Category: Blog

Wk 21-25 – Weekly Notes

Notes, thoughts, reflections and everything else from Week 21 of 2025.

May 24
3:4p PM, Jamjar
Updated at 8 AM, May 26th at DN Nagar.

The week gone by was a super fast one. Naman and Vishal were around and that meant I was lot more busy with them. Reinforced the belief that you can either work or manage life. I mean, am sure there are people that manage homes and lives and all that. But I know I can’t. So that.

Ok enough of prelude. Let’s get going.

Let’s go!

💭 Highlights, reflections and notes from the week.

A/ Self-Image
Lemme start with the biggest, the deepest thing in my head and heart: my self-image.

Context – I was talking to somebody last week and I realized that I think that I am doing the worst in my friend and social circle. In terms of money, life, work, societal goals etc etc.

And this means that my self-image is really really bad. And like all problems that I need to solve, I need to work on it.

Now I don’t know how to do it but I want to make a note in this weekly update. And I want to reflect on that during the coming week. Let’s see how I do that.

B/ Photo on the internet
Continuing on the self-image thing, it is one of the large reasons why I didnt put my photo on the internet.

But, I now have many photos on the internet. On places like Linkedin and Twitter. And people are commenting left, right and centre. And that’s not cool. And I need to fix it. So that.

And no, I am not linking to those. Go find out!

B.1/ Personal brand
HIGH TIME I WORK ON MY DISTRIBUTION AND PERSONAL BRAND. COME ON AK! And AK, Happy birthday!

C/ C4E People
My people are stronger than I had imagined them to be. For context, at C4E, we have a tough client and I was of the opinion that we must let go of that client. Not worth the effort. But my team said they will manage. And they seem to be managing. So, yay!

D/ Push ups
I talked about pushups last week. I am glad to report that I continued for a few days. I’ve missed it over the last 2-3 days but I am mostly been thinking about it. So that’s cool.

I will eventually get to a point where I can do 100 push-ups in one go. Adding this to yet another life goal. Lol!

E/ Google IO / io
I saw the keynotes from Google IO. Loved that I am almost at the peak of my life at this time and I get to live and do great things.

I also saw the announcement by Sam and Jony about Open AI and io. And I want to scream in the void. There’s so much to do in life and we are fighting over religion. Sigh.

Thing is, when I saw the video, epiphany dawned onto me that they are actually talking about building things that will impact the way the world lives and works. Lemme give an example. When Apple made the iPhone with a touchscreen, I am sure they weren’t the first ones to make a phone with a touchscreen. But they definitely were the ones to show people what they wanted and marketed that well. To a point that people started to demand that. And other companies had to innovate to stay relevant. And that pursuit of relevance made these companies chase innovation and that chase of innovation gave a larger mass actual access to a better life.

Same thing with Tesla. Tesla wasn’t the first one to make electric cars but the marketing and communication around it made the entire world open up to the ideas of electric cars. And that forced every other car manufacturer to chase it. And that made the dream the reality.

So, that is the kind of impact that you need to have rather than doing delivery of groceries in 10 minutes. You build something that shifts how people live and operate. And then you talk about it. And then you enable. That’s something I want to work on!

Oh, and while I do that, I want to make money. To be able to do more things!

Makes sense?

F/ Mr Beast at a Billion Dollars
This seems to have not got its due because of all the other news from the last week (AI, Cannes etc). The fact that one-person from a non-celebrity, non-sports background is a billionaire is a remarkable thing. This gives me a lot of hope!

G/ Madhushala by Harivansh Rai Bachcchan
One of my favorite poems of all times. I dont know why am talking about them here but I listen to these often.

मेरे शव पर वह रोये, हो जिसके आंसू में हाला
आह भरे वो, जो हो सुरिभत मदिरा पी कर मतवाला,
दे मुझको वो कान्धा जिनके पग मद डगमग होते हों
और जलूं उस ठौर जहां पर कभी रही हो मधुशाला।।८३।

और चिता पर जाये उंढेला पात्र न घ्रित का, पर प्याला
कंठ बंधे अंगूर लता में मध्य न जल हो, पर हाला,
प्राण प्रिये यदि श्राध करो तुम मेरा तो ऐसे करना
पीने वालों को बुलवा कऱ खुलवा देना मधुशाला।।८४।

Also, related, see, these lines from Zakir. I dont want no one to come when I die (I want to die alone – caretakers of my will, please take note) but these lines ring home.

H/ Cheerleader of action
I was talking to someone the other day and I happened to mention that I am the biggest cheerleader of action. Lemme elaborate.

So there are people say they will do things and they’ve been saying it for 100 years. And then there are some people who actually do things. They move forward. Even if its an inch at a time.

I have this solid belief that I ought to support the ones who actually do things.

Often you would find people who fake and all that. But their actions show their true intent. You know, words > action and if you have to make a mistake, I love folks who err on the side of action.

Oh, this also correlates to that adage – “God helps those who help themselves”.

This tenet seems to have percolated in each thing I do and each action I’ve taken. I want to mention Roohi here. The kid has the tenacity of a warrior. She is taking action all the time!

Phew!

I/ Issac John of Ivory
Got connected to Issac John. He’s one of the founders at Ivory. The chat with him was one of the most hearywarming and interesting ever. I wish I am like him when I grow up.

J/ Baarish is here!
Yay!

K/ Khosla Ka Ghosla (and films)
Lemme talk about this in a tad more detail.

In the week gone by, I spent some time thinking about the medium of films. And I realised that we need to be a player in that.

Plus, I saw Khoslsa Ka Ghosla on Saturday at Balram‘s Secret Cinema Screenings. Revisited the ride of emotions that I get each time I see it. Made me reflect on a lot of things. Here are some…

Watching films is a communal experience that I am not sure I get the value of. In fact, I dont get the value of watching anything when you are in a group. No films. No sports. Nothing. And I know I am wrong. Because nations have been built, battles have been fought, planets have been conquered on the back these communal experiences. People meet ideas as these experience. People meet people. And most importantly, people meet inspiration. And these experience, people and inspiration makes people create magic. 

Coming to me, I am not fan of these. Simply because I am not the consuming kinds. Not passively. I want to be an active player in the dance of the universe around me. I want to not just have the front row seat, but actually build that seat! 

Ok, I am getting into the rant zone. Will skip.

Oh, I did meet Balram to talk about films and all that. Was a very very interesting meeting. Let’s see where it goes. Wish I was like him! I wont say more here.

L/ Saw a Working Man, A Jason Statham Film.
I love him!
I ended up seeing 2 films in the week!
Must fix this.

M/ Mario
Been watching Mario run videos on YT. And its the most therapeutic thing ever. Here is one for your viewing pleasure.

So that was from the week!
Phew!

📷 Some Photos from the week gone by

Here are some photos from week 21.

I quite like some of the photos that have some lessons. I wish I could upload those here.

And no, this does not have my photos 😉

🈺 The LARGE objective from the week gone by? And the next week!

Book 2
No update. Again, please stay patient. I shall get back to this soon.

PS: Dropped 2025 Plan a few weeks ago.

☑️ What did I get done this week?

I will give a one-line report on things I got done on various things that are important to me. I will only talk about things that I got done. Shipped. Not WIP.

At this point, the following things are important to me (I know too many but…) and these are IN ORDER.

  1. Health
  2. Meru
  3. C4E
  4. Brand SG
  5. People (Family, Friends, Strangers, etc)
  6. Book2
  7. Shauk (Music, Films, Poker etc)

Health. Didnt sleep well most of this week. Ate a lot of food that I shouldnt (not calling it Kachra, thanks J). Did a few pushups but that was that. A solid -1. Lol!

On this, addendum. When people realise that I am not well (when they see my tweets etc), they reach out to ask me how am doing. And I dont know how to reply to them. It gets awkward. Maybe going forward, I will not update my health conversations on public forums?

Meru. Was an ok week. Met a few people. Moved the needle. But still far from where I’d like to be. A 0.

C4E. Better than the last week. Cash flow remains a problem. This output for Foxo is kickass. I dont want to say -1. And I dont want to say +1. So a 0.

Brand SG. No action on this either. But some action. So a 0.

People. No action on this. I’d say 0.

Book 2. Lol!
-1

Shauk. Saw a couple of films. Met some new people. Not the best. But will have it 0.

So the overall score is -3 for this week.

Trends from the previous weeks: 0, -4, 0, -4, -5, -5, -3, -2, -1
The max I can get is 7 in a week. Let’s see when I get to it.

📊 The tracker from the last week

Looked at all the days I’ve missed 🙁

Must fix.

📖 Interesting Reads from the last week

I didnt read as much during the week. But I used my downtime to get some reading done. Here are some…

  1. Pritesh Jain’s Blog (on Punit’s Recommendation)
  2. This post by Balram
  3. PG’s new essay on good writing
  4. This tweet from Dharmesh Ba.
  5. This tweet from Hemant about taste, instinct and risks. Do read.
  6. Rick Rubin on The Way of Code. Probably the most impactful thing I read in the last week. This deserves a long discussion. I dont know when.
  7. This essay about Sarvam.

🧠 Reminders from last week

This section captures things that I want to not forget. I will copy paste these week on week and track updates. I will also add these to SG’s Office.

Here are things from the past few weeks that I want to remember. And no, this may not be a comprehensive list. In categories.

  1. Long term
    • Professional pool / snooker / poker – no action. I dont think this would see any action anytime soon.
  2. Health
    • Kitchen setup (incomplete)
    • Gym membership (incomplete)
  3. C4E things (I will stop tracking these things and have C do these)
    • C4E Base
    • Design
    • Borderless agency
    • Adding films
  4. Shauk / Personal
    • Use of money to buy time – doing this already.
    • Better dressed – lol
    • Find love – lol!
    • Demand more from life
    • Speak better!

In case you know me, lemme know if I have missed something.

🥡 So, one thing that defines the past week?

Busy for nothing.
I was busy for nothing. I had family over and thus I was busy for nothing specific.

Oh and in the previous weeks, the one-word reviews have been… Regular, Getting back to action, Slack, Busyness, Action, Survive, Looking Up, Survival, Taste, Community, Respect, Money, People.

—
Phew!
Lemme know what you think.
See you around.

Oh, and this too shall pass!

PS: This series of posts is inspired by Thej and his weekly notes. The previous editions are here: 01, 02, 03, 04, 05, 06, 07, 08, 09 (missed), 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15 (missed), 16, 17 (missed), 18, 19, 20

PPS: Please do point typos. Grammarly is not working well and I don’t have energy to cut paste edit this in some other spell check thing.

PPPS: In case you see me being inconsistent in anything – work, writing, reviews etc, PLEASE do point out.

PPPPPS: I “wrote” some part of this post using voice to text. Can yout spot what part?

Wk 20-25 – Weekly Notes

Notes, thoughts, reflections and everything else from Week 20 of 2025.

Adding additional content (Saurabh Garg) for SEO ;P

May 18
6:34 AM

I started writing this yesterday at a Starbucks and then life happened and I moved along. And then I am back in the morning today to get this done. Oh, and I am listening to this as I write this.

Let’s go!

💭 Highlights, reflections and notes from the week.

A/ TDL Accountabiltiy Group
I have joined a WA group of some folks who post their daily todo list. And then at the end of the day, check on things they’ve done. I am starting it today. Made my list. And let’s see where it goes.

Here’s the list from day 1…

B/ Lessons from Hareesh Tibrewala
I will make a seperate page on this, tbh. I get to learn so much from him that I curse myself for not being with him sooner.

Here are some lessons from this week alone…

  1. Any team member, how so ever bad their sitaution be, if they dont contrinbute to the team, they are better removed. Of course you must have empathy and support and everything else. But you need to think team first. This also echos with the idea people vs people people thing that I read elsewhere. Also, see point C.
  2. Ask for accountability. As a leader of a team, my only job is to ask for accountabilility. Everything else follows from there on. All you need to is ask “what” and “why” and enable your people to deliver on those.
  3. Stop sharam. He asked us to focus on the outcome and leave behind the sharam and all that. This also coupled with this video from Gary Vee. Must be more shameless when seeking work. In fact this is one of those earliest things that Suvi taught me – never ask for work from friends and family. And I will have to unlearn it. I will have to learn the skill to seek work. One life, man!

C/ Idea People vs People People
This is the biggest lesson from the week gone by. And thanks to Thej for sharing this link. While the context and meaning is tad different in this piece, I am taking away something else altoghter. Which is as follows.

I know that the world is a tansient place. This too shall pass. And I know that in grand scheme of things, all pursuits are purposeless and with our lifespans in double-digits, whatever we may do, as a collective, will all not amount to much. You know, Pale Blue Dot.

At the same time, I also know that the journey is all we have (thanks, Naval). I thus try to invest all my time, attention and energy in to being present in the phase of journey I am in.

Wait, I am rambled.

The point is, I can either work towards caring for people or for caring for ideas. All my life, I have cared for people, at the risk of reputation, work, money etc. However after I read the post, I have made this mental switch where I will focus on ideas. No, I will not stop caring for people. But I will become a lot more ideas oriented.

D/ Start with Hi
This is the greatest life hack in the world.

All the things you ever want and ever seek are on the other side of a simple hi. If you make a goal to say hi to 10 strnagers everyday, you would be unbeatable. Reminds me of this talk by Jia Jiang.

Thanks to AD for this.

E/ Reflections from a Life Coaching Call
A person from MDI is taking up coaching as a profession. She wanted to complete her hours and to help her, I spoke to her.

While I spoke, a lot of things came out. I am listing those here.

