Niranjan Maruthamuthu

Surabhi Gautam’s Inspiring Journey – TED Talk Summary Introduction Namaste! Today, you see me as a successful person, having cleared prestigious exams and interviews in India. But my story is not just about success—it's about failures, rejections, determination, and willpower that helped me achieve my goals.

Early Life in a Small Village I was born in a small village in Madhya Pradesh with only 1,000 people. I belonged to an orthodox Brahmin family with 30+ family members in a joint household. When I was born, it wasn’t celebrated—it was just another normal day for the family. 25 years later, when I returned to my village, the same people welcomed me with garlands and slogans, celebrating my achievements. What changed? My hard work and perseverance. Education and First Recognition I studied in a Hindi-medium village school under the Madhya Pradesh Board. In 5th grade, I scored 100 out of 100 in Mathematics in the board exams. My teacher told me, “I have never seen anyone score full marks in Maths. You will do something great in life.” This appreciation changed my life—I realized that with studies comes recognition and appreciation. Challenges and Struggles As a child, I was curious and wanted to learn many things like painting, sketching, embroidery, and religious studies. Suddenly, I started feeling severe joint pain, which worsened over time. My parents took me to Jabalpur, where I was diagnosed with rheumatic fever. The disease could attack my heart, and in some cases, even lead to death. The only treatment was penicillin injections every 15 days, but finding a skilled doctor in the village was difficult. Overcoming Difficulties in Education My village had no electricity, so I studied under a kerosene lamp. There were no tuition classes and poor school facilities. Despite these challenges, my 10th-grade results changed my life. Turning Point: 10th Board Exams I scored 100 out of 100 in Mathematics and Science. My high marks placed me on the state merit list. For the first time, I was in the newspapers as a “topper.” A journalist asked, “What do you want to become?” I didn’t know what a career was, but suddenly, I said, “I want to be a Collector.” The next day, the newspaper headline was: “Surabhi wants to become a Collector!” My family and village started believing in my potential. Higher Studies in Bhopal After 12th, I received the APJ Abdul Kalam Scholarship for scoring the highest marks in Science. I moved to Bhopal to study Engineering, becoming the first girl from my village to study in a big city. Failure on the First Day of College My first day of college was terrible. In the Chemistry lab, I didn’t know what titration was. I had never seen a test tube before—I picked it up and accidentally broke it. In the Physics class, I was asked the definition of potential energy. I knew the answer in Hindi, but I couldn’t say it in English. The professor mocked me, questioning if I had really passed 12th grade. I felt humiliated, went back to my hostel, and cried the whole night. Overcoming Language Barrier I called my parents, telling them I wanted to quit college and return home. They reminded me that if I failed, the hopes of all the village girls would fail too. I decided to fight back. I started learning English on my own. I wrote down English words, pasted them all over my room, and revised them every day. I even started dreaming in English! In 1st semester, I topped my university and received the Chancellor’s Scholarship. Clearing Competitive Exams I graduated at 20.5 years old, but to write the UPSC exam, I had to be at least 21. So, I appeared for GATE, ISRO, BARC, SAIL, and PPSC exams. I qualified for all of them. My first interview was for Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC). Everyone told me “You won’t pass.” But I cleared the interview and became a nuclear scientist in Mumbai. Topping the UPSC Engineering Services Exam (IES) After a year, my IES results came, and I was All India Rank 1. I became the first woman in India to top the Engineering Services Exam with the highest marks in UPSC history. I then joined Indian Railways as a government officer. Realizing My True Purpose I had a stable job, salary, and respect, but something felt missing. I remembered my 10th-grade interview, where I said I wanted to “be a collector and change my village.” I decided to prepare for the UPSC Civil Services Exam. But I was still working full-time in Railways, so I had only 3-4 hours per day to study. I used my mobile and tablet to study while traveling. Final Challenge: UPSC Civil Services Exam My mother’s advice: She reminded me that at 23 years old, she had three children, cooked for 30+ people, worked in another village, and had skin allergies. I had no responsibilities except my dream. She told me to stop complaining and fight for my goal. I turned all challenges into opportunities and studied harder. Finally, I secured All India Rank 50 in the UPSC Civil Services Exam 2016. Key Takeaways from My Journey ✅ Hard work has no substitute. ✅ There is no shortcut to success. ✅ Failures and struggles make you stronger. ✅ If you really want something, the universe helps you achieve it.

Final Words “Had I mourned for what I didn’t get, I wouldn’t have been able to use what I had.” “It takes persistence to fight against fate and achieve something.” “Keep moving forward, step by step, and you will reach your goal.”

💪 Believe in yourself. Work hard. Success will follow. 🚀

Thank you! 🙏 🎉

How to Study Effectively – Insights from Top Students 1️⃣ Scientific Approach to Studying Many common study methods are ineffective. Scientific research reveals the best ways to study and remember information. 2️⃣ Top Study Habits of Highly Effective Students A survey of 700 medical students identified 10 key study habits. The most effective students follow 5-6 key habits that significantly impact learning.

3️⃣ Scheduling and Eliminating Distractions ✅ Set aside dedicated study time and stick to it. ✅ Eliminate distractions (turn off phone, isolate yourself). ✅ Avoid group study – Study alone for deep focus. ✅ Inform family and friends that you are unavailable. ✅ Study in blocks (2-3 sessions per day) rather than one long session.

