Save for Tomorrow or Spend It All Today? Finding the Middle Ground in India.

 #643

So, my American friend dropped a bombshell yesterday—recommended a book called Die with Zero. The gist? Spend every dime before you’re six feet under. It’s a wild thought, right? Growing up in the 60s-70s generation in India, I was drilled to save—stash cash, hoard gold, leave a fat legacy for the kids, maybe even the grandkids. But today’s youngsters? They’re out there living it up, spending like tomorrow’s a myth. It’s got me wondering: what’s the right move—save it all or blow it all? And how do we make it work in India? Yesterday, I blogged about saving for hard times here—floods, inflation, the works. Now, I’m digging into balancing that with actually enjoying life. Let’s break it down.

The 60s Way: Save for the Future

This is our parents’ playbook—save like your life depends on it (and it kinda did). I recollect not taking a job offer as it did not increase my 401K entitlement. (Provident Fund in India).
Why It Rocks:

• Safety Net: Emergencies don’t knock—medical bills, job loss, or bailing out a relative. In India, where government support’s thin, this is clutch.
• Legacy Love: Handing down a house or some cash feels like passing on a piece of yourself. Plus, being the generous elder? That’s goodwill gold.
• Chill Factor: Knowing you’re not broke at 80 or during a crisis (like yesterday’s blog) is a stress-buster.

Why It Sucks:

• Life on Hold: Skip that Goa trip or fancy dinner to pad the bank? You might miss out while you’re still kicking.
• Inflation’s a Thief: Cash just sitting there loses punch—India’s rising costs eat it up. Property’s great till you need quick cash.
• Too Much of a Good Thing: Save too much, and your kids might inherit a pile they don’t need—or blow it on bad decisions.

Real Talk –Take Mr. Sharma, a retired clerk from Delhi. Saved every rupee from his 40-year job—bought a flat, stacked fixed deposits, left his son a crore. Solid, right? But he never traveled beyond NCR, skipped upgrading his creaky knees because “money’s for later,” and died at 75 with regrets. His son? Sold the flat, splurged on a BMW, and it’s gone in five years. Lesson: Saving’s noble, but overdoing it can backfire.

The ‘Die with Zero’ Way: Spend It All

This is the new-age vibe—live big, die broke.
Why It Rocks:

• YOLO Vibes: Spend on what lights you up now—trips, gadgets, good food—while you’ve got the energy.
• Stress-Free: No obsessing over how much to leave behind—just enjoy the ride.
• Money Moves: Spending keeps the economy humming, from your local chai stall to India’s malls.

Why It Sucks:

• Longevity Lotto: Outlive your cash, and you’re toast. India’s healthcare costs are no joke, and lifespans? Anyone’s guess.
• Family Drama: Spend it all, and your kids might feel cheated—inheritance is big in our culture.
• Rainy Days: Like I wrote yesterday, India throws curveballs—zero savings could leave you high and dry.

Real Talk – Meet Priya, a 30-something Bangalore techie. Inspired by Insta influencers, she spends her fat salary on luxe vacations, designer bags, the works. Savings? Barely a lakh. Then bam—layoffs hit, and she’s scrambling to pay rent. Living large felt great—till reality crashed the party.

India’s Twist: Context Is King

Here’s the deal,—India’s not the USA. Pensions here are shaky, and family’s often your fallback. Saving feels like survival, not just tradition. But the young guns have a point—why grind your whole life just to hand it over? Inflation’s a beast, and lifestyle creep’s real. Yesterday’s blog nailed it: saving for uncertain times makes sense. Hoarding every rupee? Maybe not.

The Middle Ground: Save Smart, Spend Smart

So, what’s the optimum way? Here’s my take:

1. Emergency Stash: Park 6-12 months’ expenses in a safe spot—India’s unpredictability demands it.
2. Live a Little: Budget for now—maybe a family trip to Kerala or that smart TV you’ve eyed. Balance, not sacrifice.
3. Grow It: Invest in mutual funds, stocks, or gold—beat inflation while you’re at it.
4. Legacy Lite: Plan a modest handover—a flat or some cash—but don’t overstack. Your kids can hustle too.
5. Check In: Life shifts—tweak your plan as you go.

Real Talk :- Ravi, a Mumbai businessman, nails this. Saves 30% of his income, invests in SIPs, and still takes his family to Thailand yearly. He’s got an emergency fund and a small flat earmarked for his daughter. No extremes—just steady.

Wrapping It Up:- So, what’s your play? I’m leaning toward this middle path—saving smart but living well. Yesterday, I wrote about prepping for India’s curveballs; today, I say let’s enjoy the ride too. Save for tomorrow or spend it all? I vote both—done right. What’s your money move? Drop your thoughts below—I’m all ears!

Karthik

29/3/25.

1015am.

Surviving the Cost Crunch: How to Thrive in India’s Tough Times

 #642. 

Context: Few messages I received from Folks on how even Rs. 2,000,000 (20 Lacs)(25,000$) an Annum is not enough to meet ends meet in Bangalore / Metros for a family. 

++++++

Hey folks, let’s talk about something we’re all facing—the crazy speed at which the cost of living in India is shooting up. Globally, we’re nowhere near the top of the cost-of-living index (Basel is 104, New York is 100, while Bangalore, our priciest city, is just 28.3). But don’t let that fool you—the squeeze here is real. Inflation, taxes, and creaky infrastructure are hitting us hard. Roads are a mess, traffic eats up our time, and forget doing productive side hustles in your free hours. The state and central governments? They seem busy with distractions and appeasement, leaving us to fend for ourselves.