  1. I am in flux. A lot is changing about me – work, age, emotions etc etc
  2. Deep down, I have become a stoic. Mostly. I still have a long way to go.
  3. I am not motivated by money or anything. But by access.
  4. In life, most things happen in tandem. If I am doing well at one part of life, I am doing ok at most parts.

F/ 15504 Steps
I made a bet that I will average 12K steps per day in 2025. As of today (day 137), I have averaged about 7500 steps per day. And if I have to get to an average of 12K, I need to do 15504 everyday for the rest of 228 days of the year.

Looks tough. But I know that we would hit the baarish mausam soon and I am hopeful that would help.

G/ I need a faster laptop
Even though this is a “new” machine (I use a M1 that got for a colleague and I took it from her when she moved on), it has started to give me trouble.

H/ Toughest thing first
I was talking to C abotu something yesterday. I told her that if you have a task list, start with the toughest one (not the longest one). The one that you are dreading the most. Do it. And the dopamine you get from that, take it to the second toughest. And so on and so forth.

I/ 5 pushups
Inspired by Shruti, I did 5 pushups today! If I can do this for a week, I will get into the habit. Someone inspire me!

In fact, I will stay on this thread. This week, I was talking to Mihir about how we need to change our identity as that of a “healthy person” and then build a life around it. And then I reaslied that it may be easier said than done.

I am gonna make tiny changes in the way I operate. And that means I will not eat anything crappy and I will walk (lol) and I will be more disciplined with food and I…

Lol!

J/ Parallels between C4E and CS
Yesterday, I recorded a solocast and I drew parallels between CS and C4E. Ambition, Aim, Resources, Team, Strategy, Execution and all that. And I realisesd that sports team, armies, event teams etc etc can become very effective tools to deliver lessons to people.

K/ Excuse as a roadblock 
One of the biggest lessons I “gave” out to NG and VM is that they need to stop hiding behind an excuse.

Heres the back story…

I gave them a small project to work on, and when they were working on it, they came back to me saying they didn’t have the footage for that product. They told me this after 3 days, and it took me 3 days to know that the project is not moving forward.

Essentially, they were hiding behind an excuse to get their work done. Which is not something that we can live with because we are a small company. In life, I think we could either have excuses or progress.

L/ C4E – Past.
While wandering thru Roam, was looking at my notes and spotted this email I wrote to a friend in 2017 about how I look at C4E as a business. As of today, 8, 9 years have since passed and nothing seems to have changed. Except that we are no longer an events agency. And that’s a good thing and a bad thing! Anyhow, in case you want to read, ask for access. 

M/ Here are other things that dont fall in any category.

  1. I am still looking for someone to join me at Meru. See this post. And this one.
  2. The time has come for the kids to go back. I hope they learnt a few things while they were here.
  3. I want to start some mini-IPs that are clones of Sofar Sounds, TED talks, My Next Guest etc.
  4. I am mindfucked with all the garmi all around me and I dont know what do about it.
  5. I see the importance of having a large group of friends – at work and elsewhere. I’ve been shy about it and I want to get good at it. If you are reading this, how do you make new friends? Especially when you are in early 40s.
  6. I want to get memberships at all exclusive and boujee places like Soho, MCA, Quorum etc. I dont know if I will even go to these places but I want to have the option of going!
  7. Made a tiny investment (~1 lakh) in a friend’s startup. Its a tiny number but this is my attempt to show my confidence in the friend.

So that was from the week!
Phew!

📷 Some Photos from the week gone by

Here are some photos from the week 20.

I thought I had clicked a lot more. But clearly I was wrong.

🈺 The LARGE objective from the week gone by? And the next week!

2025 Plan and Book 2

I have dropped the plan.

On book2, despite multiple attempts, I’ve not been able to make any progress. And no, I dont want to let go of that. If you are reading this, please stay patient. Let’s see when I am back.

☑️ What did I get done this week?

I will give a one-line report on things I got done on various things that are important to me. I will only talk about things that I got done. Shipped. Not WIP.

At this point, the following things are important to me (I know too many but…) and these are IN ORDER.

  1. Health
  2. Meru
  3. C4E
  4. Brand SG
  5. People (Family, Friends, Strangers, etc)
  6. Book2
  7. Shauk (Music, Films, Poker etc)

Health. I’d say I would give myself a 0. I didnt work out but I was mindful of what I ate. The week saw me struggle with garmi but I think I was ok more or less.
So, 0.

Meru. Not so good week. I moved things but I am not happy with the progress. Two critical tasks that I had to do – website and hiring – are open. And that means this was a step back. I will give myself a -1.
So, a -1.

C4E. No action from me. In fact, I saw the team struggling in my absence. C is doing what she can but we are not moving. So another -1.
So, a -1

Brand SG. No action on this either. But some action. So a 0.
0.

People. No action on this. Last week I had a lot of friends and family. This week nothing.
So, a 1

Book 2. Sigh!
-1

Shauk. 0 action. And thus a -1.
So, -1

So the overall score is 0 for this week.

Trends from the previous weeks: -4, 0, -4, -5, -5, -3, -2, -1
The max I can get is 7 in a week. Let’s see when I get to it.

📊 The tracker from the last week

Tracked most days! So that’s a win. Here’s the tracker…

Lemme know what you see.

📖 Interesting Reads from the last week

I spent a lot of time reading and reflecting. In fact, I would say that this was a good week when it comes to reading. Here are some pieces…

  1. Utsav on Taste. Link.
  2. Vivek and Molly on People over Ideas.
  3. This conversation between Jony Ive and Collision.
  4. Seth on systems.
  5. The “other” Saurabh Garg on How to Start a Startup.
  6. This post on X that talks about how Qatar happened to become what it has become.
  7. Someone compiled Kunal Shah’s content. Here’s the list. Since this is a compilation, this will not attract as much attention as a scarce piece would. Go figure why!
  8. This thread (old but worth it’s weight).

I had thought I would have more than 8 things to share!

🧠 Reminders from last week

This section captures things that I want to not forget. I will copy paste these week on week and track updates. I will also add these to SG’s Office.

Here are things from the past few weeks that I want to remember. And no, this may not be a comprehensive list. In categories.

  1. Long term
    • Professional pool / snooker / poker – no action.
  2. Health
    • Kitchen setup (incomplete)
    • Gym membership (incomplete)
  3. C4E things (I will stop tracking these things and have C do these)
    • C4E Base
    • Design
    • Borderless agency
    • Adding films
  4. Shauk / Personal
    • Use of money to buy time – on this!
    • Better dressed – lol
    • Find love – lol!
    • Demand more from life
    • Speak better!

In case you know me, lemme know if I have missed something.

🥡 So, one thing that defines the past week?

Regular.
It was a regular week with regular work and regular things and regular inputs and outputs.

Oh and in the previous weeks, it’s been Getting back to action. Slack, Busyness, Action, Survive, Looking Up, Survival, Taste, Community, Respect, Money, People.

—
Phew!
Lemme know what you think.
See you around.

Oh, and this too shall pass!

PS: This series of posts is inspired by Thej and his weekly notes. The previous editions are here: 01, 02, 03, 04, 05, 06, 07, 08, 09 (missed), 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15 (missed), 16, 17 (missed), 18, 19

PPS: Please do point typos. Grammarly is not working well and I don’t have energy to cut paste edit this in some other spell check thing.

PPPS: In case you see me being inconsistent in anything – work, writing, reviews etc, PLEASE do point out.

Wk 19-25 – Weekly Notes

Notes, thoughts and reflections from the 19th week of 2025.

5:40 AM, May the 13th.
Tuesday. This is that weekly review that never went out.

If not for AA. Thanks, AA. I am grateful that I have folks like here that push me towards consistency.

Thing is, like most weeks, I started writing this on a Saturday, I wrote some and then I thought I would write the rest on a Sunday. And then I had to spend the day with someone, solving their crisis and Sunday went in a jiffy. I then pushed this for a Monday morning. But then that never happened. Cos Monday Monday’d with a million calls.

But here I am.
With the review.
Lets see where we go.

💭 Highlights, reflections and notes from the week.

1/ Looking for an EA / Helper / Business Analyst / Whatever you may want to call it.
At Meru, I am looking for someone to work very closely with me and make things happen. At C4E, many people have played that role – from SJ2 to SJ to CM to AK to Bri and many more in the middle. Each of these people has hopefully learnt a lot from me. In exchange, I paid them whatever I could. And then I took their help in getting things done.

At Meru, I need someone like that. I would like to run faster and thus I need this person. If you know someone who’s ok with an 8 lakh kind of CTC, is in Mumbai and is willing to wrk with me closely, please recommend.

Do read this post as well.

PS: While UTMs are great for marketers, I hate them!

2/ The India-Pakistan War
I wish I had more time to write on this. But I have to write this…

In one line, despite WHATEVER happens, am not on the side of war. Or on the side of nationalist boundaries. I know a lot of close friends and connections are cheering and rooting for military action that India took. I know there are rational reasons for that. I know we shouldn’t be aggressed up on. I know innocent lives were lost and they have to be avenged. I know I am a great fan of Mahabharata, that literally is about the greatest war of all times.

I also know that I am not the greatest fan of MK and yet I love his lesson on non-violence.

And yet I am not for war.

I wish I had the words to talk about why the war is a bad idea for everyone, everything. I wish more folks exercised restraint. I wish there was dialogue.

I would park this by sharing this.

3/ Kids in Mumbai
NG and VM are here for a few days. Krishna was here for a couple of days. And I am trying to spend time with them. And as a result, I am wasting time. I am being irregular with my updates. I am spending more time outdoors. I am not doing these reviews. I am scrambling at the last minute to get things done.

I need to learn how to manage time better.

The other good thing that am loving is that I have two young boys willing to listen to me. Wait, I have an idea! How about I give them my letters and have them discuss?

Point aside, I need to find a way to become better with my time.

3.1/ Hosted a Mini CSS
While people were / are here, AK hosted an evening full of music and conversations.

I have two videos from there. I am not uploading them here. But I am willing to share with whoever asks. Here’s the link.

4/ Voice Training
I talked about how I want to be better spoken. I chatted with Riya. And now, I have got Sonu Sir to give me some homework. And it’s similar to what Riya told me. And I know that I wont be able to do it. Sigh!

Apart from this, I saw a DastanGoi performance by Sikander Khan. It was good and could’ve been better. I am super inspired to do more to support more artists.

5/ Got Paras Chopra’s Book
Yet to read it fully but love his work and I am excited that he’s poured his ideas in a book. Also see this deck.

If you point out three mistakes in this post, I will gift you a copy ;P

6/ “The world was made by people who gave a shit”
I dont know where I read this first (I suspect, some tweet by Toby) but I have been thinking a lot about this. At work. At personal life. At everything else. I really want to be the person who gives a shit.

Contrast this to how we are trained and taught at India. Jugaad. Chalta hai. Need to fix this!

Next time you see me saying “koi baat nahi”, please tell me about it and I will fix it.

7/ Antler Next 100
Like I spoke last week, Antler released their Next 100 report. We at C4E got together and chatted on it. Lots of lessons for me. Need to convert those into action. AK, if you are reading this – do your thing.

8/ AI Experiments
I have been thinking if I should go do somethings with AI by myself. In the last few years I have not done anything by myself. I have only got things done. Which has served me well, TBH. I learnt the art of delegating, I groomed some folks and overall we are at a net positive.

However with AI, I have this FOMO like I had with Crypto and Web 3. So, I want to give in and do something by myself. Just that I dont know if I have the time to do this. I mean there are more urgent battles to fight – Meru, C4E. And there are other Shauqs (of book2, poker, pool, films etc.).

Or may be I can take one of the battles and use AI to ship something?

TBH, I dont know what I would do. Let’s see.

9/ Brain Games
I’ve been playing Peak, Lumosity and Elevate lately.

I dont know if these make a difference to anyone’s life but I do play these. I like the idea of challenging myself.

I used to play these long ago and it’s interesting to see that I am not doing as well as I did 3-4 years ago. Maybe I will get used to those games and become better? Or maybe these games actually work? Who knows!

Anyone has any experience here?

10/ Clean My Notes
I take a lot of notes. And in the last 2-3 weeks I have not organized those. I need to work on that. So I will do a time block and do that. #sgtodo

So that was from the week!
Phew!

📷 Some Photos from the week gone by

Here are some photos from the week gone by.

I loved that I was at the beach almost everyday this past week!

🈺 The LARGE objective from the week gone by? And the next week!

2025 Plan and Book 2

Both haven’t happened. I will drop the 2025 plan.

On book 2, I have hit a random roadblock. I will unclog it. You will hear about the next steps on the update for Week 20.

☑️ What did I get done this week?

I will give a one-line report on things I got done on various things that are important to me. I will only talk about things that I got done. Shipped. Not WIP.

At this point, the following things are important to me (I know too many but…) and these are IN ORDER.

  1. Health
  2. Meru
  3. C4E
  4. Brand SG
  5. People (Family, Friends, Strangers, etc)
  6. Book2
  7. Shauk (Music, Films, Poker etc)

Health. Last week was a tad better. I ate better. I still need to go to a skin doctor and the Foxo thing. But I was better. I will give myself a 0.
So, 0 there.

Meru. Good week. My co-founder was traveling and I had the baton. I think we moved the needle on most things. So that’s cool. A 0, tbh. I will give a 1 when we see progress.
So, a 1.

C4E. Some action. Again, I dont want to track this. Letting C handle the kitchen.
So, a 0.

