Break free from digital distractions

You are distracted. But not for the reason you think. MORE than 50% of the work interruptions destroying your productivity aren’t triggered by your phone or email notifications but come from inside your own mind. App blockers can’t defeat digital distraction because...

The power of downtime and diffuse thinking

A few years ago, when I was doing my previous startup, a student once asked me an IITJEE Advanced physics problem. The question appeared so unsolvable that I asked him, “Are you sure the problem is correct?” Sadly, it was 🙂 I thought about it for a bit but...

3-step process to clarify thinking

Here is a 3-step process to clarify your thinking, whenever you feel you have a lot to say about something but it all feels jumbled up in your head. Imagine that you have to make a presentation before someone (a client, colleague, etc.). Now, dump all the thoughts in...

The efficiency paradox

During my days at McKinsey, I once asked a retired senior partner about life before PowerPoint. How did they make presentations to clients? He said that they used to create presentations on big chart papers using felt-tip pens. They would have to write in big font,...

Freedom over fortune

You should envy Warren Buffett and the late Charlie Munger — I certainly do. But not because of their billions. But because of how happy and joyful they are. In their 90s, they have the infectious enthusiasm and curiosity of a 25-year-old. They have a point of...