4️⃣ Time Management for Study Sessions ✅ Break study time into smaller sessions (e.g., morning and evening). ✅ Consistent timing helps improve focus and recall. ✅ After 2-3 days, your brain adapts to this study schedule. ✅ Stick to a regular study schedule, even on weekends.

5️⃣ Building Focus and Attention ✅ Regular study timing trains your brain to focus better. ✅ Minimize distractions (turn off Wi-Fi if not needed). ✅ Focusing is a skill – it improves with practice.

6️⃣ Active Recall and Testing as Study Tools ✅ Testing is the best way to learn and retain information. ✅ Studies show that self-testing improves memory and recall better than rereading. ✅ Example: A 1917 study found that students who read once and tested themselves performed better than those who reread multiple times.

7️⃣ Rethinking Confidence and Study Strategies ✅ Students who read material repeatedly feel more confident but perform worse. ✅ Students who test themselves after studying once feel less confident but perform better. ✅ Testing helps store information in long-term memory more effectively.

8️⃣ Teaching Others to Enhance Learning ✅ Teaching someone else forces you to recall and organize information. ✅ Students who teach peers perform better than those who study alone. ✅ Don’t worry about competition – teaching helps both you and your peers.

9️⃣ Using Gap Effects for Better Retention ✅ Taking short breaks (5-30 seconds) during study improves memory. ✅ The hippocampus replays new information rapidly during breaks, similar to REM sleep. ✅ Pause and reflect on what you learned before continuing.

🔟 Staying Motivated with Long-Term Goals ✅ Top students have a strong long-term vision for success. ✅ They connect their studies to their future life and family goals. ✅ Motivation should be both practical (daily goals) and aspirational (big dreams).

📢 Final Takeaways ✅ Plan your study schedule and remove distractions. ✅ Use active recall and self-testing instead of rereading. ✅ Stick to a consistent study routine to train your brain. ✅ Teach others and take short breaks to improve retention. ✅ Stay motivated by connecting studies to your long-term vision.

🚀 Follow these techniques to study smarter, not harder! ✅

FINANCIAL ACCOUNTING – PYQ DEC 2024 3(a) – இன்திரா மற்றும் சந்திரா சம்பந்தமான பில் (Bill) விபரம் 1️⃣ ஏப்ரல் 1, 2024, இன்திரா சந்திராவிற்கு ₹90,000 மதிப்புள்ள ஒரு பில்லை வரையினார். 2️⃣ சந்திரா, அந்த பில்லை உடனடியாக ஏற்றுக்கொண்டார். 3️⃣ ஏப்ரல் 4, இன்திரா 6% வருட வட்டி விகிதத்தில் (Discounted at 6% p.a.) அந்த பில்லை தள்ளுபடி செய்து, பெற்ற தொகையில் 1/3 பகுதியை சந்திராவிற்கு அனுப்பினார். 4️⃣ காலாவதி (Maturity) வந்தபோது, இன்திரா பில் தொகையை செலுத்த முடியவில்லை. 5️⃣ இன்திரா, சந்திராவிடம் ₹60,900 மதிப்புள்ள 2 மாதங்களுக்கு ஒரு வாக்குறுதி நோட்டாக (Promissory Note) ஏற்குமாறு கேட்டார். 6️⃣ சந்திரா அதனை ஏற்றுக்கொண்டு, அந்த நோட்டையும் ₹60,000க்கு தள்ளுபடி செய்தார். 7️⃣ இது முடிந்ததும், இன்திரா திவாளானார் (Insolvent) மற்றும் வாக்குறுதி நோட்டு (Promissory Note) கட்டண காலம் வந்த பிறகு பணம் செலுத்த முடியாது. 8️⃣ இன்திராவின் சொத்துகளிலிருந்து வெறும் 25% மட்டுமே திரும்ப கிடைத்தது. 9️⃣ இந்த விவரங்களை இன்திராவின் புத்தகங்களில் (Books of Indra) ஜர்னல் எந்திரிகளாக (Journal Entries) பதிவு செய்ய வேண்டும்.

3(b) – Aarvi Ltd. மற்றும் Hire Purchase Machinery 1️⃣ ஏப்ரல் 1, 2021, Aarvi Limited ஒரு இயந்திரத்தை Hire Purchase முறையில் வாங்கியது. 2️⃣ இயந்திரத்தின் நிகர விலை (Cash Price) ₹12,00,000. 3️⃣ ஆனால், Hire Purchase Price ₹15,00,000 (அதாவது கூடுதல் கட்டணமாக ₹3,00,000 செலுத்த வேண்டும்). 4️⃣ ₹3,00,000 உடனடியாக செலுத்தப்பட்டது. 5️⃣ மீதமுள்ள தொகை மூன்று சமமான வருடாந்திர தவணைகளில் செலுத்த வேண்டும். 6️⃣ நிறுவனம் ஒவ்வொரு ஆண்டும் மார்ச் 31 அன்று புத்தகங்களை மூடுகிறது. 7️⃣ Aarvi Limited 15% சதவீதம் குறையும் இருப்பு முறையில் (Reducing Balance Method) மதிப்பழிவு (Depreciation) வகிக்கும். 8️⃣ ஒவ்வொரு தவணையிலும் அடங்கிய வட்டி தொகையை கணக்கிட வேண்டும். 9️⃣ மூன்று ஆண்டுகளுக்கு Aarvi Limited புத்தகங்களில் இயந்திர கணக்கு (Machinery Account) தயாரிக்க வேண்டும்.