Brand SG. AK has been releasing some of our conversations. I am sure it’s helping in some way. So, this is not really -1 this week. And no, it’s not even a +1 either. So, 0.
0.

People. I think +1. I was surrounded by friends and strangers and love and inspiration and all that.
So, a 1

Book 2. No action. For almost a month now!
-1

Shauk. Apart from mini CSS, no action on this. I didnt play pool, I didnt play poker. I didnt travel. Etc etc.
So, -1

So the overall score is 0 for this week.

Trends from the previous weeks: -4, -5, -5, -3, -2, -1
The max I can get is 7 in a week. Let’s see when I get to it.

📊 The tracker from the last week

I havent been filling the tracker properly.

Nevertheless, here’s it.

Lemme know what you see.

📖 Interesting Reads from the last week

I didn’t have a lot of time to read or reflect in the last week. But of the few things I read, here are some links…

  1. Paras Chopra’s slide deck. Link
  2. Shaan VP on Taste. Link. Staying on taste, I have bookmarked this by Utsav but yet to read. Taste has infact become a recurring conversation in my head.
  3. Shaan VP on Creativity. Link
  4. AK on her graduation. Link

I know I should read more, reflect more and write more!

🧠 Reminders from last week

This section captures things that I want to not forget. I will copy paste these week on week and track updates. I will also add these to SG’s Office.

Here are things from the past few weeks that I want to remember. And no, this may not be a comprehensive list. In categories.

  1. Long term
    • Professional pool / snooker / poker – no action.
  2. Health
    • Kitchen setup (incomplete)
    • Gym membership (incomplete)
  3. C4E things (I will stop tracking these things and have C do these)
    • C4E Base
    • Design
    • Borderless agency
  4. Shauk / Personal
    • Better dressed – lol
    • Use of money to buy time – on this!
    • Find love – lol!
    • Demand more from life
    • Adding this – speak better!

In case you know me, lemme know if I have missed something.

🥡 So, one thing that defines the past week?

Slack.
I am taking it easy. I need to do more. I need to remind myself that the day I dont work, I dont eat that day. Need someone or something to push me more to make me work harder and smarter. I am merely leaning on my people and I know they are working for themselves and at best, for us. But not for me. So I need to move my ass.

Come on, universe.

Oh and in the previous weeks, it’s been Getting back to action. Busyness, Action, Survive, Looking Up, Survival, Taste, Community, Respect, Money, People.

—
Phew!
Lemme know what you think.
See you around.

Oh, and this too shall pass!

PS: This series of posts is inspired by Thej and his weekly notes. The previous editions are here: 01, 02, 03, 04, 05, 06, 07, 08, 09 (missed), 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15 (missed), 16, 17 (missed), 18

PPS: Please do point typos. Grammarly is not working well and I don’t have energy to cut paste edit this in some other spell check thing.

PPPS: In case you see me being inconsistent in anything – work, writing, reviews etc, PLEASE do point out.

PPPPS: I had almost skipped this. But thanks to AA, I wrote this. I am glad. I need more cheerleaders like her in my life. Will try and find them!

Wk 18-25 – Weekly Notes

Notes, thoughts and reflections from the 18th week of 2025.

9:38 AM,
May 3,
Starbucks, Versova

I am back to my spot at Starbucks. Most days I get this, cos I come at 8 AM. Listening to this as I write this. The one before this was this.

So, lets get going with it.

Before anything, a couple of things.

After I wrote the 16th week note, some people (notably, Pavithra) mentioned that they like that version compared to the structured one that I’ve been writing over the last few weeks.

Second, I want to retain the review. As much is this note for the world, it’s for me as well. So that.

So, this week on, I will do the unfiltered, stream of conscious thoughts first and then the review. Lemme know what you think.

💭 Highlights, reflections and notes from the week.

A/ Travel
Each time I go out to travel, I sort of get derailed. This is the reason why I decided that I will not travel at whims this year.

However, the moh of meeting M got the better of me (btw, it was her birthday on the 2nd). And even though I was with her for a week or so, after the trip, I have gone rogue. I am not working as much. I am not eating well. I am not keeping a schedule. I am not tracking things as well.

But then, I love being on the road.

So, I will have to find a way to manage work and travel. In fact as we go along and Meru picks speed, time will become even more critical. And that means I will have to find a balance.

Lets see how I do this.

B/ Snooker / Pool
The biggest epiphany of the week gone by was that I realized I could still play a sport at professional level. I just need to find a way and structure it.

For the uninitiated, one of the oldest secret dreams of mine has to been to play some sport at a professional level. And the other, win the WSOP ME.

So this epiphany gives me a hope that I could get to both those! Just that I wont be able to pick this up for some years, to be honest. At this time, the priority is something else. But I will keep this “dream” alive and get back to it.

Oh, reminds me – my Everest dream and billion dollars dream. Sigh!

C/ Course on Camera
I finally recorded a course on camera. For Meru.

I don’t like it, to be honest. I hate seeing myself on camera or on a screen. And I hate that you charge to give the gift of your knowledge.

But I know its important. And needed. And it will help people. Plus its for a larger cause. So that.

And now that I have broken my course virginity, I need to get better at it. I even reached out to Riya to help me better with my voice. She told that I will have to invest 30 odd minutes everyday. I know it will be tough. I will anyway try and get better at it.

If you’ve seen me on camera, please do give me feedback on how I can improve.

D/ Diet Coke!
I restarted with Diet Coke. And, I LOVE IT!

I had some Coke Zero at BKK but I didnt like it at all. This one, I love!

Since I restarted, I am averaging more than 4 a day. I know its a lot. I will bring it down to more acceptable levels. Let’s see when and how.

PS: This is temporary. I will quit it again. On June 1. Marking on my calendar.

E/ Weekly chat with my people
Instituted a weekly chat thing with my people where I will try and be a more active participant in their lives.

For me, most of these people are work people. I tried to do this with friends (stole this idea from Hareesh Sir) but none of my friends showed any interest.

PS: I know that most people like solid boundaries between work and personal life. I dont. And I know some of my people at work may want these boundaries. And I am ok.

F/ Shilpa Desai
Met Shilpa for a brunch.
And realized that I need to invest as much as I can in finding more incredible people like her that I can be around.

The intent with these is to learn from them.

While a meeting may not give me deep insights about work and life and all that, the way they conduct themselves teaches a lot. For example, Shilpa is ALWAYS ahead of time. She doesnt touch her phone when she’s with anyone. She doesnt take notes per se but she remember things.

So that. If I ever get to work on Party of 9, I will want her on the first one.

G/ SO
Made some progress on this.
Early days.
Lets see where this goes.

H/ Twitter
Ever since I took it “pro” only, my frequency of tweets has gone down.

Not a good thing. Twitter has been my number 1 expression medium and goto place for a long time now. I’ve met some of my closest friends there (Hello, Krishna)! And I dont like that my usage of it has reduced.

I will try and fix it.

Thing is, its tough for me to filter out my stream of thoughts. And thus when I publish on twitter now, am thinking about what to write. And by the time, I’ve thought of it, the moment is gone!

I/ Language
I have promised Seema (from Starbucks) that I will work on improving my language.

Blame it on my background in events and growing up in Jamna Paar, I use very rough language and I use a lot of cuss words and I want to change that. No, no one minds in this day and age. But I want to practice self-control.

The promise is that I will only use that language that I can use in front of my parents.

Next time you see me use coarse language, please point out.

J/ Water Fast for 48 hours
I am writing this on a Saturday. My plan is to only have water, coffee or Diet Coke today and tomorrow. Or maybe Kombucha. Let’s see how this goes.

Update from Sunday. I couldn’t do this on Saturday. Will try on Sunday (today). It’s 8:35 AM and I am yet to eat anything. I am sipping on to coffee with butter.

K/ Naptick
This is the labour of love of two people who I REALLY care for.
V is one.
The other is in stealth.

I’ve known about this since the idea came into being. And now they seem to be ready to ship to the world. And that’s incredible! Love when people I love do great things!

PS: On this, C4E was an early partner to the team. A large part of work was done by Pavithra and team at CoLab.

L/ Read Antler’s Next 100 Report
Got a lot of ideas.
Made my people read it.
Got them to spot ideas.
Will jam with them and see how it can help them.

M/ House
I think I am done with the current place I live at. Multiple reasons. The biggest one being unreasonable neighbors. My landlord is brilliant but the neighbors, meh!

I need to find a new one.
And I need to also figure the money situation for that. So that.

Related: I have some stress on the money front. The thing is, for the last 10 years, I have not been able to get out of this funk. And I dont know what to do. I will not lie here, it does take a toll. However I think I am lucky that I can manage. As Vanita says, I am a survivor. More on private notes.

N/ The Psychology of Human Misjudgment
This talk by Charlie is among the best that I’ve ever seen.

I want to initiate a project C4E has rolled out a project where we invite someone to build this into a video (using AI tools) that is palatable for young people, in India.

C posted about this on linkedIn.
Any of you wants to take a shot?

O/ C4E started a new project with AD
AD and I have been partners at Podium. And when we decided that we want to not continue with it, we parted ways.

Ofc, we remained friends. If nothing, the friendship grew stronger!

So, when he came to me a few days ago seeking help for a project around personal branding, I had to jump in! Put him in touch with C and FV for it. Hope it works out!

That’s about it from the week.

📷 Some Photos from the week gone by

Here are some photos from the week gone by.

Lemme know which ones do you like.

🈺 The LARGE objective from the week gone by? And the next week!

2025 Plan and Book 2

Both seemed to have been derailed.

And I concede. I accept that I will probably skip plan for 2025.

I will however restart book2.
I will use Miro and a wall of my house to get it done.
Next week, you will see some action.
If you don’t, PLEASE hold me accountable.
cc Pradeep 😀

☑️ What did I get done this week?

I will give a one-line report on things I got done on various things that are important to me. I will only talk about things that I got done. Shipped. Not WIP.

At this point, the following things are important to me (I know too many but…) and these are IN ORDER.

  1. Health
  2. Meru
  3. C4E
  4. Brand SG
  5. People (Family, Friends, Strangers, etc)
  6. Book2
  7. Shauk (Music, Films, Poker etc)

Health. It has been a terrible few days with health. I will fix it from here on. Today’s fast could be the starting point.
So, -1 there.

Meru. Made some good progress, to be honest. I am not entirely happy but I like where we are. So thats good. However I will still give myself a 0.
So, a 0.

C4E. No action. In fact, I may stop tracking this altogether in a few weeks.
So, a 0.

Brand SG. No action on this either. I did record some podcasts with AK, but I am nowhere close to where I want to be. So, I will continue to be harsh on myself and give myself a -1.
-1.

People. I am tempted to give myself a +1 for choosing M and fam over work and other things. But I dont want to be “kissi ke itne pass” that I forget others. I can also give another +1 for burying an old hatchet. But again, I will be harsh.
So, a 0

Book 2. No action. For almost a month now. 🙁
-1

Shauk. No large action here either.
So, -1

So the overall score is -4 for this week.

Trends from the previous weeks: -5, -5, -3, -2, -1
The max I can get is 7 in a week. Let’s see when I get to it.

📊 The tracker from the last week

I havent been filling the tracker.
I got back to it properly on 1 May.
It wont have a lot but here’s a screenshot.

Please tell me what you notice.

Oh, I’ve made it private.
Why?
Well, I have started to add more context to it that I may not want to share in public. If you still want access to it, please let me know.

📖 Interesting Reads from the last week

I didn’t have a lot of time to read or reflect in the last week. So I will skip this.

🧠 Reminders from last week

This section captures things that I want to not forget. I will copy paste these week on week and track updates. I will also add these to SG’s Office.

Here are things from the past few weeks that I want to remember. And no, this may not be a comprehensive list. In categories.

  1. Long term
    • Professional pool / snooker / poker
  2. Health
    • Kitchen setup (incomplete)
    • Gym membership (incomplete)
  3. C4E things (I will stop tracking these things and have C do these)
    • C4E Base
    • Design
    • Borderless agency
  4. Shauk / Personal
    • Better dressed
    • Use of money to buy time
    • Find love
    • Demand more from life

In case you know me, lemme know if I have missed something.

🥡 So, one thing that defines the past week?

Getting back to action.

Like I said, each time I travel, I go down the slope of inaction. I am trying to get back to action.

In the previous weeks, it’s been Busyness, Action, Survive, Looking Up, Survival, Taste, Community, Respect, Money, People.

—

Phew!
I missed last week and it’s good to have written this.
Lemme know what you think.
See you around.

Oh, and this too shall pass!

PS: This series of posts is inspired by Thej and his weekly notes. The previous editions are here: 01, 02, 03, 04, 05, 06, 07, 08, 09 (missed), 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15 (missed), 16, 17 (missed)

Wk 16-25 – Weekly Notes

Notes, thoughts and reflections from the 16th week of 2025.

Wrote this on my way from BKK to BOM. On board 6E1052.

This is the weekly review, after about 10 days. I missed the last week cos I was on the road. I could’ve written, to be honest, but I didn’t want to. Call it my laziness or procrastination but I did not write, even though I could have squeezed time to do so.

I was gonna miss this week too, cos, well, travelling again. But then I didn’t want to miss it two times in a row and thus here’s a note. 

And no, this will not follow the regular review template that I had come to appreciate and build over the last few weeks. I can use that but I wanted to get back to freeform writing without any plan or thought and dump things! 

So, over the last few days (since the 13th), I’ve read nothing, written nothing, saw no TED talks (not even Naval’s podcast). I worked very little (like 4 hours, maybe in the last week), slept little, and walked a bit (I averaged 10K steps (less than 13K planned). Oh, I ate a lot, and realised some things while I was at it. And I will talk about those here. 

