In today's digital age, it's no secret that mobile phones have become an integral part of our lives. From waking up to going to bed, we are constantly surrounded by screens, checking notifications, scrolling through social media feeds, and engaging in various apps and games. But have you ever stopped to think about the profound impact these devices have on our brains? The dopamine loop induced by mobile phone usage has become a pervasive issue that deserves our attention.

The Dopamine Loop and Mobile Phone Addiction​

Mobile phones, with their vibrant screens, endless entertainment options, and constant notifications, are designed to capture our attention. They have become a source of instant gratification, triggering a release of dopamine in our brains—the "feel-good" neurotransmitter associated with pleasure and reward.

Every time we receive a notification, unlock our phones, or engage in social media platforms, we enter into a dopamine loop. We get hooked on the anticipation of the next notification or the next swipe, seeking that small rush of pleasure that dopamine provides. This constant seeking of rewards leads to a compulsive desire to remain connected to our phones, often at the expense of real-life experiences and human interaction.

We get one of these little pings on our smartphones, and we get a little hit of dopamine as well. We get excited. We feel anticipation. As we feel this, we want it more and more. So we spend more and more time looking at our phones.​

Badminton Coach at Cultfit​

To illustrate the powerful grip of mobile phone addiction, let's consider the case of one of the badminton coaches at Cultfit, Gurgaon. Today morning at 6:30 am, when he should have been focusing on coaching and training, he was instead engrossed in playing a Garena or PUBG-like game. Rather than being present on the badminton court, he sat outside, eyes glued to his phone, caught in the virtual world.

Isn't it surprising how mobile phone addiction can infiltrate even the most unexpected areas of our lives? The coach's addiction to gaming not only affected his ability to fulfill his responsibilities but also set a poor example for his students. It emphasizes how we are all susceptible to the allure of mobile phones and the dopamine loop they induce.

Our addiction to mobile phones and the dopamine loop they induce is a societal issue that affects individuals across various age groups and professions. Recognizing the impact and consciously working towards breaking free from this addiction is essential for reclaiming our time, attention, and overall well-being. By setting boundaries, practicing mindfulness, and finding alternative sources of joy, we can regain control over our lives and establish healthier relationships with technology. Let's strive to break free from the grips of the dopamine loop and rediscover the beauty of genuine human connection.

We all agree that time is a valuable resource but promptness is often overlooked. Whether it's in our personal or professional lives, being prompt conveys respect for others' time and demonstrates commitment to efficiency and reliability.

Respecting time of others​

Being prompt is a powerful way to show respect to others. When we arrive on time for meetings, appointments, or social gatherings, we acknowledge that others' time is just as valuable as our own. By valuing punctuality, we foster a culture of respect and consideration, building stronger relationships and enhancing mutual trust and understanding.

Efficiency and Productivity​

Promptness goes hand in hand with efficiency and productivity. When we are punctual, we can make the most of our time and ensure that tasks are completed in a timely manner. This not only benefits us personally but also positively impacts the overall efficiency of teams, projects, and organizations. By respecting time, we contribute to a more productive and thriving environment.

Building Trust and Reliability​

Consistently being prompt enhances our reputation as reliable individuals. People are more likely to trust and rely on those who consistently deliver on their commitments and respect deadlines. In business, being punctual cultivates trust among clients, partners, and colleagues, strengthening professional relationships and increasing opportunities for collaboration and growth.

Embracing promptness is more than a mere display of punctuality; it is a powerful way to show respect for others and prioritize efficiency and productivity. By valuing time and being prompt in our personal and professional lives, we foster a culture of respect, trust, and reliability. Let us recognize that being prompt is not just a personal trait but a responsibility we owe to ourselves and the greater good. By respecting time, we can create a ripple effect of positive change, leading to more harmonious relationships, increased productivity, and a more successful and fulfilling life.

Life has a way of getting hectic, and sometimes, our favorite activities take a backseat. For me, writing and meditation have been two pillars of joy and self-expression. However, recently, I've been struggling to keep up with these practices. I will share my journey of rediscovering the joy of writing and meditation and present an action plan for the next 30 days to reignite these passions. I wish to embark on this journey of finding balance and nurturing my creative and mindful selves.

The Struggle to Keep Up​

Writing and meditation have brought me immense peace and fulfillment in the past. However, amidst the demands of daily life and a busy schedule, I found myself neglecting these activities. The joy and sense of accomplishment that writing and meditation once provided started to fade away. It became evident that I needed to prioritize these activities to regain the balance and serenity they brought into my life.

