the year of change
reflections on 2023
This year will remain in a safe place in my soul, for it made me who I am, and paved the way for my future.
This was, the year of change.
A few things happened in this year that changed almost everything. When I see my past self now, it all seems so cringy (and I should). I found purpose and joy. I would say, I grew. In a sense, this post is a personal reflection rather than a discourse; a bird’s eye view of what happened this year in my life and of appreciation.
Some might say that this year went awful for them, but I feel like I am on the other side. For me, it was insightful. I learned more about myself, and discovered new passions, hobbies and ideas. This year seemingly coerced me to find “the way”. And thus, here I am, finding my way to a better future, and a fulfilling life.
At the starting of the year, I had been this idiotic creature, a sort of wanderer with no destination. I had a radically different mindset. People who know me might even say that I am now a completely different person. And all the credit goes to literature, people and exposure that I got this year.
Today, I am confident enough to say that my perspective, my vision of life, has changed. Now, I am in the path of becoming a lifelong learner, gaining wisdom and knowledge and attaining mastery in the fields I choose. The way of a Stoic, of humility and justice. And I am thankful.
However, on the way, there were many slumps, ups and downs, burnouts. Mistakes were committed, and abrupt changes proved as a challenge. But I knew one thing is for sure: you must get back up as soon as you can, and do your best. And so I tried to.
I know that things may not go the way I want to, and it’s definitely not in our hands. What we can do, is live our life in such a way that it contributes to the collective soul, to do things with justice, courage, bravery, humility and respect.
The rest, is in the world’s hand…
Here are a few things that I did that contributed to my personal and professional growth.
5 activities that I did
Attending YUVIKA
YUVIKA is a summer program in India, affiliated with Indian Space Research Organisation. I had spent about 14 days in Bengaluru, learning space tech, physics, rocket science (kinda), and meeting lifelong friends.
This was the starting of “the way”. As much as I enjoyed the program, it had a major impact. It finally struck me: “oh man, I should finally do something”.
I have much respect for the people I met there, and I feel definitely lucky to have them as my friends.
Incorporating Obsidian and Google Calendar
This. This is, by far, the most important and valuable things that I did this year. I could never imagine my life without Obsidian now. It is a part of my workflow, my life. Everything I learn, goes in it. A reliable second brain.
Paired with Google Calendar, it makes a beast of a combo for time management and scheduling. Having clarity on my schedule reduces the extra mental effort and keeps me going.
Starting this substack
In late October, I had started working on my website (which is not yet completed), to post things. I was greatly, greatly inspired by Laura Gao and her work. She was everything I wanted to be: a writer, learner with varied skills and interests. And so I took off to writing and to gain clarity, by writing.
I hadn’t known about Substack, but it was the easiest way for me to get started. And so I did. I just tried to write and read and write, because I really liked it. Maybe it’s one of my best long-term decisions, that means, I’ll continue posting these for a really while. I only wish I’d done this sooner.
Learning effective Study Techniques
Investing in ourselves is the best investment. And so I completely re-learned what I knew about how to study, and it has been really worthwhile.
Mike and Matty over at Cajun Koi Academy provide very insightful lessons and techniques to revamp your studying experience, and they sure got me studying effectively (Credentials- I got 95.7% in Preboards-I this year)
Important techniques to know: Active Recall, Spaced Repetition, Memory Palace, and sleep (yes.)
Journey towards becoming a Renaissance Man
I love learning new things. I am curious, and it thrives for more. And thus, I constantly search things up more, and more. My newfound interest for philosophy was one of the best things I discovered.
I found it interesting to think and learn out of the box. And thus, starts my polymathic approach for life. It’s good and all, but it has a few cons. It tends to be overwhelming sometimes, especially if you try to skip the basics of a few things. Later, I realised that depth (mastery) is more important than just merely expanding your knowledge.
Time is another constraint. But whenever I have some free, I try to delve into some new world, be it of physics, literature, philosophy, or math.
Inspirations:
, Odysseas, Laura Gao, and many more.5 books that I read
1984 - George Orwell
This book shaped my taste for literature. My first classic.
I learned that individuality is perhaps the most important thing. Freedom is bliss. Never let go of it.
The Trial - Franz Kafka
Kafkaesque. What other word could I say? One of the most absurd plots I have ever read. It captures the self-sabotaging nature of man and how it leads to some absurd consequences. Dystopia at its peak.
Kafka On The Shore - Haruki Murakami
The metaphoric madness, fishes coming from the clouds, and otherworldly incidents. An indefinite masterpiece. Great read.
Also,
Crime and Punishment - Fyodor Dostoevsky
The Holy Grail of Russian literature. This book deals with morality, death, and poverty. One of the most impactful book I had read this year.
“Dostoevsky is a genius”
- my teacher (and probably anyone who has read him)
Thinking, Fast and Slow - Daniel Kahneman
This is a slight exception, since I haven’t completed it yet. I am 364 pages in. But this books makes it to the list because it completely changed my views on rationality and decision-making. No wonder it is a bestseller.
Now I can gladly say, we’re not rational.
(I am hoping to learn more about rationality and overcoming biases in the upcoming year.)
5 Life Lessons I learned
Effort is the currency of respect.
If you wanna do something, stick to it. Reject the rejection. That’s the best way you’re going to get what you want, and eventually some respect and credit for it.
Curb your desires
“Curb your desire. Don’t set out your heart to so many things and you will get what you need.”
- Epictetus
And don’t ever, bite more than you can chew. It has grim consequences.
Human life is trivial
Soon we'll be six feet under, or in ashes. That's the ultimate truth. And we must abide by it, and not waste any second. It is simply not worth it.
When we get old, there should be something to present as an evidence of our time spent, and it’s not wealth or any external measure but wisdom and justice.
Be more self-compassionate
Loses loom larger than gains. Thus, we tend to beat ourselves up when we do something wrong. This results in adverse effects over a period of time. Instead, cut some slack and realise that it’s normal to be in a slump, because you’ll eventually get over it.
It all compounds into something bigger
Learning a new skill, self-improvement, or building good habits might seem a bit less profitable and expensive in the near future, but it’s all worth it.
The key to building those habits and learning something requires consistency and patience. And without a question, it will add meaning to your life.
2024 follows.
good luck, nibir! go ahead, world is going to roll in ecstasy at your feet, as kafka said.
subah-subah itna khubsoorat padhne ko mil gaya, dhanyawad iske liye