Have you ever felt like you just weren’t good enough? That no matter how hard you tried, you kept falling short—at school, in your job, or just in life? You’re not alone. In fact, that exact feeling became the starting point of an extraordinary journey.
Let me take you through a story—not of overnight success, but of daily discipline, quiet perseverance, and the power of showing up, even when no one else is watching.
The Awkward Beginning: Sweat, Stage Fright, and Self-Doubt
The last time I stood on a stage before today was in 2013—and not by choice. I was in school, and public speaking was mandatory. I still remember my name being called by my English teacher in the freezing hills of my boarding school. Drenched in sweat under four layers of clothing, I slowly walked to the podium, hunched over, wondering why I had to do this at all.
Fast forward to today: I’m speaking at Delhi University—a place where, ironically, my grades would’ve never gotten me admitted. Life has a funny way of circling back.
Overweight, Underconfident, and Tired of It All
Growing up overweight (85 kilos at one point), I lived with constant insecurity. I wasn’t good at sports or studies, and that only deepened my belief that I simply wasn’t enough.
By 18, I was done with it. I didn’t want to keep asking for larger uniforms at school. I didn’t want to keep buying oversized T-shirts from the men’s section. So I decided to change my life.
And two years—and two torn ligaments—later, I lost 25 kilos.
What Losing 25 Kilos Taught Me About Life
Losing that weight wasn’t just about looking different—it transformed my entire outlook. Here’s what I learned:
1. Discipline
Waking up at 6:15 AM before classes, eating clean while friends enjoyed chips and chocolates, saying no to parties so I could rest—none of it was glamorous. But it was consistent.
2. Consistency
Weight loss isn’t linear. The first five kilos come off fast; the last five take months. You hit plateaus, you question everything. But you keep going.
3. Perseverance
Life doesn’t always reward effort right away. But if you keep showing up, the results come—eventually.
From Fired to Found: Losing My First Job and Rediscovering Myself
Just when I thought I had it all figured out, life threw another curveball—I got fired from my first job.
Eleven months in, my boss sat me down and told me, “Your services are not required anymore.” Just like that, I was jobless.
The “I’m not good enough” voice returned with full force.
I broke down. Hugged my mom. Thought I’d never have a career again.
The Pandemic Pivot: Finding Purpose in Chaos
During the pandemic, I made three promises to myself:
- Find my purpose. I didn’t believe we’re just here to exist—I wanted to serve, to impact, to matter.
- Live well. Be financially independent, build a better life.
- Find peace. Social media had me feeling inadequate every day, even as an influencer. So I deleted my Instagram account.
And then, everything changed.
How I Turned Writing Into a Global Business
I’ve been writing since I was seven—poems, blogs, newsletters. But it was just a hobby. During recovery from surgery, I tweeted: “If you want help writing consistently, comment below.”
I expected two people to reply. Over 120 people responded.
That tweet gave birth to Summit 21, my flagship writing program. We’ve now had 12 cohorts with students from over 30 countries, including teenagers and 60-somethings alike. From a tweet to a six-figure business. All from showing up.
From Freelancer to Entrepreneur
At first, I freelanced. I told myself, “If I earn 3x my corporate salary for 3 months, I’ll quit.” I thought it would never happen. But it did.
I took four hours to hit send on my resignation email. Coming from a background where jobs were sacred and dreams small, it was terrifying. But it was the best decision I’ve ever made.
What This Journey Really Taught Me
I didn’t follow a 5-step success formula. There wasn’t one. I figured it out along the way.
So here’s what I’ll leave you with:
1. Just Show Up
Everyone has a million-dollar idea. But only a few take the first step. Start. Even if it’s messy.
2. Keep Showing Up
Success doesn’t come from doing something once. It comes from doing it again. And again. Especially when it’s hard.
3. Find Joy in the Boring
Waking up early. Eating healthy. Writing every day. It’s all boring—until it starts working. Fall in love with the process.
Final Thoughts: Start Now. Figure It Out Later.
I’ve now spent over two years self-employed, working 3 hours a day, helping thousands of people around the world. I didn’t plan it. But I showed up for it.
If you’re waiting for the perfect plan, stop. Just start.
You’ll figure it out on the way. And if you’re doing what you love—what feels fun—you’ll give it your all. That’s when magic happens.
So what’s your idea? What’s your passion? Start with one hour a day.
And keep showing up.
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