Let’s go!

A/ Am still a boy who loves boy games (like pool, poker etc.) and am not even good at it. 

This epiphany happened to me while I was playing pool with VG at a posh-ish watering hole (The Sitting Room, or The Corner Cafe or something). 

It was late in the evening and patrons were having their beers and chatting and all that. I was playing pool and out of nowhere, it dawned onto me that I love these boy games – you know, Poker, Pool, Counter Strike and all that. And no, I am not good at any of those. I am just about average on my best day and subpar on most. And yet I love those games. Am far from Dude Perfect but I would love to be one of those boys. Maybe I’d pick one of these things and go all-in on that? Maybe Poker? It has revenue opportunity too, if I become better. Just that I don’t have the talent or the mental discipline to play like a pro or even a pro-am. The only way I would do well would be deliberate practice and that will need money and time. So, at this time, maybe not. Maybe when I am “retired” 😀

But the epiphany was helpful to have. I knew it deep down but it was good to see its surface. 

Oh, and no, I don’t like to watch sports. I am more interested in being an active participant. Maybe this is why folks invest in fantasy leagues? 

B/ Coke 

I had a LOT of Coke Zero.
Not Diet. Zero. 
And I didnt like it. But I had a lot of it, in absence of anything else. I could have had coconut water but you can only have so much of it. And I didnt want to have beer or anything alcoholic. 

BTW, this is worth mentioning because I hadn’t had a coke since Dec 2024. About 4 months. And I am the kind to shower in coke! 

And here’s my resolve. I will not have soda while I am in India. Lol. 

C/ I can’t take good photos. 

Here are some that I would like to flaunt. 

But I wish they were better. Maybe I need to hire someone to teach me how to take better photos. Or maybe I should find an editor and get that person to edit whatever I click. 

Any thoughts on this? 

D/ I need to work on my health.

I was at this market night with some 15 people and some kids. They took a photo of the group (I am not in it – I escaped ;)).

When I saw the photo, I realised that the only person closest to being healthy in that group was Vivek. And to be honest, he too needs some work around the edges. And it was scary and eye-opening. 

Not that the eye hasn’t opened in the past. Not that I haven’t had these health epiphanies. But the thing is, it’s high time. I am 42 and I can see old age screwing up with me. Plus, my skin seems to be giving in and I need to cure it, lest it fucks with my already tiny self esteem. So that. 

Oh, I spotted an incident in the flight and realised how inadequate we are to handle anything medical while in flight. So, I will also take a first aid course and carry the basics with me in the flight. #sgTodo

E/ The resolve to make more money is more stronger. 

Enough said. 

I need to do whatever I can to make money. Of course I want to stay within the boundaries of my ethos, values and principles.

I also need to work hard to get another passport. And I need to be able to have money in various countries. With Meru, this plan would probably get pushed by a few years but I have to find a way to live out of the country for a few years, if not for good. 

Oh, its funny that what I’ve wanted from life has not changed since I was a child – money, health, experiences etc etc 

F/ Was off Social Media 

I was only on email, slack and linkedin. And that too as less as I could. 

I was not on the news, twitter, instagram or anything else. I am glad to report that I was mostly successful at it.

To be honest, I did see some posts when some work required me to (but I was logged off). But that was that. I think that’s one #win from the trip. 

Now that I am gonna be back on social, I will make the shift and use it only for work. Made the announcement already. And I will not have social apps on my primary phone. I will get a new phone where I will have these apps. 

G/ Garmi

I just can’t do garmi. 

I can stay hungry. I can walk a lot. I can tolerate any shit you throw at me. But I can’t do garmi. I know this is a first world problem and I saw almost everyone be ok with the weather – from kids to oldies to everyone. But I wasn’t able to think straight most of the time. 

Made me think – how do I survive in Mumbai. The thing is, I don’t, on most days. Most times I am ranting about the heat and humidity. And then when I am not, I have spotted ACs and places that allow me AC. That reminds me, I need to talk to folks at Rentomojo to fix ACs at home. #todo

H/ Family thing 

I had a few chats at home and they weren’t the best. And I can see my parents sinking. And I don’t know the solution. I will probably move them to Mumbai or I will move to Delhi. Let’s see. 

It really sucks that you live all your life with your folks, see them as the source of strength that you take pride in, and then at a point in time, you are forced to accept that they will wither away. 

I know I can’t do anything about it. I know this is acceptance that we need in life. I know this too shall pass. 

Oh, coming to my life per se, I wouldn’t want to be seen as frail, unwell, drifting away to anyone. 

To be honest, no one cares. And anyway I don’t care about anyone but Sonali or Myra. I can hide myself from them. To be honest, even Myra wouldn’t care for that matter. Kids are a malleable bunch and they move on fast. Maybe some kids from Village would stay around. Maybe I would want them to stay around. But, again with them, my past has taught me that folks from work tend to move on faster than you imagine. I don’t want to keep repeating sorry tales of my experience with people but it’s something that I need to think about for sure. 

I/ Space

I’ve realised yet again that I need my personal space. I may not use it a lot but I love the idea of having space. I want to ensure that I have my bed, my room, my whatever at each place I go to. Something that only I have access to. Like a secret room or something 😀 

I don’t know why or how this want has happened to me. I didn’t grow up in a place with a lot of space. I’ve never had a fancy house (apart from that 2-year window when my income to mehangai ratio was tenable and that short window when I lived in Vivek’s house). Plus, most times I’ve travelled, I have had to share rooms. Plus, lately, I’ve had to give a lot to keep people from the village happy and close.

So, I don’t know how or where this want and need for space happened to me. 

Maybe worth meditating more over. 

But the point is, I like space. And I can’t do well when things are crowded. So, this rules out public transport (apart from flights (I am writing this from a cramped seat of a plane), hostels and other such things. 

More on this some other day. 

J/ When I travel… 

Continuing on the space thing, in this 7 day trip, I slept on 4 different beds. This means I have packed and unpacked at least 5 times. 

And I hate this feeling of being a nomad when I am on a chutti. I am a nomad enough in real life and I want to not have the same feeling when I am traveling for leisure.

Ofc, while I am travelling for work, I know I have to do this. But when I am on a chutti, I want to take it easy and not run by the clocks of hotel check-in and check-out.

Next time on, I will ensure that either I am on a road trip where I am living the camper life or I stay put in one hotel / location. 

I know this extreme thinking may not be ideal if I want to see the world (imagine going for a Euro Trip – covering 10 countries in 15 days). So, I am ok to miss on things. Fuck the FOMO! I will only do this pack-unpack-pack-move routine in rare conditions. 

Ofc, some people enjoy this moving around like a sport. I don’t. 

Ofc, this is a very first world issue. But I am now a first-world resident and I better live with the reality.

K/ People 

I love people. And I love to help them. I was telling Farheen that my love language is your success. Your = people I love. 

And I need to find a way to enable more people around me to do more. Maybe I should carve out time for specific things? Maybe break them into tiers and funnels. Lol. Will think more on this. 

Oh, I also removed a lot of people from calendars and other places where I tend to save things at. This means that I am removing some people from my life. 

L/ Bored of not working 

I think on the 5th day of the trip (friday I think), I was at a point where I was bored out of my wits of not working. And I craved to get back to work.

I don’t know how people tend to retire. Maybe they reach a point where they want to do something meaningful without the hassle that comes along with work. 

Would be useful to think about. Especially in wake of the Meru and H above. 

M/ Flight snafu

I am on a 5 hour flight and I think I need to fly better airlines. I miss Vistara 🙁 

I dont want to get into too many details but I was on a narrow body aircraft of a low-cost carrier (Indigo) for a 5-hour flight and it was hell. Passengers were rude, drunk, bickering over small things. Air Hostesses were inept at handling 180 people for 5 hours. Service was shit.

The person next to me complained of chest pain and he was visibly in distress. The air hostess gave her an apple and a paracetamol!

I mean, really?

What about talking to the captain to ground the aircraft? What about emergency landing? Someone’s life was at stake!

Anyhow. Not my monkey. Not my circus. And again, first-world problem ;p

N/ High-trust society 

I’ve spoken about this a lot in the past that once you eliminate reasons for mistrust, life becomes better. This has been a guiding philosophy lately. And I saw that in action in Bangkok. And in the flight (the snafu I mentioned above).

Once you are in a high-trust place, you automatically do more. You automatically start to do more things.

Oh, same with AC. If you are in a place with AC, your productivity goes up. Lol. 

I must build high-trust environments. And I know there would be some agents who would try to game these and it’s ok to build these despite this. You know, tax. But I will index on this. At least at C4E, we eliminated this challenge by overcommunicating and offering favorable payment terms to our collaborators (two sources of mistrust).

As I scale and do more, let’s see how I build this.

O/ Other things from my notes that I wanted to talk about 

  1. On the 15th of April, some years ago, I got myself sgElectra. Till a point in time, I celebrated the birthday with great fervor. But not anymore. 
  2. In continuation with J above, I have taken this note on my notes that “ 1/ Need to be less sore. There are many things to do as I look forward. The past is gone. And I need to move to the next”. On this, most times I am not sore, to be honest, but there are times when I feel I need to practise equanimity even more. 
  3. Parenting is not for me. I saw Shilpa in action and I realised that I am glad that I get to parent Myra and Mira from far!

I think this is it. I am sure there must be more notes. Maybe at a later time.

—

So, yeah.
This is it.

I am back to regular programming from tomorrow. And that means, more reviews.

Lemme know what you think.
See you around.

Oh, and this too shall pass 🙂

PS: This series of posts is inspired by Thej and his weekly notes. The previous editions are here: 01, 02, 03, 04, 05, 06, 07, 08, 09 (missed), 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15 (missed).

Wk 14-25 – Weekly Notes

Notes, thoughts and reflections from the week gone by.

Morning!
Started writing this on Saturday (April 5) and

This was probably the fastest week of 2025.
And I am glad that it’s over.
Here’s my review for the week gone by.
Oh, I am listening to this as I write this.

🈺 The LARGE objective from the week gone by? And the next week!

I was to work on the 2025 plan and Book 2.

This has been consistent objective for the last few weeks. However, I have not been able to make any progress on these.

I can blame it on a lot of action at work. Actually, more than action, right now, its discussions and deliberations. I am hoping that once we have a team, I would have lot more time on hands. But as someone who takes pride in my ability to juggle things and do multiple things, this should have been easy for me. I need to find a way to solve this conundrum.

Anyhow, to summarise, I didnt make any progress on either of the goals. I need to buck up. I need to push myself more.

And like last time, I acknowledge that I didn’t work on these two.
I will try this week.

Moving on…

☑️ What did I get done this week?

I will give a one-line report on things I got done on various things that are important to me. I will only talk about things that I got done. Shipped. Not WIP.

At this point, the following things are important to me (I know too many but…) and these are IN ORDER.

  1. Health
  2. Meru
  3. C4E
  4. Brand SG
  5. People (Family, Friends, Strangers, etc)
  6. Book2
  7. Shauk (Music, Films, Poker etc)

Health. It was a terrible week. Sunday was the worst. I dont know what came over me. But I am back. Other days saw me with lack of sleep, eating kachra, no walks (except one day) and even happiness was questionable.
So, -1 there.

Meru. A lot of action here. Nothing specific in terms of what I can talk here.
So, a 0.

C4E. No action TBH. C is running the kitchen now. I am merely supporting. I have nothing to report here.
So, a 0.

Brand SG. No large actions. I did use AI to build some posts (will link further in the post) but nothing apart from that. This needs to more VERY VERY fast. So, I will be harsh on myself and give myself a -1.
So, a -1.

People. This was a clear -1. I did a few things that I shouldnt have. I mean I wont do them differently but I didnt know that it would have such large impact on people I care for. Apart from that I met some really interesting people that I look up to. So, if not for the snafu, I would have been a +1 on this.
So, a -1

Book 2. No action.
-1

Shauk. No large action. I am gonna travel to meet M. Maybe that counts? Maybe it doesnt. When I am evaluating myself, I want to give myself a harsh -1.
-1

So the overall score is -5 for this week. Same as last week.
Trends from the previous weeks: -5, -3, -2, -1
The max I can get is 7 in a week. Let’s see when I get to it.

📊 The tracker from the last week

Here’s the tracker.

What do you notice?

For me, the highlights are…

  1. I’ve stopped tracking my twitter updates. I think I can skip tracking this. I am habituated to write these. Lets see.
  2. A couple of days were not as good as I would want them to be.

What do you see?

📷 Some Photos from the week gone by

Here are some photos from the week gone by.

Not too many. Blame it on a busy week.

📖 Interesting Reads from the last week

I didnt have a lot of time to read or reflect in the last week but here are some that I did read…

  1. Naval’s podcast with Chris Williamson. I am at an hour and 30 mark. Took many many lessons. Saved some here.
  2. Akanksha Pandey’s March Reflections.
  3. This twitter thread explaining Kun Faya Kun
  4. How I’ve run major projects by Ben Kuhn. Here. At some point, I must write something similar. From Ben’s website, I spotted this post about how to write cold emails by Sriram K.
  5. This tweet by Erik
  6. This post by Morgan. A couple of quotes worth keeping are “The person who is desperate for attention and acceptance from a group of strangers is hardly different from the person begging for money on the street” and “The wild thing about all this effort is how easy it is to overestimate how much other people are thinking about you. No one is thinking about you as much as you are. They are too busy thinking about themselves.”

