the only you."

Speaking of journeys, I've started keeping this fascinating little habit. Every evening, I jot down my daily victories in what I call my "celebration journal." It could be something as simple as dragging myself out of bed for an early morning workout or my failing student excited about a new concept. You'd be amazed at how these little wins add up! It's like building a personal highlight reel of your life.

But here's something that might surprise you: being a jack-of-all-trades isn't such a bad thing after all. Take Roger Federer, for instance. Did you know that as a kid, he just wanted to meet Boris Becker and maybe win six grand slams? He wasn't obsessed with being the GOAT like Tiger Woods was. Life has taught me that having multiple interests and skills is like having different arrows in your quiver – you never know which one you'll need to hit your target.

Your environment, oh boy, that's a game-changer! Think of it like being a plant – you need the right soil, sunlight, and water to thrive. I've learned to surround myself with beauty, tranquility, and inspiration. It's amazing how some inspiring books can transform your mental landscape.

Time management? Forget about it! Instead, I've learned to manage myself. It's like being the conductor of your own orchestra – you need to know which instruments (tasks) to play at what time. I've become quite good at saying "no" to the trivial many to focus on the vital few. It's liberating, really.

Let me tell you about this turning point in my life back in 2012. I sat down and wrote what I call my personal mission statement: "My mission is to maximize my potential and help others maximize theirs." Simple, right? But it's been my North Star ever since. It's like having a personal GPS for life's journey.

You know what's funny? We often forget to celebrate how far we've come. We're so busy looking at the mountain ahead that we forget to look back at the valley we've already crossed.

Here's a secret I've learned: success isn't about what others think it should be. It's about what makes your heart sing. I've seen people with all the fame and fortune in the world who still feel empty inside. True success is like a perfectly tailored suit – it needs to fit YOU, not anyone else.

But perhaps the most important lesson I've learned is about love – love for life, love for others, and love for ourselves. Life isn't a dress rehearsal; we get one shot at this magnificent performance. The most touching reflections I've heard from elderly folks aren't about career achievements or material success – they're about wishing they'd spent more time with the people they love.

And gratitude? That's the secret sauce that ties everything together. It's like having a pair of magical glasses that help you see the beauty in every moment, even the challenging ones. Just yesterday, I challenged myself to write down 30 things I'm grateful for. You know what? The first 20 were easy, but pushing beyond that really made me appreciate the little things I often take for granted.

As we venture into 2025, I carry these lessons with me like precious stones in my pocket, each one polished by experience and time. They remind me that life isn't about reaching a destination – it's about enjoying the dance, learning from the missteps, and keeping our hearts open to the wonderful possibilities that each new day brings.

Remember, your story is still being written, and you're holding the pen. Make it a story worth telling.


Priorities

-Karthik Gurumurthy

I have started seeing everything differently. You know how when you're about to go on a long trip, you get choosier about what really needs your attention? That's how I live now. When I catch myself getting worked up about small stuff, I think "Will this matter in my final moments?" Usually, the answer's no.

Here's a practical example -  Few years back, I used to stress about keeping up with the Joneses, always wanting the newest gadgets or a fancier car. Now I focus more on collecting moments than things. Last week, instead of upgrading my phone, I spent that money taking my family out for a day we'll actually remember.

I've also gotten better at what I call "cleaning as I go" - not just physical stuff, but emotional baggage too. I try not to let the sun set on anger or unresolved issues. If I have a disagreement with someone, I handle it pretty quickly now. Because honestly, who wants their last interaction with someone to be a petty argument?

The funny thing is, planning for a good ending has made me better at living. I'm more intentional about telling people what they mean to me - no saving it for eulogies. When my friend did something really thoughtful last month, I didn't just think "that's nice" - I called him up and told him how much I appreciated it.

This mindset has also made me weirdly more adventurous. Since I'm not pretending I'll live forever, I'm less likely to put things off.  Want to learn a new thing? Why not?  Go for it. The clock's ticking, but that makes every minute more valuable, not less.


Time is running out

-Karthik Gurumurthy

Ever notice how some people live like they're always getting ready for their "real life" to start? Like that friend who's always saying "I'll start traveling once I get a better job" or "I'll learn guitar after I retire." Meanwhile, time's just zipping by like a Netflix series on autoplay!

Here's the deal: time is like having a gift card with no balance display - you don't know how much you've got left, which makes every bit of it super precious. Pretty heavy stuff, right? But here's a cool way to think about it: death is like the sun - it affects everything we do, but you don't want to stare directly at it or you'll go nuts!