March 5 2025 – Day 1

REPORT ON INTERNAL FINANCIAL CONTROL OVER FINANCIAL REPORTING

1.IFC – CAME INTO EXISTENCE TO PROMOTE RISK MANANGMENT GOVERNANCE PROCESS WITHIN THE ORGANISATION. 2.IFC MEANS POLICY AND PROCEDURE ADOPTED BY THE COMPANY FOR ENSURE EFFICIENT CONDUCT OF BUSNIESS. 3.SAFEGUARDING ASSET 4.PROTECTION AND PREVENTION OF ERROR 5.ACCURACY AND COMPLETENESS OF ACCOUNTING RECORD 6.TIMELY PREPARARTION OF FINANCIAL RECORD. 7.IMPORTANANCE OF SOUND IFC IS PARAMOUNT. 8.IFC REDUCES THE BURDEN OF AUDITOR. 9.AS PER SEC 143(3)(1) OF COMPANIES ACT 2013 – THE REPORT OF AUDITOR SHOULD ENSURE COMPANY HAS ADEQUATE IFC. 10.RULE 8(5)(8) THE REPORT OF BOARD OF DIRECTOR SHOULD ENSURE COMPANY HAS ADEQUATE IFC. 11.AS PER SEC 143(3)(1) COMPANIES ACT 2013 REPORT OF BOARD OF DIRECTOR ENSURE COMPANY HAS ADEQUATE IFC. 12.FINANCIAL YEAR COMMENCING ON OR AFTER 1 ST APRIL 2015 REPORT OF AUDITOR SHOULD STATE WHETHER COMPANY HAS ADEQUATE IFC 13.AUDITOR OF COMPANY VOLUNATARILY INCLUDE THE STATEMENT RULE FOR FINANCIAL YEAR COMMENCING 1 ST APRIL 2014 AND ENDING 31 ST MARCH 2015. 14.TO EXPRESS THE OPINION OF EFFECTIVENESS OF IFC OVER FR. 15.A PROCESS DESGINED TO PROVIDE RESONABLE ASSURANCE REGARDING – RELIABLITY OF FR AND PREPARATION OF FINANCIAL STATEMENT OF EXTERNAL PURPOSE WITH ACCEPTANCE OF ACCOUNTING PRINCIPLE. 16.TO MAINTANCE OF RECORD 17.DISPOSITION OF ASSET OF COMPANY 18.REASONABLE DETAILS 19.ACCURATELY REFLECT TRANSACTION. 20.TO PROVIDE RELAIBLE ASSURANCE . 21.TO PERMIT PREPARATION OF FINANCIAL STATEMENT ACCEPTANCE OF ACCOUTING PRINCIPLE.

Stoicism Lessons for Your Life (Timeless Wisdom for Strength & Peace) Stoicism is a philosophy of resilience, self-discipline, and control over emotions. It teaches how to stay calm, focused, and unshaken by life's challenges. The top 1%—entrepreneurs, leaders, and high achievers—use Stoic principles daily to master their emotions, avoid unnecessary suffering, and stay mentally strong.

Lesson 1: Focus on What You Can Control 🎯 👉 “You have power over your mind—not outside events. Realize this, and you will find strength.” – Marcus Aurelius

What This Means: Most of life is out of your control (people’s opinions, the past, economy, weather, etc.). The only thing you control is your response and mindset. Stop worrying about things you can’t change, and direct your energy to what you can improve. How to Apply It: ✅ When facing problems, ask: Is this within my control?

If YES → Act on it. If NO → Let go and move forward. ✅ Examples: 🚫 You can’t control what people think of you, but you can control your actions. 🚫 You can’t control the economy, but you can learn new skills to adapt.

🔥 Powerful Mindset Shift: → Stop reacting to life, start responding with logic & calmness.

Lesson 2: Train Your Mind to Be Unshaken 💪 👉 “We suffer more in imagination than in reality.” – Seneca

What This Means: Most of your fears and worries don’t even happen. Your mind creates unnecessary suffering by overthinking. Stoics train their minds to be strong by challenging their fears and embracing discomfort. How to Apply It: ✅ Face discomfort daily:

Take cold showers to train your mind to handle discomfort. Do things you fear (public speaking, approaching people, asking for opportunities). ✅ Replace weak thoughts with strong thoughts: 🚫 “I can't handle this.” → ✅ “I will find a way.” 🚫 “What if I fail?” → ✅ “Failure is a lesson, not an end.”

🔥 Powerful Mindset Shift: → Fear exists only in the mind. Train yourself to be calm in any situation.

Lesson 3: Accept Pain & Hardship as Part of Life ⚔️ 👉 “The obstacle is the way.” – Marcus Aurelius

What This Means: Suffering and pain are part of life—you can’t escape them. But how you respond to pain decides your strength. Instead of complaining about problems, use them to grow stronger. How to Apply It: ✅ See every problem as a test:

Instead of saying “Why me?”, ask “How can I grow from this?” If you face rejection, failure, heartbreak, loss, accept it and move forward. ✅ Build a warrior mindset:

Do hard things daily (workouts, discipline, learning difficult skills). Embrace challenges instead of avoiding them. 🔥 Powerful Mindset Shift: → Pain is not an enemy; it is your teacher. Strength comes from struggle.

