Anshid Aboobacker

“People are frugal in guarding their personal property; but as soon as it comes to squandering time they are most wasteful of the one thing in which it is right to be stingy.”  -- Seneca Time is precious, but let’s be real—sometimes we just need to relax and scroll through Instagram reels or YouTube shorts after a long day. It’s totally fine to take breaks! The problem comes when that mindless scrolling takes over. On the flip side, we don’t want to push ourselves into toxic productivity either.  The key is balance—finding that sweet spot between work and rest. Every now and then, check in with yourself: How much time are you using productively, and how much is slipping away? Time, once lost, is gone forever—so let’s make sure we use it in ways that truly count! Reflection:  How much time did you spend productively today, and how much time did you waste?

Spend more time making the big decisions. Where you live : The city or place you choose to live in shapes your opportunities, experiences, and lifestyle. Yet, we often don’t spend enough time deciding where to settle. Who you’re with : Relationships have a lasting impact on your happiness and well-being. Still, we frequently rush into them without careful thought. What you do : Your career is a major part of your life, but we spend very little time deciding which job or field to pursue despite the time we invest in it. Reflection : In what ways have your choices impacted your personal growth and fulfilment? This post is inspired by  Naval Ravikant .

“Whenever you find yourself on the side of the majority, it is time to pause and reflect.” ​ — Mark Twain. Following the crowd can sometimes distract us from what truly matters. When we find ourselves agreeing with popular opinion, it’s important to pause and think critically. Just because something is widely accepted doesn’t mean it’s right for everyone. Mob psychology reveals how group influence can cloud our judgment, leading to actions we wouldn’t normally take. Taking a moment to reflect helps us stay true to our own beliefs and values, allowing for more authentic decision-making. In a world full of trends, staying grounded in who we are leads to greater personal fulfillment and growth. Reflection: How do you ensure your decisions are based on your values, rather than peer or societal pressure?

Our life has many parts. Which of them are you prioritizing? Every aspect contributes to a balanced life. Health: Care for your physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Relationships: Cherish connections with family, friends, and partners. Career: Strive towards growth in work and education. Finances: Manage income, savings, and spending wisely. Hobbies: Engage in activities that spark joy and relaxation. Spirituality: Reflect on your beliefs, values, and sense of purpose. Community: Participate in meaningful social contributions. And many more... Reflection: Balance in each area leads to a more fulfilled life. How much time are you giving to each? This post is inspired by Hyper Visuals .

A happy person isn’t someone who’s happy all the time. It’s someone who effortlessly interprets events in such a way that they don’t lose their innate peace.  --  Naval Ravikant Happiness isn’t about staying positive every moment; it’s about embracing life’s contrasts. Every positive thought exists because of its opposite, like light and shadow. True happiness comes from within – it’s the ability to face life’s challenges without losing your inner peace. A truly happy person doesn’t ignore setbacks but learns to see them as part of the journey, keeping their heart steady through it all. By shifting how we interpret events, we unlock the power to remain calm and content, no matter what life throws our way. Happiness is a mindset we can nurture, even in tough times. Reflection : What small steps can you take to maintain your inner calm during life’s challenges?

“When you come out of the storm, you won’t be the same person who walked in. That’s what this storm’s all about.” — Haruki Murakami Life’s tough moments can really change us, often in ways we don’t see coming. These challenges push us to grow and adapt, helping us find new strengths and insights we didn’t know we had. While going through it can be hard, it’s all part of becoming a more resilient, wiser version of ourselves. Instead of fearing the tough times, we can look at them as opportunities to evolve and see life from a new perspective. In the end, these experiences make us stronger and help us understand ourselves better. Reflection : How do you usually deal with hardships, and what could you do differently next time?

Our brain works best when it's free to come up with new ideas, not when it's busy trying to remember everything. If we try to hold too much information in our heads, we get overwhelmed and lose focus. Writing things down—whether in a notebook, a list, or an app—helps clear our mind and lets us think more clearly.  This is why rote memorizing in school or for exams can be stressful and less effective in the long run. In the real world, we can always Google facts and equations when we need them. So, let your brain think, not just store! Reflection : How do you use your brain's capacity for creativity and problem-solving?

If traditional news sources or social media feel overwhelming and stressful, it might be time for a change! Instead of getting caught up in the constant stream of headlines and sensational stories, consider trying something different. Curated newsletters provide balanced, bite-sized updates without the chaos. Educational podcasts allow you to explore topics that truly interest you, while books and long-form articles offer a deeper understanding of current events. Don’t overlook the value of getting involved in your community—it’s a great way to stay informed and make a positive impact. You can feel more in control and less stressed by switching up your news habits! Quote: “It's the news' job to make you anxious & angry. Underlying scientific, economic, education & conflict trends are positive. Stay optimistic.” — Naval Ravikant. Reflection:  What alternative sources of information do you find both calming and informative?

I highly recommend Franz Kafka’s The Metamorphosis for anyone interested in deep themes about life and relationships. The story illustrates how easily relationships can fall apart under stress and how love can become conditional, especially during difficult times. It also sheds light on Gregor’s suffering, which often goes unnoticed by his family, reminding us that pain can be invisible. Despite his sacrifice, Gregor is neglected, showing that selflessness is frequently unappreciated. Kafka delves into the concept of responsibility within families and how alienation can occur when society or family turns its back on someone. Gregor’s transformation challenges our understanding of identity and how others perceive us. His change into an insect symbolizes dehumanization, demonstrating how people can be reduced to mere burdens and viewed with disgust. Lastly, the story prompts us to reflect on accepting fate, no matter how unfair or strange it may be. The Metamorphosis is a compelling re...