Think about when you're most excited about stuff:

  • That first bite of a new food you love
  • The last week at a job you actually liked
  • Your kid's last day of elementary school
  • That final hangout with friends before moving away

The ancient philosophers weren't being dramatic when they thought about death - they were just trying to live life in "HD" instead of standard definition! They were like, "If you want to really appreciate your Monday, pretend it's your last Monday ever."

It's like when you're at the end of your vacation - suddenly every moment feels more special, right? That's the kind of awareness they were after for everyday life.

And here's the really cool part: what sticks around after we're gone isn't our Instagram posts or fancy job titles - it's the impact we had on others. Think about it like this: your grandma's special  recipe, your dad's cricket annotations , your teacher's life advice - that stuff becomes part of who you are, and then part of who your kids become.

So instead of living like you're always in the waiting room for your real life to sart, live like you're already in the main event. Because, plot twist: you are!

Bottom line? Don't put off telling people you love them, taking that trip, or learning that thing you've always wanted to learn. The time is now, folks!


Prasanna Agoram Observations on Virat Kohli

-Karthik Gurumurthy

So I was reading this cool analysis by Prasanna Agoram on Cricbuzz, and it got me thinking about how Virat Kohli's batting has evolved, especially when he's dealing with those tricky balls outside off stump.
 
Look, I'm no expert on the super technical stuff, but I've always been fascinated by how players approach their game. When you look at Kohli before 2019 and compare it to now, you can spot some interesting changes.
 
Here's the thing - Kohli's always been this front-foot superstar, right? Like, those flicks and cover drives? Pure poetry! But lately, something's different. His front-foot movement isn't quite what it used to be back in 2018, and he's not standing as tall at the crease. Because of this, he's having to reach out for those balls to play his signature shots - you know, the ones that used to make bowlers lose sleep!
 
Now, some folks argue that his struggles with balls outside off aren't really a technical problem. But hey, even the GOATs of cricket face these kinds of challenges, right?
 
Big shoutout to Prasanna Agoram for this eye-opening analysis! It's totally changed how I watch cricket now. It's not just about admiring those beautiful shots anymore - it's about noticing those tiny changes in how a player sets up and thinks about their game.

Congratulations, Gukesh

-Karthik Gurumurthy

Talk about keeping your cool! When D Gukesh won the World Chess Championship, his reaction was pretty amazing to watch. Instead of going wild, this is what he did:
 
First, he just sat there, taking it all in. Let some tears flow (hey, who wouldn't?), and then - get this - he actually took the time to put all the chess pieces back in place! He even gave a little bow to the board before getting up. Only then did he let himself celebrate with the crowd.
 
At the press conference? Total class act. He couldn't stop praising his opponent and even said, "Look, just because I won doesn't mean I'm the best - that's still Magnus Carlsen." How humble is that?
 
The really cool part? This kid knew what he wanted way back when he was 11, straight-up saying he wanted to be the youngest chess champ in the world. Now at 18, he's proving that Gen Z isn't just about social media drama and mental health struggles.
 
He's got this vibe that reminds people of legends like Rahul Dravid and Viswanathan Anand - you know, that quiet confidence and solid values. It's like he's figured out this perfect balance: dreaming super big while keeping his feet firmly on the ground.
 
Pretty refreshing to see a young champ handle success with such grace, right??

Growing old, trying to grow wiser

-Karthik Gurumurthy

Hey there! Let's talk about something real - you know that quiet change that comes with getting older? It's kind of like watching the seasons change, but it's happening to you. 🍂

At 40, it hits you - things are different. You know those meetings where everyone used to hang on your every word? Now they're buzzing along without asking what you think. But here's the thing - it's not personal! It's just life doing its thing. The cool part? Your real impact isn't in today's meeting - it's in all those lives you've touched along the way.

By 45, you get this "aha" moment about work. That corporate world you thought couldn't survive without you? Spoiler alert: it keeps spinning! And you know what? That's actually awesome! It's like finally taking off those uncomfortable shoes you've been wearing all day. Now you can focus on the good stuff - sharing what you know, helping others grow. Because let's face it, inspiring someone else is way cooler than any fancy job title.

At 50, it's like society's playing this game of "let's pretend older folks are invisible." But hey, plot twist - it's actually kind of freeing! The younger crowd doesn't know you were once the boss of everything, and that's actually perfect. You can just be... you. No pressure, no pretending. And those old friends who still call just to check in? They're like gold, seriously. Pure gold. ✨

And when it's finally time to peace out? It's all good! It's just the last chapter of an amazing story - your story. Full of laughs, tears, and everything in between.

