Understanding Human Psychology

  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...

  “Teacher, I need one more supplement!” — said someone in class. Instantly, all heads turned toward the bright student who had already filled up the main answer booklet and still had more to write. We all knew the rule: a 10-mark answer must have an introduction, body, and conclusion. It should be at least two and a half to three pages long. If you managed four pages, you were considered above average — likely to score well. This belief — that the more you write, the more marks you get — isn’t something of the past. It still exists. From time immemorial, our education system has valued learning and recall. It tests memory. But does it test intelligence? That brings us to a deeper question: Should education be about testing intelligence at all? Isn’t the real purpose of schooling to help children learn new concepts, develop skills — both academic and life-related — and grow from where they are? Recently, I came across an interesting development — some education boards now provide a...

I stood on a platform in the second row. Tried to gulp my nerves and stared at the open area ahead, the hall was humongous. I imagined the audience there and gulped another ball of anxiety down my throat. It was my turn, I raised my voice like a wave and I hummed the lines of the song. My teacher gave me a blank stare and after five seconds told me 'You are singing so beautifully, then why is your face like you have had castor oil?' I released the breath I was holding, and broke into a slight smile, my heart still beating of the fear of being judged of what I was there for. The same feeling which had kept me away from taking the centre spot and playing the lead singer in the western music choir. On the final day I hummed boldly, as I had got a 'great job' tag from my music teacher. Time lapse today I hold my tough emotions close to me. I write to express. I missed writing this last month when I was occupied in caregiving of my loved one. As responsibilities have taken n...

  There was a time when conversation starters would be about weekend plans, food, family, office, and traffic woes, now in many conversations, whether at work or over coffee, it's somehow loops back to AI. From did you watch that show? To- Did you try that AI tool? Did you tell ChatGPT to do this? It's a talk we have as as way of life. Earlier, conversations at work were largely transactional: updates, reminders, or basic planning. But AI has transformed the quality and direction of our discussions—into deeper reflections about how it's shaping work, creativity, ethics, and identity. Our conversations have shifted from catching up to keeping up with AI. AI has become second brain, a friend in the pocket, a co-pilot always available to steer the ship with you. However, we need to be updated about this latest technology. Learning about how blur are the lines between AI and human.  AI is no longer a buzzword. To learn more about this evolving technology one must be on top of n...

  Do you find yourself deflecting compliments at work? When someone appreciates your growth or contribution, do you instinctively say, "Oh, I’ve learned a lot from my team," or "It was all because of my mentors"? While acknowledging support is beautiful, do you ever pause to recognize yourself? Your effort. Your journey. Your learning. Your transformation. In many workplaces, especially in fast-paced environments, we rarely stop to track how we’re growing — mentally, emotionally, or professionally. We often forget to document the small wins, the newly formed habits, the brave conversations, the mindset shifts. Instead, we credit others for how far we’ve come. But here’s a reminder: Your learning is yours to own. Your development is the outcome of your effort, your initiative, and your consistency. That’s exactly why I wrote my book “Learnager” — a guide to lifelong learning and taking charge of your growth. 📘 You can get it here: Amazon KDP – LEARNAGER : From Learn...

  Why Learning Faster Than the Competition Isn’t Optional Anymore — It’s Survival There’s a quote I keep returning to — “The only sustainable competitive advantage is an organization’s ability to learn faster than the competition.” – Peter Senge And it’s not just for organizations. It’s true for individuals too. In today’s world, if you're standing still, you're falling behind. This quote became the heartbeat of a chapter in my book “Learnager” — a book that isn’t just a guide to learning, but a mindset manual for those who want to thrive in fast-paced corporate landscapes.  LEARNAGER isn’t about being a student again. It’s about becoming a lifelong, self-driven learner — someone who embraces reflection, adapts quickly, and transforms knowledge into meaningful action. Why is this important? Because learning is your real leverage. Not your title. Not your years of experience. Your ability to unlearn, relearn, and evolve. And if Senge’s insight resonates with you, LEARNAGER show...

