Understanding Human Psychology

I still remember the day so clearly. I was on my way to the hospital for my final check-up — the one where the doctor usually decides whether it’s time for admission. I was 8.5 months pregnant, still working till then, feeling healthy, nervous, excited, and a little overwhelmed, all at once. Just as we were driving, my phone rang. It was someone from the office IT team: “Ma’am, could you please come and collect your laptop if possible?” I told them I had already started my maternity break. But they gently insisted and requested if I could stop by, even for just a minute. It felt unusual, but something in their tone made me agree. So, on my way to the hospital, I took a quick halt at the office gate. When I reached, the IT team handed over my laptop — the same one I had been using, with my login, my files, my setup. And then they shared the reason behind the urgency. My then boss had fought for it. Not so that I would work during my break. Not to keep me “available.” Not to add pressure...

  I was recently revisiting The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz, and one agreement stood out differently this time: “Always do your best.” We hear this phrase all the time — put your best foot forward, give it your 100%, strive for excellence. But somewhere along the way, “your best” became confused with “the world’s best.” And that’s where the pressure begins. When Ruiz talks about doing your best, he isn’t pushing us toward perfection. In fact, he repeatedly reminds us that our “best” is not a fixed benchmark. It changes from day to day, with our energy, our circumstances, and our emotional bandwidth. Some days your best looks like running three projects at once. Other days, your best looks like simply showing up. Both are valid. But the world doesn’t always view it that way. We’re surrounded by expectations — from society, parents, teachers, bosses, even peers. Somewhere, without realising it, we start performing for the world, not for ourselves. We begin to believe that “doi...

  It was a bright Monday morning when I opened my laptop, sipping my coffee and staring at a long to-do list. Deadlines, meetings, reports, all lined up neatly. I dove straight in, ticking tasks one after another. By evening, the list was shorter, but I wasn’t feeling accomplished. Instead, a quiet voice inside asked, “Why am I even doing all this?” That question lingered — unsettling yet necessary. Because sometimes, amidst the what and the how, we lose sight of the why. Simon Sinek calls it the Golden Circle — Why, How, and What. Most of us start from the outside: What we do (our tasks, roles, duties), then How we do it (our processes, tools, and strategies). But the truly inspired, and inspiring individuals and organizations start from the inside out. They begin with Why — their purpose, cause, or belief that drives everything else. Yet, in daily life, we often get caught in the whirlwind of what: what’s next, what’s urgent, what needs to be done. We become efficient but not alw...

  A busy world outside, and a still moment inside. Others rushing home, me pausing in the here and now. Looking at the world from a frame inside a hospital room. The window, the only source of information for the outside. The feeling of being Rupenzal in a trapped castle. She was physically trapped and I was mentally.  The physical body giving up on pain, my mom was having a broken bone. I see it and feel mentally distraught. I was there and from there to where else I could be. Memories of me playing with my daughter floated by. Me being absolutely comfortable in my office chair, having a bunch of colleaguess floating around and making merry, I remembered it all.  It was 7 long days, loonnggg daayys. Although it was the finest of rooms of the hospital, but who likes to stay there.  I so felt the need to be home, so felt that the warmth of home cannot be taken for granted ever, ever in times to come too. Today it's past 2 months, nearly, when I recall that time and sa...

  Many are redefining what retirement means, and some are achieving it earlier than expected. Imagine retiring in your 40s, like some did during the voluntary retirement schemes in nationalized banks and government institutions. Today, this trend extends beyond those sectors. Individuals seeking a slower pace of life, meaningful experiences, and quality time with loved ones are opting for early retirement. With great salaries in their early careers, some have made savvy investments, enabling them to pursue alternate passions and laid-back lifestyles in tier 2 or 3 cities. The shift in thinking is clear: life is too short for long commutes and extended work hours. Instead, many prioritize time with family and partners, valuing experiences over professional achievements. This path isn't for everyone, though. It requires smart financial planning and saving wisely. Those who've taken this route often cite the importance of living life on their own terms. As we navigate changing wor...