So here's the deal: while you're still kicking, live it up! Laugh so hard you snort, hug people like you mean it, do that thing you've been putting off. Treat your friendships like precious plants - give them attention, watch them grow. Because when the credits roll, nobody's going to remember your job title or your bank balance. They'll remember how you made them feel.

Just keep spreading those good vibes, be present, and boom - you're basically immortal!

This one goes out to everyone who gets it - time doesn't erase the awesome stuff, it just turns it into something new. 

PS: Getting older isn't about fading away - it's about glowing differently. And honestly? It looks pretty good on you! 💫


When Your Team Goes Behind Your Back: A No-Drama Guide to Getting Back on Track

-Karthik Gurumurthy

I just enjoyed reading the HBR article of "When your Team Bypasses you to get things done" by Jenny Fernandez. This is the gist of what was shared.

Ever had someone on your team go over your head to get stuff done? That's what happened to John, a nonprofit exec, when his team member Alex kept running straight to the big boss for feedback instead of coming to him. Talk about awkward - especially when an important partner mentioned changes John hadn't even heard about!
 
So why do people pull these moves? Usually, it boils down to three things:
  • They're confused about who's supposed to do what
  • They're not sure what success looks like
  • They just want to get things done fast and figure the chain of command is slowing them down
But here's how to fix it without going full drill sergeant:
  • First, get everyone singing from the same songbook. Use the "one message, one team" approach - make sure everyone knows the game plan and their part in it. Tools like RACI (that's fancy talk for who's Responsible, Accountable, Consulted, and Informed) can help clear up who should be doing what.
  • Next, make it about the team, not individual rock stars. Set up goals that everyone works toward together - it's harder to go rogue when you're all in the same boat.
  • Give props when people do things the right way. A simple "thanks for following the process" during a team meeting can work wonders. John even started a "team player of the month" thing to celebrate folks who played by the rules.
Finally, find that sweet spot between letting people do their thing and keeping structure. Like John did with Alex - he started including them in key conversations while still maintaining the proper chain of command.
Remember, when someone bypasses you, it's actually a chance to make your team stronger. Handle it with empathy and clarity, and you'll end up with a more unified, high-performing crew.

Gratitude and forgiveness

-Karthik Gurumurthy

You know what's cool about saying "thank you"? It's like putting on special glasses that help you spot all the good stuff in your life - things you might totally miss otherwise because you're too busy or stressed to notice. Plus, when you thank someone, it's this awesome reminder that you're not flying solo in life. We're all connected!

Now, let's talk about holding grudges - there's this super smart quote from the Talmud that basically says holding a grudge is as dumb as cutting one hand with a knife and then stabbing your other hand for revenge. Like, who are you really hurting here?

When someone hurts you, yeah, that pain is real - no one's saying it isn't. It's like getting a real cut - you can't just pretend it doesn't hurt. But here's the thing: holding onto that pain is like choosing to cut yourself over and over again. Ouch!

Think of forgiveness like gratitude's cousin - it's something you do for others, but really, you're the one who benefits most. There's this great way of looking at it: forgiving means giving up hope for a better past. Because let's be real - you can't change what happened yesterday, but you've got total control over what you do today and tomorrow.

Bottom line? Strong people know where to focus their energy. They know they can't control the past, but they sure can control how they handle it going forward!


Human Being

-Karthik Gurumurthy

You know what's crazy cool? Being human! And I'm not talking about all the stuff we haven't done yet or what's missing in our lives. It's about celebrating who we are and the wild fact that we can become whoever we want to be.

Think about it - nobody's controlling your path or writing your story for you. You get to choose! How awesome is that? It's like having this superpower to transform yourself, letting go of yesterday's baggage and making each day a little better than the last. And once you get into that groove, it becomes second nature - like leveling up in a video game, but in real life!

But here's the thing - it's not about reaching some final destination. The fun is in playing the game! It's like sports - it's not just about winning, it's about that next serve, that next shot, that next strategic move. Every time you think you've hit your peak, your heart's beating fast because you know there's more to come.

Nothing in this world stays the same - everything keeps evolving. We haven't found the world's best idea yet because there's always a better one coming. Think about music: you could be the greatest musician ever, but there's always a new tune waiting to be discovered. Even the pros who've composed thousands of songs can sit down at their keyboard and create something totally new from the same basic notes.

It's like product development - maybe you just need to tweak one ingredient, change the packaging, or adjust the lighting to make something good even better. And that's the beauty of being human - if we can improve everything around us, then we can definitely improve ourselves too!

So whether you're already at the top of your game or just starting out, there's always room to grow, learn, and surprise yourself. That's the real magic of being human - knowing that even when you're crushing it, there's still something new and exciting waiting around the corner. How cool is that?