Lesson 4: Control Your Emotions, Don't Let Them Control You 🧘‍♂️ 👉 “A real man does not allow his anger to control him.” – Epictetus

What This Means: Getting angry, anxious, or sad doesn’t help you—it only makes things worse. People who master their emotions are the ones who win in life. Being calm, logical, and patient makes you powerful in any situation. How to Apply It: ✅ When you feel angry, STOP.

Breathe deeply (4 seconds in, 4 seconds out). Don’t react immediately—wait before responding. Ask yourself: “Will this matter in 5 years?” ✅ Use meditation or journaling to control emotions.

Write down what makes you angry or sad—this helps you analyze it logically. Spend 5 minutes in silence observing your thoughts—you will learn to separate emotions from reality. 🔥 Powerful Mindset Shift: → A calm mind is a strong mind. Never let emotions control your decisions.

Lesson 5: Stop Seeking Approval from Others 🚀 👉 “If you want to improve, be content to be thought foolish and stupid.” – Epictetus

What This Means: Most people live their lives trying to impress others. But no one cares as much as you think—everyone is focused on themselves. Living for others’ approval makes you weak. True power comes from doing what you believe in. How to Apply It: ✅ Stop worrying about people’s opinions.

No matter what you do, someone will criticize you—so just do what makes sense for you. If you fail, learn from it instead of being ashamed. ✅ Say NO more often.

Don’t do things just to please others if they don’t benefit you. Respect yourself enough to set boundaries. 🔥 Powerful Mindset Shift: → Your life is yours. Live for yourself, not for validation from others.

Lesson 6: Practice Gratitude & Detachment 🌍 👉 “Wealth consists not in having great possessions, but in having few wants.” – Epictetus

What This Means: Happiness is not in money, fame, or things—it’s in having control over your desires. If you always chase more, you will never feel satisfied. The Stoic mindset is about appreciating what you have while working for more. How to Apply It: ✅ Write 3 things you’re grateful for every morning. ✅ Detach from material things—they don’t define your worth. ✅ Enjoy life’s simple moments—health, relationships, and freedom matter more than luxuries.

🔥 Powerful Mindset Shift: → Happiness is not about having more, but about appreciating what you have while striving for greatness.

Final Thought: The Stoic Warrior Mindset 🔥 To live like a modern Stoic warrior, follow these rules daily:

✅ Control what you can, ignore what you can’t. ✅ Face challenges with strength, not fear. ✅ Detach from unnecessary emotions—stay calm and logical. ✅ Stop seeking approval—live for yourself. ✅ Be grateful and disciplined—this is true wealth.

Would you like a Stoic daily routine to help you master these principles? 💪🚀

Here’s a list of terminologies related to growth, success, and the habits of the top 1% in various areas like mindset, productivity, finance, and self-improvement. 🚀🔥