Next week on, I will also share a list of things that I share in my groups. I may not read all of those but I am sure it would be useful.

💭 Highlights, reflections and notes from the week.

Here are some from this week.

A/ Ankesh Kothari
Met Ankesh and as always, it was incredible to meet him. Among other things, he asked C and I this – “If you had to have dinner with any 3 people from history, who would they be? The answer shows who your heroes are. Then deconstruct what about them resonates, and you will have more clarity on your self.”

My dinner guests would include Steve, Charlie and Charles. Each is different from another – one was an individual poet, other was an investor and the third was an org builder. I should think more on this.

Who would be your three dinner guests?

B/ Rana Sir
Met Rana Sir for something. Went to his home. I almost didnt go but C reminded me that I need to. And thus, I went. As always, it was a brilliant three hours that I spent with him.

One of the things that came out of that meeting was my articulation that if I get physical proximity to young people, I can literally change their lives. Assuming they are willing to submit to me and they are willing to work hard. And then the follow up thought (that I didnt articulate to sir when I met him but was important) – that may be I am destined to be a coach and not a player. I am gonna be at best a Drona (not Eklavya, not Arjuna), a Ramakant (not a Sachin), a Coach Carter et al.

Something to think on. #currentThings

C/ Starbucks induced serendipity
I was at a random Starbucks far from home and I bumped into a classmate from MDI. And I used the opportunity to tell him about Meru. And about C4E. I dont know what would come out of that but it was incredible to have that farce-less chat with someone who knows me since 2004!

D/ Akanksha Pandey’s March Reflections.
One of the best pieces I’ve read in a long time. You must read it. I took a lot of notes. I learnt a lot about myself. I learnt a lot about AP. And thanks to this post, I have started to make public posts about what am thinking about. You may search for those here.

From her note, here’s a quote…

Fear, self doubt, self sabotage, procrastination, addiction, distraction, perfectionism… all can be overcome with stupidity, stubbornness, delusion, blind faith, obsession, arrogance & optimism.

PS: For the context, I had interviewed her for a role with me and she rejected me. Which is ok. But I’ve stayed connected and boy, am I glad! I knew that she would have pushed me to do more if I could get her around. But then as long as I am learning from her even from a distance, I am ok.

E/ Experiments with AI
I’ve been playing with some tools. Wrote two posts. Both via AI. I dont know what traffic would they get me. But it’s amazing that I can churn more content, faster. And I dont see a dip in quality!

I am also pushing C4E and Meru teams to become faster and better with the use of AI. We’ve made some strides. Commendable is AK and team’s foray on Labs with CQ. And then some more.

The ambition is that we would all be AI-enabled Centaurs (in words of Mihir) in the times to come and faster and sooner we get to that, better it is!

F/ Naval’s podcast with Chris
I have a 100 notes on this. I will make a separate post on it. At this time, I am saving my notes here. While I’ve captured this above, this needed a section in itself!

G/ Things I stand for.
Made a thread. I will update it as and when things change at my end.

To be read alongside Work With Me. And also see this photo album where I upload things that are important to me.

H/ People Snafu
I said something about someone that I know I shouldnt have. I cant get into details but I must write.

So, when I said what I said, I assumed what I said was innocuous, harmless, action-induing (I love to err on the side of action). That’s how I talk to people.

However, things were taken out of context, things were assumed without asking for clarification and then I was spoken in a not so cool tone.

I understand why I was spoken to the way I was spoken to. My actions hurt the other person. But then it was unintended. It was supposed to be a nudge in action and all that.

Anyhow. I am rambling. At this time, I know I didnt make a mistake. But I know my actions caused hurt. So, I am unequivocally sorry. I will try to do better.

I/ A-List Assholes
First. What is an A-List Asshole?
Someone who thinks they are A-list talent and are Assholes on top. They may or may not know that they are assholes!

Think of the most obnoxious, rude, unkind, tantrumy sports superstar or filmstar. And then port that person to the world of startups. Think of the rockstar coder that you know who’s also a bully. Steve Jobs would probably qualify to be an A-List asshole.

So, I was to interview someone for a client. And the guy turned out to be an A-List Asshole. I couldnt interview him (we couldnt agree on a calendar) but from the conversation, it seemed that the guy was heavily inspired by Silicon Valley types and was misplaced. Or may be I am misplaced. Irrespective. It was not going to work out. And thus I quickly retreated.

That’s a thing that I need to work on by the way. Stay away from A-list assholes. While it was ok for Steve to be one, in this day and age, I dont want those.

J/ Online selling Gurus
Met someone who told me about the work of these online gurus. You know people like Sadhguru, Robin Sharma, Brian Tracy, Tony Robbins, Dandapani, Dave Ramsey, Russell Brunson, Harv Eker, Chris Chroft and others.

For all the interest I have in cults, it was incredible to learn that cults and these sales conversations tend to be the same!

More on these some other day. But it was important to write and track.

K/ Venture Studios
I need to push C4E into becoming a venture studio. I’ve been reading about the likes of Tiny, Recurse, Late Checkout, Bending Spoon etc. Some of these may not be venture studios in the traditional sense but I like the idea of a small team building many things together.

Again, with Meru on the horizon, I may not get to do this with my time but I can nudge my kids!

Oh, here’s a thing. Most of my ideas are old ideas that I’ve been on since I was a child! I need to find a way to ship more and do more. I mean this venture studio idea, I’ve been on it since the beginning of time!

L/ 12K Steps #in2025
Made a bet of 50K with Annkur that at the end of this year, I will have averaged 12K steps. I made a similar bet with Subhendu. Let’s see.

This also reminds me that I will not have climbed the Mt Everest by Jan 1, 2026. Sigh.

M/ Other things that I want to capture but I may not spill too many words on…

  1. Found money on the road, two times, on one single walk. And I was listening to Naval’s podcast while I found that. Maybe that’s a sign!
  2. While listening to Naval, I was left thinking, should I get into podcasting fulltime?
  3. Implemented Paras Chopra’s TDL at C4E. See this tweet. Been 5 days and so far my score is 0. Lol!
  4. Met some clients for C4E for quick meetings. Not to pitch anything. Not to sell anything. Only to say hi. It’s incredible how many people have supported me on my journey! Eternally grateful.
  5. My back has started to give me trouble. I need to find a chiropractor or a masseuse. I dont want to go to a doctor. The skin thing is also spreading. So that needs fixing.
  6. Met Paras and asked him a few questions about this business. Must push him more.
  7. The number of times I wore pants and traveled this week to Nariman Point – I am reminded why I didn’t do the “regular life” all this while. Once we get an office, this will hopefully get fixed!
  8. Been thinking about US tariffs. Saw some videos. Read some but I am not able to wrap my head about how it would impact and what would the second order effects be. If you are aware, please share and help!

🧠 Reminders from last week

I am adding this section. To capture things that I want to not forget. I will copy paste these week on week and track updates. I will also add these to SG’s Office.

Here are things from the past weeks that I want to remember. And no, this may not be a comprehensive list. In categories.

  1. Health
    • Kitchen setup (incomplete)
    • Gym membership (incomplete)
  2. C4E things
    • C4E Base
    • Design
    • Borderless agency
  3. Shauk / Personal
    • Poker
    • Better dressed SG
    • Use of money / time
    • Love
    • Demand more from life

In case you know me, lemme know if I have missed something.

🥡 So, one thing that defines the past week?

Busyness. For nothing. Going forward, I will change this.

In the previous weeks, it’s been Action, Survive, Looking Up, Survival, Taste, Community, Respect, Money, People.

—

Ok!
This is it for the week gone by.
Late by a day but here nonetheless.
Lemme know what you think.
See you around.

Oh, and this too shall pass 🙂

PS: This series of posts is inspired by Thej and his weekly notes. The previous editions are here: 01, 02, 03, 04, 05, 06, 07, 08, 09 (missed), 10, 11, 12, 13

Navigating the Freelancing Landscape: Insights from My Journey

Explore the ups and downs of freelancing through personal experiences and valuable lessons that can inspire your own career path.

Featured

In today’s dynamic world, freelancing offers unparalleled opportunities for those willing to take the plunge. Through my journey, filled with ups and downs, I’ve learned valuable lessons that can help aspiring freelancers navigate their own paths. Join me as I share my experiences and insights that can inspire you to start your freelancing career.

Table of Contents

🌱 A Glimpse into My Background

My journey began like many others, grounded in a mix of formal education and the relentless pursuit of knowledge. I graduated with a Bachelor’s in Information Technology from Delhi University, and later pursued a Post Graduate Program in Management from MDI in Gurgaon. While these degrees provided a foundation, they were merely stepping stones. The real education came from life itself.

As I often say, I was taught by the “school of hard knocks.” This phrase resonates with me because it encapsulates the essence of learning through experience. In the world of freelancing, it’s not just about what you know; it’s about how you adapt and grow from your challenges.

📉 The School of Hard Knocks

The “school of hard knocks” is a term that captures the essence of my professional journey. It’s where I learned my most valuable lessons—not from textbooks, but from the trials and tribulations of real-life experiences. Every setback was a lesson in disguise, teaching me resilience and adaptability.

I often reflect on my early days in the industry, where I faced numerous challenges that tested my skills and determination. Each failure was a stepping stone, pushing me to rethink my strategies and approach. This philosophy became the cornerstone of my freelance career, reminding me that every setback is an opportunity for growth.

📈 My Professional Journey: The Ups and Downs

My professional life can best be described as an “up and down curve.” From the moment I started, I experienced rapid growth followed by significant setbacks. It’s a cycle I’ve come to accept and embrace. I’ve had three distinct peaks and valleys in my career, each shaped by my ideas and decisions.

During these ups, I found success through innovative ideas and hard work. Conversely, the downs often stemmed from the same source—my ideas. I learned that in the world of freelancing, success isn’t a straight line; it’s a winding road filled with unexpected turns. As I like to say, “The ups have happened because of my ideas, and the downs have happened because of my ideas.” It’s a continuous cycle of learning and unlearning.

🚀 From Startups to Self-Employment

Transitioning from startups to self-employment was a natural progression for me. My journey began with three startup ventures, each offering unique lessons and experiences. As I navigated the tumultuous waters of entrepreneurship, I realized that my true calling lay in self-employment.

Today, I proudly identify as a self-employed entrepreneur. My work is not about creating something entirely new; it’s about refining existing ideas and offering value in a space where many others operate. I no longer view myself as a startup person; instead, I focus on building a sustainable business that aligns with my values and aspirations.

🔄 Industry Agnostic: Learning Over Specialization

One of the most liberating realizations in my career has been the notion of being industry agnostic. I believe that the ability to learn new skills quickly is far more valuable than being pigeonholed into one specific area. My diverse experiences across various sectors have equipped me with a unique perspective and a versatile skill set.

In my view, it’s not about being the best in one field; it’s about being adaptable and open to learning. Whether it’s mastering a new marketing strategy or delving into a different industry, I approach each challenge with enthusiasm and curiosity. This mindset has not only broadened my horizons but also enriched my freelance career.

🌟 Inspiration: Beyond the Conventional

Inspiration can come from the most unexpected places. For me, it has shifted over the years. Initially, figures like Bill Gates and Steve Jobs fueled my ambition. Their stories of innovation and success ignited a spark within me, pushing me to dream big.

However, as my journey evolved, I found inspiration in the everyday hustle of individuals who, like me, are navigating the complexities of freelancing. The resilience of fellow freelancers, their stories of grit and determination, and their unwavering commitment to their craft motivate me to keep pushing forward.

As I often reflect, “The act of making money is not just about the end goal; it’s about the journey and the community you build along the way.” This belief drives me to connect with others, share insights, and inspire those who are just starting out on their freelancing journey.

📚 The Importance of Learning from Others

One of the most profound realizations I’ve had is that my journey has been deeply influenced by the wisdom and experiences of others. As I often say, “Every single thing I own today has happened to me because of the kindness of strangers.” This philosophy underpins my approach to both personal and professional growth.

In the freelancing world, it’s vital to recognize that no one operates in a vacuum. Whether it’s through mentorship, collaboration, or even casual conversations, we can learn invaluable lessons from those around us. I remember sitting with my mentor and discussing ideas that would eventually lead to the founding of C4E. If he hadn’t been there to guide me, I might not be where I am today.

Learning from others isn’t just about absorbing information; it’s about understanding different perspectives. It’s about acknowledging that we stand on the shoulders of giants, and by doing so, we can build something even greater. The key is to remain open and receptive to those lessons, no matter where they come from.

🌍 Embracing Change: The Explorer Mindset

When I think about my journey, I often identify as an explorer rather than a traditional founder or leader. As I once quoted Derek Sivers, “I am an explorer.” This mindset has allowed me to approach challenges with curiosity and resilience. Change is the only constant in freelancing, and embracing it can lead to unexpected opportunities.

In my experience, being adaptable is crucial. The ability to pivot, to try new things, and to explore different avenues can make all the difference in your freelancing career. Like the wise young woman who said, “I go where my vibes take me,” I’ve learned to trust my instincts and follow the paths that feel right, even if they diverge from my original plan.

Each project, each client, and each experience adds to my toolkit. I’ve come to appreciate that the journey of freelancing is about exploration—discovering new skills, meeting diverse individuals, and pushing the boundaries of my comfort zone.

🤝 Paying It Forward: The Philosophy Behind My Actions

Paying it forward is a philosophy I hold dear. It stems from the understanding that I owe my successes to the generosity of others. As I often reflect, “There is no way I can pay them back, so I found a way of paying it forward.” This realization has shaped my approach to not only my work but my interactions with others.