Action Plan for the Next 30 Days​

1. Establish a Routine: Consistency is key. Block out dedicated time slots each day for writing and meditation. Treat these activities as non-negotiable appointments with yourself. Start with shorter sessions and gradually increase the duration as you get back into the groove.

2. Set Realistic Goals: Break down your writing and meditation goals into achievable tasks. Whether it's writing a certain number of words per day or meditating for a specific duration, set goals that are realistic and attainable. Celebrate each milestone achieved to stay motivated.

3. Create a Sacred Space: Designate a peaceful corner in your home as your writing and meditation space. Personalize it with inspiring quotes, soft lighting, and comfortable seating. This dedicated space will serve as a sanctuary for your creative and reflective pursuits.

4. Embrace Mindfulness in Daily Life: Incorporate mindfulness into your daily routines. Practice being present in the moment, whether it's savoring a cup of tea, taking a mindful walk, or engaging in deep breathing during moments of stress. This will help cultivate a sense of mindfulness beyond the dedicated meditation sessions.

Rediscovering the joy of writing and meditation requires dedication, intention, and a commitment to self-care. By implementing an action plan for the next 30 days, I hope to gradually reintroduce these activities into my life and restore the balance that they bring.

Finding time for what brings us joy and peace is an essential part of self-care and personal growth.​

In our fast-paced world, where distractions abound and mediocrity often prevails, the pursuit of relentless focus and impeccable quality in personal tasks is a rare and admirable trait. I have learnt this from my father, who embodies these qualities in his daily life. His unwavering dedication and commitment serve as a constant source of inspiration, reminding me of the profound impact that can be achieved through unwavering focus and a commitment to excellence.

Setting High Standards​

From as far back as I can remember, my father has consistently set high standards for himself in every task he undertakes. Whether it's completing a household chore, working on a personal project, or pursuing a hobby, he approaches each task with unwavering focus and a commitment to achieving the best possible outcome. His dedication to excellence serves as a guiding principle in all aspects of his life.

Attention to Detail​

Impeccable quality is a hallmark of my father's approach to personal tasks. He believes that no detail is too small to be overlooked, and he meticulously attends to every aspect of his endeavors. Whether it's a DIY project or preparing a meal, he invests time and effort in understanding the intricacies, ensuring that every element is executed flawlessly. This unwavering attention to detail is what sets his work apart and elevates it to a level of excellence.

Cultivating a Sense of Fulfillment​

One of the most remarkable aspects of my father's relentless focus and impeccable quality is the sense of fulfillment it brings him. Seeing him immersed in his personal tasks, fully present and engaged, is a testament to the joy that comes from pursuing excellence. His work not only showcases his talent and dedication but also brings him a deep sense of satisfaction and fulfillment.

We need to do a better job of putting ourselves higher on our own ‘to-do’ list.​

College friends​

My uncle, Ashutosh Pathak and my father Abhay Parashar are junior and senior from Govind Ballabh Pant University.

At my cousin's wedding yesterday, many old friends of my uncle and father met after a long time. There's something magical about reconnecting with old friends, especially those from our formative years. After almost four decades, the opportunity to meet and reminisce with friends from engineering college is a truly remarkable experience.

Journey Down Memory Lane​

Reuniting with college friends transports them back to a time when they were young, full of dreams, and eager to conquer the world. As conversations unfold, anecdotes and shared experiences resurface, breathing life into forgotten tales. Laughter ensues as they relive the pranks, late-night study sessions, and adventures that once defined the college years.

The friends you make in college are friends you’ll have for life, even if you don’t talk for years at a time.​

Reflecting on Life's Twists and Turns​

As they engaged in heartfelt conversations, they discover the various paths friends have traversed. Some may have pursued illustrious careers, while others may have embraced different passions and pursuits. Each story is a testament to the diversity of life's choices and the resilience of the human spirit.

Meeting old friends from engineering college after nearly four decades is a rare and precious occasion. It offered them a chance to relive cherished memories, reconnect with kindred spirits, and appreciate the twists and turns that life has taken.

Celebrating Love and Togetherness​

Today, we gather to extend our heartfelt congratulations to Anagh Pathak and Sakshi as they embark on this incredible chapter of their lives. Their wedding, held at the elegant ITC Sheraton Saket, marks a joyous occasion filled with love, happiness, and cherished memories.