1. Growth Mindset & Success Psychology Kaizen – Continuous small improvements leading to massive success (Japanese philosophy). Compound Effect – Small consistent actions lead to exponential growth over time. 10X Rule – Thinking and acting 10 times bigger to achieve massive results (Grant Cardone concept). First-Principles Thinking – Breaking down problems into fundamental truths instead of following conventional wisdom (used by Elon Musk). Flow State – Being in an intense, high-performance focus mode. Deliberate Practice – Practicing with specific goals to improve skills faster. Anti-Fragility – Becoming stronger from stress and challenges instead of breaking down. Growth Mindset – Believing that intelligence, skills, and abilities can improve with effort.
2. Productivity & High Performance Deep Work – Focused, distraction-free work that creates high-value results (Cal Newport concept). Pareto Principle (80/20 Rule) – 80% of results come from 20% of efforts. Time Blocking – Scheduling specific time slots for tasks to maximize efficiency. Parkinson’s Law – Work expands to fill the time allotted, so tight deadlines improve focus. Eisenhower Matrix – Prioritizing tasks based on urgency vs. importance. Mental Models – Frameworks for clear and strategic thinking (used by top CEOs & investors). Golden Hour – The first hour after waking up is critical for setting the day’s momentum.
3. Wealth & Financial Mastery Wealth Velocity – The speed at which you grow and multiply your wealth. Leverage (Financial & Time) – Using other people’s time, money, or skills to grow faster. Multiple Streams of Income – Having various income sources to increase financial security. Capital Efficiency – Getting the maximum return from minimal investment. Cash Flow Quadrant – The four income types: Employee, Self-Employed, Business Owner, Investor (Robert Kiyosaki concept). Infinite Banking Concept – Using your own money as a bank to grow wealth tax-free. Lifestyle Inflation – Increasing expenses as income rises (avoiding this = smart financial growth). Opportunity Cost – The cost of choosing one thing over another (top 1% think in opportunity value).
4. Leadership & Influence Charisma Quotient – The ability to attract, influence, and inspire people. Servant Leadership – Leading by helping and empowering others, not just controlling. Emotional Intelligence (EQ) – Managing emotions and social interactions effectively. Persuasion Mastery – The ability to convince and influence others ethically. Power Positioning – Strategically placing yourself in high-value networks. Scarcity Principle – People desire what is rare (used in marketing & negotiations). Social Capital – Building relationships that bring long-term success.
5. Mind & Body Optimization (Used by the Top 1%) Biohacking – Optimizing the body and mind for peak performance. Circadian Rhythm Mastery – Aligning sleep-wake cycles for maximum energy. Dopamine Detox – Resetting the brain by avoiding instant gratification. Neuroplasticity – The brain’s ability to reprogram itself with learning and habits. Stoicism – Controlling emotions and focusing on what you can control (used by Marcus Aurelius). Minimalism – Simplifying life to focus on essentials and remove distractions. Cold Exposure Therapy – Using cold showers or ice baths to boost energy and resilience. Breathwork & Meditation – Controlling breathing to reduce stress and increase focus.
6. Business & Entrepreneurship Terms Blue Ocean Strategy – Creating a unique market with no competition. Value Proposition – The unique value a business offers that makes it stand out. Bootstrapping – Building a business with minimal investment or funding. Scaling vs. Growth – Scaling = Expanding with efficiency; Growth = Expanding without cost control. Exit Strategy – Planning how to sell or step away from a business profitably. Network Effect – A product or business that becomes more valuable as more people use it (like Facebook, Tesla).
7. Learning & Knowledge Growth Mental Models – Thinking frameworks for better decision-making (used by Warren Buffett). Spaced Repetition – A technique to memorize and retain information long-term. Active Recall – A learning method that forces the brain to retrieve information instead of passive reading. Speed Learning – Learning faster by using patterns, visualization, and memory techniques. Interleaving Method – Mixing different subjects while learning to strengthen knowledge retention.
8. Social Status & Power Moves Social Proof – People tend to follow what others approve of. Status Signaling – Showing high status through wealth, knowledge, or influence. Frame Control – Controlling the perception of conversations to dominate interactions. Law of Reciprocity – Giving value first, so others feel obligated to return the favor. Dark Triad Traits (For Strategy, Not Evil) – Charismatic leaders sometimes use calculated traits of Machiavellianism, Narcissism, and Psychopathy to stay ahead (used carefully, not negatively). Peacocking Effect – Standing out in a way that creates influence and attraction. Final Thoughts: How the Top 1% Think Differently 🚀 ✅ They invest in knowledge & networks instead of just money. ✅ They prioritize mental and physical health to stay at peak performance. ✅ They make decisions based on long-term strategy, not instant gratification. ✅ They use leverage (money, time, people) to grow exponentially. ✅ They focus on what truly matters, avoiding distractions.

Would you like a personalized strategy on how to apply these principles to your goals? 🔥💡

People often find faults in others for several psychological and social reasons. Some of the key reasons include:

1. Insecurity & Low Self-Esteem Some people criticize others to feel better about themselves. They might have self-doubts and project their weaknesses onto others. Example: A person who lacks confidence might point out flaws in others to mask their own insecurities.
2. Habit of Negativity Some individuals develop a habit of complaining and fault-finding over time. They may have been raised in an environment where criticism was common. Example: People who constantly complain about politics, work, or family often do so out of habit rather than actual concern.
3. Feeling Superior & Ego Boost Criticizing others makes some people feel superior or more intelligent. This is common in workplaces, relationships, or social settings where people compete. Example: A person who mocks others’ mistakes might do so to appear more capable.
4. Projection of Own Weaknesses Many times, people point out in others what they secretly dislike about themselves. This is called psychological projection. Example: A lazy person may often call others lazy to avoid facing their own flaw.
5. Social Comparison People naturally compare themselves to others. If someone feels behind in life, they might criticize those ahead to feel better. Example: “Oh, they are rich, but I bet they don’t have real friends.”
6. Lack of Empathy Some people are simply insensitive and don’t realize how their words affect others. They might not care about others’ feelings or lack emotional intelligence.
7. Seeking Attention or Validation Some criticize others because they want to be noticed or validated. They think pointing out flaws makes them look knowledgeable or important. Example: A person always correcting grammar in conversations may do so to appear smart.
8. Cultural & Social Conditioning In some cultures, criticism is common and even seen as a way to “correct” others. Example: Many families or workplaces constantly point out mistakes, thinking it's a way to help improve.
9. Lack of Self-Awareness Some people don’t even realize they are constantly criticizing others. They might think they are just “giving advice” or “helping”, but it comes across as fault-finding. How to Handle Fault-Finders? ✔ Ignore unnecessary criticism – Not all opinions deserve attention. ✔ Understand their motive – Are they jealous? Insecure? Just negative? ✔ Set boundaries – Politely tell them, “I appreciate feedback, but constant negativity isn’t helpful.” ✔ Focus on self-improvement – Instead of worrying about critics, work on your growth.

Would you like to learn how to stop being affected by criticism? 😊

The Courage to Be Disliked: Key Lessons from a Life-Changing Book Introduction On the outskirts of a thousand-year-old city, a philosopher lived, teaching that the world was simple and that happiness was within everyone’s reach.

A young man, dissatisfied with life, sought out this philosopher to uncover the truth. But in his anxious eyes, the world was a chaotic mass of contradictions, and happiness seemed utterly impossible.

That is the powerful opening of The Courage to Be Disliked—a book that completely changed the way I think about happiness.

This is one of the most frequently recommended books in my collection, and today, I want to summarize the five key lessons that I took away from it.