Every kindness I’ve received has inspired me to extend that same kindness to others. I learned this concept from a character named Jack Reacher, who embodies the spirit of paying it forward. It’s a simple yet powerful idea: when you receive help, you pass it on to someone else in need.

This philosophy drives me to create structured programs that encourage others to share their knowledge and experiences. Since 2017, I’ve been actively working to instill this mindset within my community, ensuring that the cycle of kindness continues. When we uplift one another, we create a ripple effect that can lead to transformative change.

🌱 Building a Legacy: The Importance of Mentorship

Mentorship has been a game-changer in my life. I’ve had the privilege of learning from incredible individuals who have shaped my career. In turn, I feel a responsibility to mentor others. As I often say, “If Rajesh did not invest in me, I wouldn’t be investing in others.” This debt of gratitude propels me to give back.

Mentorship is not just about imparting knowledge; it’s about creating a supportive environment where others can thrive. I’ve seen firsthand how a little guidance can lead to significant breakthroughs. Whether it’s through one-on-one coaching or group workshops, I strive to share the lessons I’ve learned along my journey.

Building a legacy is about ensuring that the next generation of freelancers has the tools and support they need to succeed. It’s about fostering a community that values collaboration and growth. When we invest in others, we not only enrich their lives but also create a stronger, more connected network.

🤝 Creating Value Through Collaboration

Collaboration is at the heart of freelancing. In a world saturated with competition, the ability to work together can set you apart. I’ve found that the most rewarding projects often come from partnerships where each party brings unique strengths to the table.

By collaborating, we can create value that exceeds what we could achieve alone. Whether it’s teaming up with fellow creatives on a project or pooling resources for a common goal, collaboration opens doors to new possibilities. As I often emphasize, it’s not just about creating something new; it’s about refining existing ideas and enhancing them together.

In my journey, I’ve met incredible individuals who have inspired me to think differently. Each collaboration has taught me the importance of leveraging collective knowledge and skills. The relationships built through collaboration often lead to long-term partnerships that can significantly impact our careers.

✍️ The Power of Writing in My Journey

Writing has been a powerful tool in my journey. It began during a phase when I found myself with ample time and a desire to create. I started penning down my thoughts, which eventually evolved into letters that I shared with others. These letters were a way to connect, to express ideas, and to inspire.

As I reflect on that period, I realize that writing serves multiple purposes. It’s a means of self-expression, a way to clarify my thoughts, and a method to document my journey. Each word penned has been a stepping stone toward greater understanding and connection with others.

In the freelancing world, writing can be a significant asset. Whether it’s through blogs, newsletters, or social media posts, sharing your insights can build your brand and attract opportunities. I encourage everyone to embrace writing as a tool for growth and connection. The stories we tell can resonate with others, inspiring them to embark on their own journeys.

💡 Why My Work Matters: The Impact of Sharing

In the world of freelancing, sharing isn’t just a nice-to-have; it’s a necessity. As I often say, “Each thing in my life is exactly in the same space.” This interconnectedness is vital not only for personal growth but also for building a community. When we share our work, insights, and experiences, we open doors for collaboration and innovation.

However, I’ve noticed a gap. People often appreciate my work, yet they hesitate to share it with their networks. It’s crucial to bridge this gap. If you find something valuable, don’t just keep it to yourself. Share it! Your recommendation can be the catalyst for someone else’s journey.

This philosophy extends to all aspects of my work. Whether it’s through my letters, podcasts, or workshops, I strive to create content that resonates with others. The impact of sharing is exponential; one small act can influence many lives. Remember, “The act of making money is not just about the end goal; it’s about the journey and the community you build along the way.”

🧗‍♂️ Navigating Challenges: Learning from Failures

Failure is an inevitable part of the freelancing journey. As I’ve navigated my path, I’ve faced numerous challenges that tested my resolve. Each setback has been a lesson, shaping my approach to work and life. I often reflect, “If I knew what had to be changed, I would have changed it myself.” This realization has taught me the importance of seeking help and collaboration.

For instance, there have been times when I partnered with individuals who didn’t share my vision. The experience was frustrating, but it highlighted the necessity of aligning values. As I learned, “I want to be sure about who I work with because they end up wasting time.” This insight has been invaluable, guiding my choices in partnerships and projects.

Moreover, maintaining momentum is essential. I’ve seen how delays can derail progress. As one of my collaborators wisely pointed out, “If you stop them from moving, it just delays and then stops.” Keeping things in action, even on tough days, is crucial for success.

⚡ The Importance of Momentum in Freelancing

Momentum is the lifeblood of a successful freelance career. It’s not just about starting strong; it’s about maintaining that energy. Each project, each client interaction is an opportunity to build on your previous successes. I often say, “You have to keep the momentum going.” If you let things stagnate, you risk losing the drive that fuels your creativity.

In my experience, staying connected with clients and collaborators is key. Regular check-ins, updates, and discussions can keep the fire alive. When I work with someone, I aim to establish a relationship that feels like a long-term partnership. As I’ve learned, “Think of it as a long-term transaction.” This mindset fosters trust and encourages ongoing collaboration.

Each small win contributes to a larger narrative. Celebrate your achievements, no matter how minor they may seem. They serve as building blocks for future endeavors. Remember, “Keep things in action,” and you’ll find yourself moving forward, even when the path is unclear.

🌈 Final Thoughts: The Journey Continues

As I reflect on my journey so far, I recognize that it’s an ongoing process of growth and learning. The freelancing landscape is ever-evolving, and so am I. I often remind myself, “The day I make it, you will know.” This keeps me grounded and focused on my goals.

Every experience, whether positive or negative, adds to my tapestry of knowledge. I have not reached my destination yet, but I am committed to the journey. My work is not just about personal success; it’s about uplifting others along the way. I believe in paying it forward, ensuring that my journey contributes to the paths of others.

So, if you’re considering freelancing, remember that it’s not merely about the destination. Embrace the journey, learn from your failures, and keep pushing forward. Your story is unique, and it has the power to inspire others. Let’s navigate this landscape together!

❓ FAQ: Common Questions About Freelancing

  • What skills do I need to start freelancing?
    While specific skills depend on your niche, strong communication, time management, and adaptability are essential. Continuous learning is key in a freelance career.
  • How do I find clients?
    Networking, social media, and freelance platforms are great starting points. Don’t hesitate to share your work and seek referrals.
  • What should I charge for my services?
    Research industry standards and evaluate your experience. It’s essential to set rates that reflect your skills while remaining competitive.
  • How do I manage my time effectively?
    Establish a routine, set clear goals, and use productivity tools to stay organized. Time management is crucial for maintaining momentum.
  • What if I face rejection?
    Rejection is a part of the journey. Learn from it, adapt, and keep moving forward. Every setback can lead to a greater opportunity.

Feel free to reach out if you have more questions or need guidance on your freelancing journey. I’m here to help!

This article was created from the video Deeksha AK and SG with the help of AI.

Navigating the Freelancing Landscape in India: Your Ultimate Guide for 2025

The ultimate guide for freelancing in India! Read about common challenges, building a client base, understanding your pricing and FAQs

Freelancing in India is more than just a career choice; it’s a lifestyle that offers freedom and flexibility. In this comprehensive guide, I share insights and experiences from a recent Q&A session, aiming to inspire aspiring freelancers to take the leap into this dynamic world.

Table of Contents

📖 Introduction to Freelancing

Freelancing is not just a way to earn a living; it’s a portal to freedom and self-discovery. Many of us dream of working on our own terms, choosing projects that resonate with our passions. But how do you begin this journey? It starts with understanding what freelancing truly entails.

Freelancing allows you to explore various fields, offering the opportunity to diversify your skills. Whether you’re a writer, designer, or coder, the world is your oyster. However, it’s essential to recognize the commitment and discipline freelancing requires. This isn’t just a job; it’s a lifestyle.

💡 What Freelancing Means

At its core, freelancing is about autonomy. You decide what projects to take on, who to work with, and how to manage your time. Yet, with this freedom comes responsibility. You must market yourself, manage your finances, and ensure you continuously develop your skills.

  • Flexibility: Work from anywhere, at any time.
  • Diversity: Engage in various projects that interest you.
  • Independence: Be your own boss and set your own rates.

🌍 Understanding the Freelancing Landscape

The freelancing landscape is ever-evolving, particularly in countries like India. With the rise of the gig economy, more individuals are seeking flexible work arrangements. Understanding this landscape can help you navigate your freelancing journey more effectively.

In India, freelancing is gaining traction across various sectors. From tech to creative fields, there’s a demand for skilled freelancers. However, the competition is fierce. Standing out requires a combination of talent, networking, and branding.

🌟 Key Trends in Freelancing in India

  • Increased Demand: Brands are increasingly turning to freelancers for specialized skills.
  • Remote Work Culture: The pandemic has accelerated the acceptance of remote work.
  • Digital Platforms: Websites like Upwork and Fiverr are becoming go-to places for freelancers.

⚠️ Common Challenges Faced by New Freelancers

As exciting as freelancing can be, it’s not without its challenges. Many new freelancers face hurdles that can seem overwhelming at first. Identifying these challenges is the first step in overcoming them.

One of the most common challenges is the inconsistency of income. Unlike a traditional job, freelancing can lead to feast-or-famine cycles. It’s crucial to have a financial cushion and a steady stream of clients to mitigate this issue.

🚧 Other Challenges Include:

  • Self-discipline: Without a boss, staying motivated can be tough.
  • Client Management: Navigating client expectations and communications can be challenging.
  • Isolation: Freelancers often work alone, which can lead to feelings of loneliness.

🤝 The Value of Being Indispensable

One of the keys to success in freelancing is becoming indispensable to your clients. This goes beyond just delivering quality work; it’s about building relationships and trust. Clients who see value in your work are more likely to return and refer you to others.

“The clients will not be able to go away from me because they see me doing multiple things at a lesser cost.”

This quote encapsulates the essence of becoming indispensable. By expanding your skill set and offering additional value, you create a unique position in the market. Your clients will not just see you as a freelancer; they will see you as a vital part of their team.

🔑 Tips to Become Indispensable:

  • Exceed Expectations: Go the extra mile in your work.
  • Communicate Effectively: Keep clients updated and engaged.
  • Be Proactive: Offer solutions before they even ask.

⚖️ Finding Balance: Cash vs. Creative Satisfaction

One of the most significant dilemmas freelancers face is balancing financial stability with creative fulfillment. It’s essential to recognize that not all work will be exciting or fulfilling, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t valuable.

“You need to be able to balance the two together.”

Understanding Hugh McLeod “sex and cash” theory can help. It suggests that freelancers should engage in work that pays the bills while also pursuing projects that ignite their passion. This balance is crucial for long-term satisfaction in your freelancing career.

💰 Ways to Achieve Balance:

  • Prioritize Paid Work: Take on projects that pay well but may not be your passion.
  • Allocate Time for Passion Projects: Dedicate specific hours for creative endeavors.
  • Network: Connect with others in your field to discover collaborative opportunities.

🔍 Navigating Work You Don’t Enjoy

Every freelancer will encounter work they don’t enjoy. It’s part of the journey. The key is to navigate these situations wisely. Taking on projects that don’t excite you can be a stepping stone to better opportunities.

“If you are privileged, you can choose to say no to work.”

However, not everyone has that luxury. Sometimes, it’s vital to take on less desirable work to keep the cash flow steady. The challenge lies in how to manage this without losing your passion for your craft.

🚀 Strategies to Handle Unpleasant Work:

  • Set Boundaries: Clearly define the scope of work to avoid burnout.
  • Find Meaning: Look for aspects of the work that you can connect with.
  • Use It as a Learning Experience: Every project can teach you something valuable.

🏗️ Building Your Client Base

Starting your freelancing journey can feel daunting, especially when it comes to finding clients. But let me tell you, it’s all about building relationships. Instead of waiting for clients to come to you, take the initiative to reach out.

One effective strategy is to ask your current clients for referrals. After delivering quality work, approach them with a simple request: “Can you introduce me to three people who might benefit from my services?” This not only opens new doors but also builds a pipeline of potential clients.

“I would love to take up any project that you may have at any cost as a first project.”

This approach generates warm leads and establishes trust through personal recommendations. Remember, it’s easier to connect with someone who has already been referred to you by a mutual acquaintance.

📈 Networking Beyond Referrals

Networking is another crucial aspect of building your client base. Attend industry events, join online forums, and engage on platforms like LinkedIn. When you make meaningful connections, you increase your visibility and create opportunities for collaboration.

  • Participate in Webinars: Share your knowledge and showcase your expertise.
  • Engage on Social Media: Comment on posts, share insights, and connect with industry leaders.
  • Join Freelancing Groups: Collaborate with fellow freelancers to share leads and opportunities.

🌟 Leveraging Testimonials for Growth

Testimonials can be powerful tools for attracting new clients. However, it’s essential to use them strategically. Instead of merely displaying testimonials on your website or LinkedIn, think about how to leverage them for more significant impact.

“Testimonials have become like ratings on Amazon.”

While testimonials can validate your work, they can also become stale if not utilized creatively. Consider creating case studies that highlight your successes. Illustrate how your work solved a problem or added value to a client’s business.

📝 Crafting Compelling Case Studies

When crafting case studies, focus on the following elements:

  • Background: Provide context about the client and their needs.
  • Solution: Detail the approach you took and the work you delivered.
  • Results: Share quantifiable outcomes to demonstrate the impact of your work.

Promote these case studies on social media and your website. Not only do they showcase your expertise, but they also establish credibility with potential clients.