The ITC Sheraton Saket served as a stunning backdrop for your wedding festivities. Its exquisite ambiance and attention to detail created an atmosphere of elegance and enchantment. From the grand entrance to the meticulously decorated spaces, every aspect of the venue accentuated the beauty of your special day.

Embracing Freedom​

Retirement marks the beginning of a new chapter in life, a time to pursue passions, relax, and explore the world. For many individuals, including my aunt, Preeti Gautam, retirement has become a gateway to embark on exciting travel adventures.

As all our family gathered for my cousin's wedding, we had a quick relaxing dinner with my aunt and my parents at my house. Impromptu, with no agenda - just conversations and breaking bread.

A dog shakes it off​

If you're a dog owner or have spent time around these furry companions, you've likely witnessed the peculiar and amusing behavior of a dog shaking off. Whether it's after a bath, a swim, or just waking up from a nap, dogs often perform a vigorous shake that seems both comical and intriguing.

Amongst other things dog shake off their body to:

1. Removing Irritants and Debris​

Dogs explore the world with enthusiasm, which often results in them picking up unwanted irritants and debris in their fur. Shaking off helps them remove these irritants, such as dust, grass, pollen, or even pesky insects. It's their instinctive way of keeping their coats clean and free from potential discomfort.

2. Muscle Relaxation and Stress Relief​

Believe it or not, shaking off can also serve as a form of muscle relaxation and stress relief for dogs. Similar to humans who stretch or shake their bodies to relieve tension, dogs release built-up stress and tension through shaking. It's a natural way for them to shake off any anxiety or excess energy, promoting a sense of relaxation.

I had a long day, with lots of energy draining conversations. Pestered, I decided to end the day with a 5 km run and shake off all the debris, negative energy from my mind. Also, there's something about a km of running which makes you feel energized and invigorated.

Remember to find a way to shake it off when the day gets the better of you.​

Swimming in May 23​

May 2023 was a good month of swimming for me. Despite battling the flu and dealing with the unexpected closure of the pool for maintenance, I managed to push through and complete a total of 22 swimming sessions.

Making the most of limited time​

I decided to increase the minimum swim session to 1.5 kms from the earlier minimum of 1 km. So in May 2023, I did 20 sessions of 1.5 kms and 2 sessions of 2 km each.

Swimming in May 2023​

It has been a satisfying month with significant growth in my ability to swim.

Swimming keeps on teaching me valuable life lessons about resilience, celebrating small victories, and making the most of limited time.

The notable improvement is in both Avg Swim Distance per session (km) and Swim Time per km compared to swimming in the last 3 months (Feb-23 to Apr-23). I hope to improve further in the next 3 months.

B2B business with SMBs​

In the complex world of B2B business in India, there are several challenges that companies face, one of them being ghosting and difficulties in collections. Ghosting refers to the sudden disappearance or unresponsiveness of customers, leaving businesses in a state of uncertainty. This phenomenon can significantly impact cash flow and hinder business growth. Moreover, the collection process from small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) comes with its own set of challenges, making it crucial for companies to navigate these issues effectively.

Ghosting in B2B​

Ghosting can be a frustrating and all-too-common occurrence in the B2B landscape. It often happens when a customer abruptly ceases communication, leaving businesses unsure of the status of a deal or pending payment. This behavior can be attributed to various reasons, such as financial troubles, internal issues, or even communication breakdowns. Regardless of the cause, ghosting can have a detrimental effect on a company's financial health and overall operations.

Collections from SMBs​

Dealing with SMB collections can be particularly challenging due to a variety of factors.

Lack of Financial Resources​

Many SMBs operate on tight budgets and may struggle to pay their invoices promptly. Limited financial resources and cash flow issues can result in delayed or missed payments.

Inefficient Payment Processes​

SMBs often lack well-established accounting systems and standardized payment procedures. This can lead to delays, errors, and confusion in the collection process, making it harder for businesses to track and receive payments on time.

Communication Barriers​

Effective communication is crucial for successful collections, but language barriers and miscommunication can hinder the process when dealing with SMBs. Cultural differences and varying business practices also play a role, further complicating the collection efforts.

Today, I realized that we got ghosted by one of the long term customers of Exambazaar (Director of Trishul Defence Academy). He was communicating with us but kept on lying about the financial troubles, health issues in family and finally went cold. Obviously it doesn't feel great to waste time, energy and resources.

Hence, I have kept a principle of saying no very quickly to all sales and business development teams. With that clarity, any further efforts from them are purely their choice and investment of time & resources.