What Is The Courage to Be Disliked About? At its core, the book is a dialogue between a young man and a philosopher.

The young man is frustrated with life, feeling like happiness is impossible. The philosopher presents controversial ideas, challenging conventional wisdom. 📌 Instead of a traditional self-help format, the book unfolds like a debate—the young man argues against the philosopher’s ideas, and the philosopher calmly explains his perspective.

The philosophy in this book is based on the teachings of Alfred Adler, a 19th-century Austrian psychiatrist who was a contemporary of Sigmund Freud and Carl Jung.

While Freud and Jung are widely known, Adler’s psychology is often overlooked—yet his ideas offer some of the most practical and empowering approaches to happiness.

5 Life-Changing Lessons from The Courage to Be Disliked 1. Your Past Does Not Determine Your Future Many of us have bought into the Freudian idea that our past traumas, childhood, and upbringing shape who we are today.

If we were bullied as children, we assume we’ll have self-esteem issues as adults. If we grew up in a broken home, we assume we’ll struggle with relationships. But Adlerian psychology challenges this idea.

🚀 We are not defined by our past experiences—we are free to choose our own emotions, goals, and behavior right now.

📌 Key Insight: Not everyone with a difficult past develops a negative outlook on life. Some rise above it and create their own narrative.

In Adler’s words:

“No experience is in itself a cause of our success or failure. We do not suffer from the shock of our experiences… Instead, we make out of them whatever suits our purposes.”

📌 Takeaway: Instead of focusing on what happened to you, focus on what you choose to do next.

1. We Create Emotions to Suit Our Present Goals One of the most controversial ideas in the book is that emotions do not control us—we control them.

🚨 Example: A young man in the book gets angry when a waiter spills coffee on him.

🗣 “The waiter made me angry!” he insists.

But the philosopher explains: 👉 It wasn’t the waiter who made him angry—it was his own decision to react with anger.

This ties into Stoic philosophy as well.

🔹 Seneca’s Advice on Anger:

“Reject the first incentive to anger because reason goes for nothing once passion has been admitted to the mind.”

💡 Modern Neuroscience Confirms This: In How Emotions Are Made by Lisa Feldman Barrett, the author explains that emotions are not just reactions to events—they are constructs of the brain based on our past experiences, beliefs, and interpretations.

📌 Takeaway: The next time you feel angry, anxious, or frustrated, ask yourself: 👉 “Am I choosing this reaction?” 👉 “Could I choose a different way to respond?”

1. All Problems Are Interpersonal Relationship Problems This is one of the most eye-opening ideas in the book:

📌 Most of our problems come from our relationships with others.

Think about it:

We worry about what others think of us. We fear rejection and failure. We stress about how others perceive us at work, in friendships, or in relationships. Now, Adlerian psychology takes this even further: 👉 Interpersonal problems arise when we intrude on someone else’s task—or allow them to intrude on ours.

For example:

If you’re afraid of what others think of you, you’re taking responsibility for their opinions (which is their task, not yours). If you’re worried about rejection, you’re making someone else’s decision (their task) your problem. 🎯 The Key to Happiness: Focus only on your own tasks—not the reactions of others.

📌 Takeaway: Ask yourself: “Is this my task, or someone else’s?”

👉 If it’s not yours, let it go.

1. Happiness Comes from Contributing to Others Before reading this book, I assumed happiness was about feeling good.

But Adlerian psychology defines happiness as the feeling of contributing to something bigger than yourself.

💡 This means: ✅ Giving, not just taking, in relationships. ✅ Finding meaning in work, even beyond money. ✅ Helping others, which in turn makes you feel happier.

🔥 Concept: “Servant Hedonism” My friend Tiago Forte calls this idea servant hedonism—combining personal joy with serving others.

📌 Takeaway: When faced with two choices in life, ask: 👉 “Which one helps more people?”

Helping others isn’t just selfless—it’s also deeply fulfilling.

1. Ultimate Freedom = The Courage to Be Disliked The title of the book comes from one of Adler’s most powerful ideas:

💡 The key to happiness is having the courage to be disliked.

📌 Why?

We often hold ourselves back because we’re afraid of judgment. We worry about how others see us—so we don’t take risks. But when we stop trying to please everyone, we unlock true freedom.

🎯 Real-Life Example: So many people I know want to start a YouTube channel, write a blog, or launch a business—but they don’t, because they’re afraid of what others will think.

📌 Takeaway: 👉 Focus on what matters to YOU, not what others think. 👉 Stop chasing approval—embrace being disliked.

Final Thoughts: Applying These Lessons in Real Life The Courage to Be Disliked is one of the most thought-provoking books I’ve ever read.

✅ It challenges conventional psychology. ✅ It forces you to rethink happiness, relationships, and personal growth. ✅ It helps you break free from the fear of judgment.

📌 Key Takeaways: 1️⃣ Your past does not define your future. 2️⃣ You control your emotions, not the other way around. 3️⃣ Most problems are about relationships and boundaries. 4️⃣ Happiness comes from contributing to others. 5️⃣ True freedom is having the courage to be disliked.

🎯 What’s Next? If you enjoyed these insights, I highly recommend reading the full book!

And if you want to dive deeper into self-improvement and personal development, check out my Book Club series for more life-changing reads. 🚀

Why You Should Launch Your Personal Website Today Introduction My goal here is simple: I want to convince you to launch your own personal website.