💼 The Importance of Free Work

It might seem counterintuitive, but doing some work for free can significantly expand your reach. Consider this as an investment in your business development. Allocate a portion of your time to pro bono projects that align with your interests or target market.

“You need to allocate a certain percentage of your time as your business development cost.”

By offering free services, you gain valuable experience, build your portfolio, and create opportunities for paid work down the line. The key is to establish clear boundaries so that you don’t end up overwhelmed.

📊 How Much Free Work Should You Do?

Deciding how much free work to take on depends on your personal circumstances. Here are some guidelines:

  • Set a Time Limit: Dedicate a specific number of hours each week to free projects.
  • Choose Wisely: Select projects that align with your long-term goals.
  • Evaluate Outcomes: After a set period, assess the return on your investment.

By thoughtfully incorporating free work into your strategy, you’ll likely find new clients and opportunities that lead to paid projects.

🔍 Finding Your Niche as a Freelancer

Identifying your niche is essential in the crowded freelancing market. A well-defined niche not only sets you apart but also makes it easier to target your marketing efforts.

“You find a niche. Simple.”

Think about what you’re passionate about and where your skills lie. Are you a finance writer? A social media strategist? A designer specializing in branding? The more specific you are, the easier it will be to attract clients who need your expertise.

🧭 Steps to Identify Your Niche

Follow these steps to find your niche:

  • Assess Your Skills: Take stock of your strengths and experiences.
  • Research the Market: Identify gaps in the market that align with your skills.
  • Test the Waters: Start with small projects in your selected niche and gather feedback.

Once you’ve established your niche, focus your marketing efforts on that area to attract the right clients.

🎨 Spec Work: A Tool for Exposure

Spec work, or speculative work, refers to projects you undertake without guaranteed payment, often to showcase your skills. While it has its critics, it can be a useful tool for gaining exposure and building your portfolio.

“The value of spec work on LinkedIn is immense.”

When done thoughtfully, spec work can demonstrate your capabilities and creativity. It allows potential clients to see your style and approach firsthand.

🌈 How to Approach Spec Work

If you decide to pursue spec work, consider the following:

  • Choose Relevant Projects: Focus on work that aligns with your niche and interests.
  • Share Your Work: Promote your spec projects on social media and professional platforms.
  • Engage with Your Audience: Use feedback to refine your skills and approach.

By strategically using spec work, you can draw attention to your freelance services and attract clients.

💰 Understanding Your Worth: Pricing Strategies

One of the most challenging aspects of freelancing is determining how to price your services. Understanding your worth is crucial for setting rates that reflect your expertise and the value you bring to clients.

“Forget about what the world is charging.”

Start by assessing your financial goals and the amount of time you’re willing to dedicate to work. Calculate your desired monthly income, and work backward to determine your hourly rate.

📊 Pricing Strategies to Consider

Here are some effective pricing strategies to help you determine your rates:

  • Value-Based Pricing: Charge based on the value you provide to clients, not just the time spent.
  • Market Research: Investigate what others in your niche are charging to establish a competitive rate.
  • Fixed Rates vs. Hourly Rates: Decide whether you prefer to charge per project or by the hour based on the nature of your work.

Ultimately, your rates should reflect your skills, experience, and the quality of work you deliver. Don’t undervalue yourself; remember that you bring unique expertise to the table.

💼 Negotiating with Clients: Tips and Tricks

Negotiation is an art, and as a freelancer, mastering this skill can significantly impact your success. You need to approach negotiations with confidence and clarity. Remember, your worth is not just determined by the client’s budget; it’s about the value you bring to the table.

“If you can afford me, great. If you cannot afford me, thank you so much.”

This straightforward philosophy can guide your negotiations. When discussing rates, start with a clear number that reflects your skills and experience. For instance, if you typically charge ₹5,500, stick to that, and don’t be afraid to raise your rates over time.

🔑 Key Negotiation Strategies

  • Know Your Worth: Research the market rates for your services and adjust accordingly.
  • Be Transparent: Clearly outline what your rates include and how they benefit the client.
  • Stay Firm: If a potential client hesitates at your price, remind them of the value you provide.
  • Incremental Increases: As you gain more experience, gradually increase your rates with each new client.

By following these strategies, you can create a positive negotiation environment where both you and your client feel valued and respected.

📑 Creating a Compelling Client Pitch

Your pitch is often the first impression potential clients will have of you. A compelling pitch can set you apart from the competition. It should highlight your unique skills, experiences, and how you can solve their problems.

“I would love to take up any project that you may have at any cost as a first project.”

This approach reflects your enthusiasm and willingness to collaborate. However, ensure that your pitch is tailored to each client. Here’s how to craft a winning pitch:

📋 Elements of a Strong Pitch

  • Personalization: Address the client by name and reference specific details about their business.
  • Problem-Solution Format: Clearly articulate the problem the client faces and how you can address it.
  • Showcase Your Work: Include links to relevant projects or testimonials that demonstrate your expertise.
  • Call to Action: Encourage the client to take the next step, whether it’s scheduling a call or requesting more information.

Remember, a pitch is not just about selling yourself; it’s about building a connection and establishing trust with potential clients.

✨ Final Thoughts and Encouragement

Embarking on your freelancing journey can be daunting, but remember that every expert was once a beginner. Embrace the challenges and learn from each experience. The key is to keep pushing forward and never lose sight of your goals.

“You need to be able to balance the two together.”

Balancing your financial needs with creative satisfaction is essential. Don’t shy away from taking on projects that pay the bills, but also carve out time for the work that inspires you. Your journey will be unique, filled with highs and lows, but it’s all part of the adventure.

🌈 Encouragement for Aspiring Freelancers

Stay connected with your network, seek mentorship, and continue to develop your skills. Remember, you’re not alone in this journey. Many have walked this path before you, and their experiences can guide you.

If you ever feel stuck or need advice, reach out! I’m here to help you navigate the challenges of freelancing in India. Together, we can build a community that supports and uplifts one another.

❓ FAQ: Common Questions about Freelancing

As you delve into freelancing, you might have questions. Here are some common queries that often arise among new freelancers:

🔍 What Should I Charge as a New Freelancer?

Start by researching the market rates for your services. Consider your experience and the value you bring to clients. It’s okay to begin at a lower rate and gradually increase it as you gain more experience and confidence.

📈 How Do I Find Clients?

Utilize social media platforms, attend networking events, and join freelancing communities. Reach out to your existing network for referrals and leverage platforms like Upwork and Fiverr to find new clients.

🕒 How Do I Manage My Time Effectively?

Establish a routine that works for you. Use tools like calendars and task management apps to prioritize your work. Set aside dedicated time for client work, networking, and skill development.

💬 Should I Accept Work for Free?

Consider taking on pro bono projects strategically. This can help you build your portfolio and gain experience, but be mindful not to overextend yourself. Set clear boundaries to ensure you’re not sacrificing your time and energy.

🔗 How Can I Connect with Other Freelancers?

Join online forums, social media groups, or local meetups. Engaging with fellow freelancers can provide valuable insights, collaboration opportunities, and support as you navigate your freelancing journey.

PS: this article was created from the video QnA on How to Freelance – 29 Aug 2024 with the help of AI.

Wk 13-25 – Weekly Notes

Notes and thoughts from Week 13, 2025

Morning!
At this time, its 9:05 AM and I am waiting for AK to finish reading highagency.com. And then she and I will record the next episode of Adulting Podcast. And then I have a bunch of things to do and then I have a lunch with Paras. And then I have some work. And I will find time in between all these to write this piece.

So, with that, let’s go!

🈺 The LARGE objective from the week gone by? And the next week!

I was to work on the 2025 plan and Book 2.

Like last week, I didnt make any progress on either. I do have a few reasons and excuses on why I couldnt. I will not get into those. I will acknowledge that I didnt work. And I will try and do better in the coming week. So that.

Moving on…

☑️ What did I get done this week?

I will give a one-line report on things I got done on various things that are important to me. I will only talk about things that I got done. Shipped. Not WIP.

At this point, the following things are important to me (I know too many but…) and these are IN ORDER.

  1. Health
  2. Meru
  3. C4E
  4. Brand SG
  5. People (Family, Friends, Strangers, etc)
  6. Book2
  7. Shauk (Music, Films, Poker etc)

Health. I want to do 4 things here – eat better, sleep better, work on my muscles and generally by happy. In the week gone by, I did nothing. So -1 there.

Meru. A lot of action here. I cant talk about a lot of this. I even wore shoes 2 days in the week gone by! So yeah! But despite the action, am far from getting to the ideal state. So, I will give myself a 0.

C4E. Again, like Meru, I did a lot but nothing to show for. Luckily, Chandni is doing the heavy lifting on the revenue and everyone else is supporting her. On Labs, AK (and increasingly KP) are keeping the movement. I will give myself a 0.

Brand SG. I got a few emails as a result of work I had done in the previous weeks. So that was good. However I didnt take any action on it. So, a -1.

People. Did a few things. Got Bri some gifts. She knows about one. Doesnt know about the other. Plus, like last week, met a few people. Nothing large of consequence. So, a 0.

Book 2. No action. -1.

Shauk. No large action. Did catch the sunset. And thus, a 0.

So the overall score is -3 for this week. Same as last week.
Trends from the previous weeks: -3, -2, -1
The max I can get is 7 in a week. Let’s see when I get to it.

📊 The tracker from the last week

Here’s the tracker.

What do you notice?

For me, the highlights are…

  1. I’ve missed my daily twitter review. I need to try harder.
  2. I didn’t track money for a few days. This is largely because I had relatives over and with them I was loose with money.
  3. Sleep and recovery has largely been ok. I need to get more consistent though.
  4. I added a few rows (journals, OMAD etc). I plan to track those.

That’s it I think.

📷 Some Photos from the week gone by

Here are some photos from the week gone by.

Absolutely love some of these.
Do you want to guess which one?
Ping me on X.

📖 Interesting Reads from the last week

I bookmarked a lot. But I havent read a lot.
Nonetheless, I will capture those here.
At some time, I will have someone post these on larger platforms as well.

  1. What to do. By Paul Graham.
  2. This mile long essay on High Agency by George Mack. This is one of the most important pieces you will ever read.
  3. This essay from Anand never goes old. Do read it.
  4. Companionship Content by Anu Atluru. I love each thing she writes.
  5. Assorted links on how to get rich (thanks to AK for the prompt)
  6. Recurse Manual – This could actually be the future of SoG. And while you are at it, do read Late Checkout Story, Values at Bending Spoons, the Tiny Story, Lossfunk and other venture studios #currentThings
  7. Pradeep’s Note Taking Dilemma – here
  8. Made this list of tools I use – here
  9. Finshots on Ozempic in India – here
  10. Had to read about Frank Slootman but I did not.
  11. The Turner Diaries. Here.
  12. Gautam on how to capitalise a services compnay and reward people.

💭 Highlights, reflections and notes from the week.

Here are some from this week.

A/ AI
Faceless channel, content, code, design, creative services and dunno what all. A lot is on my mind, especially that one of my children is directly impacted by this. I will probably write a longer note some day. For the time being, AI remains at the top of my head. So that.

A.1/ Studio Ghibli
I hve to talk about this. I may not have an eloquent answer but for the first time in my life, since the AI revolution happened about us, I am feeling cheated. Enough said. May be I will do a solocast on this.

I also wrote this on my daily note on the 27th March…

The entire internet has gone bonkers over it. And I think it’s not a good thing. No, I am not resisting change. I am in-fact all for change. But I felt sad that the insane effort that all these artists at Ghibli put in to build art is now a commodity. On the internet, it will be a passing fad – people will make photos, try to look “cute”, make films and I dont know what all. But in the process, we will forget the hardwork that the artists would have put in.

Of course you can compare that to the work of writers and painters and coders. And surprisingly, I was ok when those were “displaced”. So little conflicted on that.

Nothing has changed since I wrote that.

B/ Bhiwandi
On Tuesday, I went to Bhiwandi to see some warehouses. While I went to a few only, the visit was eye opening. The suprising efficiency with whch things were moving around was jaw-dropping. I have heard about those at CynLr, I’ve seen documentaries, I’ve experienced it (QC) but I saw the engine like a living and breathing thing for the first time.

I am not sure I am big fan of how that’s working but it’s incredible. Has to be a highlight of my week.

C/ Meri.health
I got this message on my WA group where a gent from the first batch of IIT Delhi (Ramesh Ji) wants to do a public health startup. And I am unable to help him (I have a lot going for me). I tried to find someone who can help them but I was unable to. My heart goes out. I wish I could help them.

In fact, if you are someone who can help these folks, I would love to connect and even volunteer for a bit with you.

D/ Attention Span
Multiple people have told me multiple conversations that I have ADHD and I need to do something about it. I will start with meditation.

On the beach today, I will not use my phone at all. And I will fix this. #currentThings

E/ Eco Mode
I am gonna live in the Eco Mode from 1 April. The only expenses I would make would be towards work and health. Nothing else. No more gifts, no more “quality of life” improvements, nothing else. The idea is to extend the runway for as long as I can.

F/ Rejection
A candidate rejected me at Meru.

Here’s some backstory. When I interview someone, my approach is to dissuade them from joining me. Some people try to show you the rosy picture and good things and all that. I try to show you the worst things and then, despite that, you are keen on working with me, I am all heart.

This person rejected me. And that was not cool. I felt bad. Need to not feel bad when such conversations happen. Oh, the funny thing is that I’ve been rejected by people in the past and each time that happened, I didnt really feed bad. This one felt personal and hurt more. Dunno why.