  Six Years, Many Dreams Six years ago, on 16th July, a little heartbeat made mine grow stronger. Today, she turns 6 — my daughter, my mirror, and often, my teacher, she shaped me to be a better human. I find myself reflecting not just as a parent but as a learner what these years have been for me, how I've grown up. Because alongside her, I’ve grown too as a better human. Through phases of chaos and calm, through questions and quiet moments, she’s unknowingly taught me the power of resilience, reinvention, and reflection. And today, on this special day, another dream quietly takes flight. I’m thrilled to share that my book LEARNAGER From Learning to Leading in The Real World is launching today. 📘 Available on: Amazon KDP – LEARNAGER : From Learning to Leading in the Real World   https://amzn.in/d/badNOEx   Pothi Print Book https://store.pothi.com/book/dr-shazneen-gandevia-learnager/ Pothi e book https://store.pothi.com/book/ebook-dr-shazneen-gandevia-learnager/ The...

  In a noisy world full of fast answers, we need people who ask thoughtful questions – not just to others, to oneself too! Am I agile enough to break assumptions about  concept? Do I feel curious when someone talks to me or I jump to make a conclusion? We need Learnagers — people who stay open, reflective, and resilient. People who don’t just absorb information but seek transformation . Who learn not just to advance, but to contribute . The more we learn, the more we can lead, listen, and lift others up. And that, truly, is what the future of leadership looks like.   Order from Amazon KDP LEARNAGER : From Learning to Leading in the Real World   https://amzn.in/d/badNOEx

  Most people consume content but don’t truly absorb or apply it. The Learnager flips that. You’re not just watching videos or reading quotes. You’re turning learning into action . Reflection, discussion, feedback — these are the muscles that build lifelong learning. We are also learning to learn better 😊 A Learnager doesn’t wait for formal training. They create learning moments. They build knowledge like a habit. And they grow quietly, deeply, and consistently. Order from Amazon KDP LEARNAGER : From Learning to Leading in the Real World   https://amzn.in/d/badNOEx

In the age of AI, one skill will never go out of fashion — your ability to learn. Being a Learnager means you're not afraid to ask questions, explore new perspectives, and update your thinking. Lifelong learners don't fear change — they flow with it. Learnager is not just a book; it's a reminder that agility starts with learning, and confidence is the byproduct of clarity. It has many exercises and strategies to get you started on the path towards lifelong learning. So gear up to be a Learnager! Upgrade your mindset. The rest will follow. Order from Amazon KDP LEARNAGER : From Learning to Leading in the Real World   https://amzn.in/d/badNOEx  

  Lifelong learning isn’t just about collecting certifications or attending webinars. It’s about adapting to the new learning. It’s about relevance to the real world. It’s about staying deeply connected to the world and your evolving self. It’s an exciting place to be. In my book Learnager , I challenge the idea that learning stops with school or any other formal education. Real learning happens in conversations, experiences, feedback loops, and the risks we take when we grow. Risk? Those which push us outside our comfort zone. If you're still learning, you're still leading. That’s the power of lifelong learning. Order from Amazon KDP LEARNAGER : From Learning to Leading in the Real World   https://amzn.in/d/badNOEx

  In a world that keeps evolving, staying curious isn’t just optional — it’s survival. A Learnager is someone who refuses to retire their curiosity. They are not defined by age or title but by their attitude toward growth. Whether you're 18 or 58, you can choose to learn with the enthusiasm of a teenager. Hence, the term Learnager . It’s a mindset that blends wisdom with wonder. The book helps you with simple exercises to put that into practice. You don’t need to chase every trend. You just need to ask, “What can I learn today?” Stay curious. Stay young. Stay a Learnager. Order from Amazon KDP LEARNAGER : From Learning to Leading in the Real World   https://amzn.in/d/badNOEx