Starting my personal website was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.

In 2016, I bought a domain and set up a simple website. I had no idea how much it would change my life. My personal website directly led to: ✅ Job opportunities as a medical student and later as a doctor. ✅ Helping me meet the person who eventually became my wife. ✅ The launch of my YouTube channel 8 years ago. ✅ The ability to now live my dream life.

I firmly believe that no matter where you are in life—whether you are:

Just starting your career. Aiming for a promotion. Dreaming of starting your own business. 👉 A personal website can completely change your career and your life.

But Wait… Do I Really Need a Personal Website? 🛑 “A website costs time and money to set up and maintain. I get how it’s useful for a business, but I’m just a corporate employee. Why should I have a personal website?”

💡 Yes, a website requires a little time and money—

A few dollars a month for hosting. A weekend or two to set it up. But here’s the thing: Over time, a personal website is one of the best investments you can make in your career.

If I could convince you that… ✅ The small effort to set up a website will give you a massive return on investment… ✅ It could help you land better job opportunities…

👉 Would you consider starting your own personal website?

The Three Levels of a Personal Website Level 1: Your Personal Website as an Online CV Question: Do you think it’s important to have an up-to-date LinkedIn profile?

🗣 “Of course! I work in corporate—everyone has a LinkedIn. It’s how you get noticed by recruiters.”

✅ Correct. LinkedIn is like your digital résumé.

🚀 But a personal website is like your LinkedIn profile on steroids:

You control how it looks. You decide how to present yourself. It’s your own personal corner of the internet. But Why a Personal Website If I Already Have LinkedIn? Here’s the truth: 💼 Everyone has a LinkedIn profile. 📄 Everyone has a polished CV. 🤖 AI can now generate LinkedIn profiles and resumes in seconds.

But very few people have a personal website.

How a Website Helps You Stand Out in the Job Market Imagine this: You’re hiring an employee at your firm. You get 100+ resumes that all look the same.

🔎 But one candidate includes a link to their personal website.

On the website, you find: ✅ An About Me page with real photos and a personal introduction. ✅ A Portfolio showcasing their skills and past work. ✅ A Blog Post where they share lessons from their industry experience.

Would this candidate stand out more than the others? Absolutely.

📌 Fact: Job seekers send an average of 600 applications in their lifetime. Even a small boost in getting noticed can make a huge impact over time.

What Should Your Level 1 Website Include? Your website doesn’t have to be complicated. At Level 1, it only needs three pages:

1️⃣ About Page – A short bio about who you are, your work, and interests. 2️⃣ Portfolio/Resume Page – Your work experience but formatted how you want. 3️⃣ Contact Page – Email, LinkedIn, or any way recruiters or collaborators can reach you.

🚀 Bonus Tip: If you put even a little effort into making your site look polished, it’ll give recruiters way more insight into who you really are.

Level 2: Your Website as the Base for Your Personal Brand ❓ How important is personal branding in the corporate world?

🗣 “Ugh, my firm keeps talking about personal branding, but I find it kind of cringe.”

📌 Here’s what personal branding really is:

Sharing your knowledge and experiences in your field. Writing posts on LinkedIn, not making TikToks of yourself dancing. Demonstrating your expertise so people associate you with valuable insights. The Problem? Most people feel afraid of putting themselves out there.

💭 “What if people think I’m cringe?” 💭 “What if my co-workers judge me?”

The Solution? Your personal website is a safe, private playground to start expressing yourself at your own pace.

📌 Key Benefit:

You don’t have to tell anyone about your website at first. It allows you to practice self-expression without fear of judgment. Over time, you’ll get comfortable with sharing your ideas publicly. 📖 Recommended Book: Show Your Work by Austin Kleon A must-read for anyone who’s hesitant about putting themselves out there online.

Level 3: Your Website as a Luck Magnet A Level 3 website helps attract opportunities to you, even when you’re not looking.

How Does That Work? 🔹 Method 1: You share your content on LinkedIn or Twitter. 🔹 Method 2: If your content is useful, others will share it for you.

📌 Real-Life Example:

A blog post you write about your industry gets shared within a company Slack group. A hiring manager sees your insights and contacts you for a freelance gig or job interview. You suddenly land opportunities you never even applied for. 🚀 Key Takeaway: 👉 The more valuable content you put online, the more people will find and share it.

“Okay, I’m Sold! But How Do I Actually Build a Website?” You don’t need to be tech-savvy. There are two easy options:

🔹 Option 1: Hostinger Website Builder (Best for Beginners)

Drag-and-drop website builder. No coding required. Easy AI tools to help with content. 🔹 Option 2: WordPress on Hostinger (More Customizable)

Powers 43% of websites online. Unlimited themes, plugins, and customization. Slight learning curve but a great skill to have. 👉 Pro Tip: If you just want to get started quickly, go with the website builder. You can always switch to WordPress later.

Final Thoughts: Your Website is Your Future-Proof Investment ✅ A website is like an online CV that never sleeps. ✅ It helps you build a personal brand (without cringe TikToks). ✅ It increases your surface area for luck—opportunities will find YOU.

🛑 Everything is hard.

Writing a blog is hard. Not getting promoted or struggling in a job search is also hard. Choose the type of “hard” that benefits your future. 🎯 Action Step: 🚀 Sign up for Hostinger’s website builder or WordPress hosting today.