G/ Nails
My nails havent been clipped in a while. And I need to find a way to do that. I dont like them dirty and there isnt any time to do that. I may do it today.

H/ Travel
I had decided that this year I will travel less. That is already not happening. I am staring at an upcoming trip to Bangalore (for health) and a trip to Bangkok (to meet Vivek and kids). I want to not do either. But I will have to. So that.

I/ This tweet. And People.
I wrote this in fit of rage. I absolutely hate when my people dont trust me. I want to write more but I will leave at it. I will write on my Roam and in my ecochamber but its important to capture that my heart has been broken so bad that I dont know what to do about it. No, I am not ok. But dont ask me about it. I just want to pour things here and someday when (and if) I write a biopgraphy, purely to leave lessons for people, I will talk more on it.

J/ The Order
More about it is here. Saw this last night. Loved it. Oh, and the writer of The Order (Zach Baylin) is also the writer for King Richard!

I saw a film after a while and I totally loved it. I must find more films and see those.

K/ Started Journaling.
After I saw a tweet (it was by Namya Khan and I cant find the link (thanks to Pradeep for sharing the link)). And this has been inspired by Marcus Aurelius.

L/ Lucky Ali
He’s been dropping bangers one after another on his YT channel. See some here. so many emotions. Lemme make a list.

  1. Why am I not producing this? Why am I not after Rabbi Shergill to make documentary on his life?
  2. He’s aged and clearly unable to sing well. It’s not good to see him in pain. On the other side, its incredible to see him try so hard!
  3. Things like music never go old. One must create art, even in the day and age of AI

On, and staying on music, I cant stop seeing this by Maithali Thakur. May be have a dekho.

M/ Purpose
On C4E Village, the other day we were taling about purpose and while talking, happened to say something increbile (at least I think so). That the world is a mirror. If you are unhappy, the world would look unhappy to you. If you are happy, the world would look happy. I further said…

“…am 42, failure, but instead of that making me sore – it inspires me to do more. more than a 24 year old. and not to any end. but to burn. on both sides. in a way that meri aag ka tez, mera prakash at least mere aas paas ke logo ki duniya ko roshan kar de and unki raah me ek streetlight ban jaaye. raah pe chalna unka kaam hai, mera hai raah ko roshan karna”

And I said…

“we make meaning in life when we make meaning in other people’s lives. the most content, happy, people are the ones that are either reading Naval or doing charas or helping others.”

And finally, my advice was…

“bina apne matlab ki duniya ki madad karo, kaafi swad aaega”

N/ Naman hit a personal money milestone.
Super happy about it!
More on it on my echochamber

M/ Other things that I want to capture but I may not spill too many words…
Not too many things to be honest. I have actually covered most of those in the text above!

Phew that was a lot for the week.

🧠 Reminders from last week

I am adding this section. To capture things that I want to not forget. I will copy paste these week on week and track updates.

Here are things from the past weeks that I want to remember. And no, this may not be a comprehensive list. In categories.

  1. Health
    • Kitchen setup
    • Gym membership
  2. C4E
    • C4E Base
    • Design
    • Borderless agency / Upwork
  3. Shauk / Personal
    • Poker
    • Better dressed SG
    • Use of money / time
    • Love
    • Demand more from life

In case you know me, lemme know if I have missed something.

🥡 So, one thing that defines the past week?

Action.

In the previous weeks, it’s been Survive, Looking Up, Survival, Taste, Community, Respect, Money, People.

—

Ok!
This is it for the week gone by. Late by a day. But it’s here. Yay!
Lemme know what you think.
See you around.

PS: This series of posts is inspired by Thej and his weekly notes. The previous editions are here: 01, 02, 03, 04, 05, 06, 07, 08, 09 (missed), 10, 11, 12

PPS: This week, thankfully, I maintained a note where I would keep dumping things that I want to capture in my weekly note. I loved being mindful about this habit. I will continue with it.

Wk 12-25 – Weekly Notes

Notes and thoughts from Week 12, 2025

Here are notes from week 12 of 2025.

I am in Delhi. And unlike other Delhi trips, I was mostly homebound. I didn’t step out as much as I do on other trips. I did meet a few people. I went for a walk with Kunal. And then some. But more or less I was home.

Oh, and I took easy this week. I didnt invest too much time or effort in trying to meet people. I have this new found policy – I will match the effort you make to be around me. In case I REALLY need you, want you etc, I will make extra effort. But more often than not I’ve realised that I don’t need to go out of my way. For example, this person – I call her THE ABSOLUTE BEST hire for C4E that we will never be able to hire – I’ve been trying to meet her for 6 months. And each time I am in Delhi, she’s one of the first people I text. And each time, something or the other happens at her end and we dont meet. This time, I decided to not bother. I know my loss but ek nahi to koi aur sahi. I can’t spend my life waiting for one person to show up. And thus I am gonna choose people who choose me. Simple.

PS: Am I wrong? PLEASE do let me know.

And with that rant, moving onto the review.

🈺 The LARGE objective from the week gone by? And the next week!

I was to work on the 2025 plan and Book 2.

I didnt make any progress on either. No, I didnt not think about them – just that the laziness of being in Delhi and lot of action on the work front had the better of me.

And no, I am not giving up on either. I will revisit these at some time. Book 2 is easy. Thanks to Bri and Claude, I am ok on that. I spend enough time talking about it, thinking about it that I am confident that it would happen this year. I wanted to push the first draft by end of Mar. That may still happen if I can find time once I am back in Bom. If not that, then by 15th April for sure.

On the 2025 plan, I am not so confident. But I will make it happen eventually.

Moving on…

☑️ What did I get done this week?

I will give a one-line report on things I got done on various things that are important to me. I will only talk about things that I got done. Shipped. Not WIP.

At this point, the following things are important to me (I know too many but…) and these are IN ORDER.

  1. Health
  2. Meru
  3. C4E
  4. Brand SG
  5. People (Family, Friends, Strangers, etc)
  6. Book2
  7. Shauk (Music, Films, Poker etc)

Health – I was home for the large part of the week. And that means I ate home cooked food. I still feel bloated and I get sleepy right after I eat but at least my sleep is better. Once I am back in Mumbai (on Monday), I will work towards building my kitchen. I am also gonna invest in health (gym etc). I wrote about it last week. I just need to action it. So yay!
I will give myself a 0 on this.

Meru – Regular work. Some products are close to seeing the MVP ready stage. We are moving with hiring. And some more action.
I will give myself a 0 on this.

C4E – Nothing much. Actually -1 on this. Reasons beyond this blog.
So -1

Brand SG – Nothing on this either.
Again, -1.

People – I loved the people I met while I was in Delhi. Plus thanks to Meru, I am meeting more people.
So, +1 on this.

Book 2 – Didnt write as much but I did move the needle.
However, I will give myself a 0.

Shauk – Nothing on this. The list of open projects is long – Madhushala, Aakanksha, Network School (:(), Poker, Optimist Manifesto and many many more.
Another -1

So the overall score is -3 for this week.
Trends from the pevious weeks: -2, -1

The max I can get is 7 in a week. Let’s see when I get to it.
Added this to my tracker too.

📊 The tracker from the last week

Here’s the tracker.

I love all the green on sleep hours and recovery.

I think the two of these things are good because I am eating better. Even though I am walking less than average, I am still ok. Guess its the food.

The other highlight is that I am unable to track money when I am home. Even though, this Delhi trip I stepped out far less than I would normally do, I did spend money and yet I didnt track it.

My emotions have been suprisingly in check. For all the hatred that I give to delhi, I am amazed that the things I track are actually, on track!

📷 Some Photos from the week gone by

Here are some photos from the week gone by.
Not too many. I told ya that whne I am in Delhi, my productivity goes for a toss.

Do lemme know which one you thought was the best.

📖 Interesting Reads from the last week

Not too many. Just one. Even though I have nothing, I dont want to remove this section.

  1. The Techno-Optimist Manifesto. Here.
  2. Self promotion – Wrote this. Also, updated the contact page.

💭 Highlights, reflections and notes from the week.

Here are some from this week.

A/ Ayush (from Notice)
Met Ayush. He’s the founder of Notice. He’s 24 and WHAT A GUY! I wish I had his brains and talent at that age. I want to do something with him. I dont know what. But parking it here.

B/ SoG 2025
I met a few bright people while I was in Delhi. I plan to bind them in a group or something. And I want to call it SoG 2025.

Unlike other SoG cohorts, I am trying this one to have “older” folks (people who are ~25) and push each of those to make 10X than what they make right now. For example, if I could help Ayush scale Notice 10X? Assuming, he’d want to work with me.

To be honest, I am little out of my depth here but what’s the point of life if we don’t try?

This is in continuation to what I wrote last week about how I want to spend my time and money here.

Coming back.

I made a post on twitter / linkedin asking people to nominate themselves. I’ve got a few replies. Let’s see what I do with it.

Oh, and if you are reading this and you have folks to recommend, please lemme know. I really can make a LOT of difference to lives of people.

C/ What did you get done in last week?
Since the Elon tweet and now with Meru, I am learning an incredible lesson. That things need to move week on week. And they need to be tangible. And we need to be high-agency AF.

And thus I am implementing this across my life. And I will implement this across all the things I do. If you are not high-agency, I dont want you around me. Simple.

D/ Ek Aur Panna
I decided to write off one more friend from my life. I wont talk more about it here but I am unable to operate when I am not treated with kindness. And this is when I’ve invested time, energy and effort into helping you build you life. Pavithra taught my recently that I shouldnt look at things in terms of a transaction but I dont want to be in rooms where I am not respected.

I will choose to be kind, polite, supportive and all that but if you cant treat me well, you could be whoever, I am out.

Also, I need to think – if I am the one who’s writing off people at this speed, will I ever have friends and family left when I am old?

Also, if you are reading this, is this my Ego at play? Help please!

E/ Home
I have made a decision that each month I will come home for a week.

It will mess with work and health and money and all that but I will. In fact, I will book tickets in advance (I cant book them right now – haath thoda tang hai) but I will book these. Till I have enough money to get my parents to move to Mumbai.

F/ Founder Brand
Met this young founder who thinks that building a founder brand will sell his products. I had to tell him to not ape others blindly. While founder brand is an important thing, it can’t be THE only thing! May be I will record a podcast on this. CC AK. Idea for the next episode.

G/ The head in the ass behaviour of someone I respect
Again, related to D above, yet another gent seems to have gotten so big that he’s got his head up his backside. This one is from MDI and is a self-appointed leader of a random group. I dont know what happens to people when they grow big!

Also, my decision on D above, is it because I have my head in my ass?

H/ SG Helps on Marketing
Thanks to this tweet, a couple of people filled in the form. And I spoke to one of those. And again, I was blown by the talent of that person. I think I have stumbled on to something interesting with it. Must find a way to scale it.

I / Dubai
I seem to have trained the algo on Insta on Dubai.

And I know that at least for the foreseeable future, Dubai is not happening. So I need to retrain my algo. Having said that, I want C to continue to focus on building C4E to be a borderless business (even though the world we live in seems to closing with each passing day). Dunno what she wants. I will not push her and let things take their course.

J/ C4E…
…is closing the year with a flat line compared to last year (no growth, no degrowth) in terms of topline and profits.

Not a good news. I was supposed to do 40 crores of topline this year. TBH, we would have been 2X last year if not for the bad last few months.

Again, on this, I want Chandni to write an annual report for all our stakeholders. Again, her wish if she wants to.

K/ Workshop on Taste.
Manas would’ve taken the workshop on Saturday. I was unable to attend (cos am in Delhi). Hope people would have had fun!

To be honest, I am not sure if I like that I am missing all these bombs that we are planting at C4E. I do these becuase I like to do things but if I am not there, then what? But I jknow that I need to focus on buliding Meru to be able to have more.

Sigh!

L/ Other things that I want to capture but I may not spill too many words…

  1. Lesson on tipping from HT. I will ensure that I will tip EACH place I am at. I know I dont have enough but I will ensure that whatever I have gets distributed well.
  2. Wall of Portfolios is an incredible idea that I wish I had built! I will reach out to each person on that wall and try to make friends.
  3. Booked a wrong flight. I typically don’t make mistakes with these things but I did. And thus this needs to be captured. 
  4. Worked from a McD for three days last week. My soul is crying. 😀 
  5. Had Wai Wai Sadako at Yeti. Loved it. Been in love with it since I went to EBC.
  6. Met friends from childhood – Monu, Kunal. I wish I could live around them. But life has happened. I was reading something that says more than 95% people still live in / around the same pincode where they were born! 

🧠 Reminders from last week

I am adding this section. To capture things that I want to not forget. I will copy paste these week on week and track updates.

Here are things from the past weeks that I want to remember. And no, this may not be a comprehensive list. In categories.

  1. Health
    • Kitchen setup
    • Gym membership
  2. C4E
    • C4E Base
    • Design
    • Borderless agency / Upwork
  3. Shauk / Personal
    • Poker
    • Better dressed SG
    • Use of money / time
    • Love
    • Demand more from life

In case you know me, lemme know if I have missed something.

🥡 So, one thing that defines the past week?

Survive.

No large, deep thoughts. Just plain old being.

In the previous weeks, it’s been Looking Up, Survival, Taste, Community, Respect, Money, People.

—

Ok!
This is it for the week gone by. Late by a day. But it’s here. Yay!
Lemme know what you think.
See you around.

PPS: This series of posts is inspired by Thej and his weekly notes. The previous editions are here: 01, 02, 03, 04, 05, 06, 07, 08, 09 (missed), 10, 11