📌 Bonus Video: Want to make sure you actually follow through? Watch my video on “5 Evidence-Based Strategies to Achieve Any Goal.”

See you in the next one! 🚀

ntroduction In this video, we're going to discuss a simple three-step method that you can use to completely transform your life in the next 90 days.

I've personally been using this method for years, and since last year, I’ve been hosting free online workshops every few months, guiding people through this exact process.

Tens of thousands of people have gone through this method and found enormous value from it.

If you actually apply the steps in this video, it might be the most impactful video you watch this year.

The three-step method is:

Reflect Align Plan Let’s dive into it!

Step 1: Reflect on Where You Are The first step is to reflect on where you currently are and do a mini life audit.

I have various ways to do this, but here are two of my favorites:

1. The Wheel of Life Exercise Draw a wheel and divide it into three main categories: Work, Health, and Relationships. Each category is further divided into three subcategories: Work: Mission, Money, Growth. Health: Body, Mind, Heart. Relationships: Romantic, Family, Friends. Rate each subcategory from 0 to 10 based on your current satisfaction level. This exercise gives a visual representation of:

Areas that are going well and make you happy. Areas that need improvement. 📌 Bonus Category: Joy Outside the wheel, add a separate rating for Joy.

In the pursuit of self-improvement, we often forget to enjoy the present moment. This reminder helps ensure that your life transformation includes happiness and not just productivity. 2. The “What’s Working vs. What’s Not” Journaling Prompt Take a page and divide it into four sections: Column 1: Work Column 2: Life Row 1: What’s working Row 2: What’s not working Set a 5-minute timer, put on some background music, and brainstorm bullet points for each section. 📌 Golden Rule: Write at least twice as many things in the “What’s Working” section as in the “What’s Not Working” section.

Why?

Self-improvement enthusiasts tend to focus too much on what’s wrong. This forces you to find gratitude in what’s already going well. 📌 Mindset Shift: Yes, you want to change your life in 90 days. But remember, things are probably already better than you think.

You have a roof over your head. You have access to the internet and resources. Your health is likely decent compared to millions of others. The goal is to strive for growth while staying satisfied with where you are.

Step 2: Align Yourself to a Compelling Vision It’s hard to change your life without a clear, compelling vision for where you want to go.

The Three-Year Sketch Exercise Imagine today’s date three years from now. Write a detailed description of what your life looks like if things go well: Where are you living? What kind of work are you doing? How’s your physical and mental health? What hobbies and passions are part of your life? 📌 Important:

Don’t worry about how you’ll get there. Don’t let limiting beliefs stop you from dreaming big. If the vision excites you, it will generate the motivation you need to take action.

📌 Vision Board Bonus Tip

A vision board is a great way to make your future feel tangible. It could include photos, quotes, and goals related to your dream life. Seeing your vision board regularly can help keep you focused and motivated. Step 3: Plan Your Two Main Quests This step is about turning your vision into action with a clear, focused plan.

📌 Introducing Quarterly Quests

Instead of setting vague “New Year’s Resolutions,” set clear goals for the next 90 days. Why call them “quests” instead of goals? A quest sounds like an adventure—more fun, less pressure. Enjoying the process makes you more likely to succeed. 📌 Golden Rule: You can have only one main quest for Work and one for Life.

Your Work Main Quest Ask yourself:

What is the single most important goal for work in the next 90 days? What one accomplishment would make you the proudest? What project have you been postponing that would transform your career? 📌 Use This Template:

My work main quest is to… This is the most important thing for me to accomplish in the next 90 days because… To complete this quest, I commit that by (date), I will have done A, B, and C. This feels exciting and compelling because… To make sure I complete this quest, I will…

Your Life Main Quest Ask yourself:

What’s one change that would bring you more joy, fulfillment, or peace? What habit or routine could improve your overall well-being? If you dedicated 1 hour a day to something, what would be the most life-changing? 📌 Use This Template:

My life main quest is to… This is the most important thing for me to accomplish in the next 90 days because… To complete this quest, I commit that by (date), I will have done A, B, and C. This feels exciting and compelling because… To make sure I complete this quest, I will…

Examples of Main Quests 🔹 Work Main Quest Example: “My work main quest is to complete my book proposal. To complete this quest, I commit that by March 31st, I will have:

Finished the book outline. Written three sample chapters. Sent proposals to at least five publishers.** 🔹 Life Main Quest Example: “My life main quest is to build a martial arts habit. To complete this quest, I commit that by March 31st, I will have:

Attended at least 12 martial arts classes. Scheduled weekly training sessions. Logged my progress each week.”** 📌 Side Quests

You can have two or three smaller side quests, but your main quests take priority. Avoid setting too many goals—focus on one key change in work and life. Final Thoughts: Take Action Now! If you follow these three steps, you WILL transform your life in 90 days.

1️⃣ Reflect – Understand where you are. 2️⃣ Align – Create a compelling vision. 3️⃣ Plan – Set clear, achievable quarterly quests.

📌 Most Important: Actually take action.

It’s easy to watch productivity videos and do nothing. But if you pause and apply these steps, this will be the most productive video you’ve watched this year. 🔥 Next Step: Check out my video on 5 science-backed ways to stay consistent and achieve your goals!

Thank you for watching, and I’ll see you in the next one! 😊