Then there’s the air quality—choking us daily—slums, poor hygiene, and unplanned healthcare costs. I’m sick this week, and I’ve already shelled out $100 (unplanned, of course!). Hospitals charge whatever they want, and low-cost care feels risky because the quality’s dicey. So, we end up at expensive tertiary care right away. Add to that—we’re living longer. More years mean more of these surprise expenses. Even with health insurance and pensions, I wonder: will $25,000 a year (in rupees) be enough for a decent life by 2030? Inflation’s eating everything up.

And don’t get me started on the social tension—haves vs. have-nots. How long before you’re robbed on the street? (Fingers crossed gated communities stay safe! at least for now!) So, how do we vaccinate ourselves against this inflation and uncertainty? Here’s what I’ve been doing for years, plus some extra ideas:

1. Zero-Based Budgeting
   Plan every rupee—monthly and yearly. List all expected and unexpected expenses. Knowing what’s coming helps you stay ready. 
   
   My tracker. ( I update at 5am with Lalitha). 
2. Track Every Paisa
   Use apps or software to log daily, monthly, and yearly spending. Categorize it—food, bills, healthcare—so you see where the money’s going.
   
   
   
3. Sleep on Big Spending
   For anything beyond routine expenses, wait 24-48 hours. If it still feels right, go for it. This has saved me tons! (At home, anything above Rs. 3000 spend on a new item, needs an unanimous vote to proceed including Children)! 
4. Clear Debts Fast
   Pay off loans ASAP—even if it means skipping holidays, fancy dinners, or gifts. I cleared my home mortgage 3 years early with bonuses (and my kids chipped in too!). Avoid hotel/ ordered food /eat out- as much as you can! If you keep a tab on that account, you will realise, how much money goes. (so are in snacks, packaged /ready to eat etc)
5. Multiple Income Streams
   Don’t rely on one source. Two or three streams—even small ones—are a lifeline. Every rupee counts.
6. Play It Safe with Investments
   Avoid high-risk schemes promising crazy returns—they’re usually too good to be true. Stick 90% in safe bets like gold bonds or low-to-medium-risk funds. High-risk? Only 10% if you’re a gambler (I’m at 0%).
7. Get a Financial Advisor
   A family advisor can give ideas and manage portfolios. Listen to them, but you make the final call. 2024, I was strongly encouraged to go for Medical insurance, and I did. (Much against my will, as I feel all Insurance policies are hoax).

Extra Tips from Me

8. Build an Emergency Fund
   Save 6-12 months’ worth of expenses. It’s a buffer for shocks like medical bills or job loss. 
9. Cut the Small Leaks
   Coffee runs, subscriptions you don’t use—trim these. They add up fast!
10. Upskill Yourself
    Learn a new skill online. It could open doors to better jobs or side gigs.
11. Barter or Share
    Swap services with friends—like carpooling or borrowing tools—instead of buying everything.

The next 4-6 years look tough, no sugarcoating it. Costs will rise, and rosy days aren’t around the corner. But if we plan smart, track our money, and hope for the best while preparing for the worst, we can pull through. Godspeed, everyone—let’s do this together!

What is that you do? Please share?

Karthik

28/3/25 9am.

The 6 to 9 Discipline: My Intermittent Fasting Journey. &Weeknd

 #641

Digital Balance, Linked to Weight and Healthness App. 

For most of my adult life, I’ve relied on structure and routines. But over the past 9 months, I’ve taken it a step further—with a practice that’s simple, powerful, and deeply rewarding: Intermittent Fasting (IF).

🕰️ The Rhythm That Changed My Life: 6 PM to 9:30 AM

• Last meal of the day? 6 PM sharp.

• First meal of the next day? 9:30 AM.

• No food, no sugar in between. Only black coffee at 3 AM.

That’s it. This 15-hour fasting window, paired with mindful meals at:

• 9:30 AM (Breakfast -Puffed rice with Nuts and Wheat Kanjii 365 days, Lalitha knows)

• 1:30 PM (Lunch) (Rice/Sambar/ Vegetables/ ButterMilk)

• 6:00 PM (Dinner) (Starter, Roti 2, Vegetable, Buttermilk+ fistful of rice) + 1 Banana. 

…has brought a level of physical ease, mental calm, and energy I didn’t know I was missing.

"Discipline is choosing between what you want now and what you want most."
– Abraham Lincoln

For me, what I want most is health with simplicity—and this fasting routine has helped me get there.

---

✅ The Tangible Results So Far

• Weight loss:

  • 17 kg down over 9 years, and

  • 4 kg lost just in the past 9 months since following IF strictly. (Yes when Children come to India, the weight goes North, 2-3 Kilos, can't refuse to their request for a happy meal, junk food!)

• Vital signs: Normal across the board—BP, sugar, heart rate, sleep patterns.

• Sleep:

  • A good 6 hours of deep sleep daily.

  • No mobile screen 2 hours before bed—this single act improves sleep like magic.

• Energy:

  • I wake up every day at 2:45 AM sharp, without an alarm.

  • My phone remains untouched until 4:30 AM—this gives me 1.5 hours of stillness, silence, and self-reflection.

• Steps walked:

  • A minimum of 15,000 steps daily—my body craves it now.

---

🧠 But Why Does Intermittent Fasting Work?

The science behind it is clear and increasingly proven.

During fasting:

• Insulin levels drop, encouraging fat-burning.

• Human Growth Hormone (HGH) increases, which promotes cellular repair.

• Autophagy kicks in – the body clears out damaged cells.

• Inflammation reduces, aiding heart and brain health.

• Digestive system rests, enhancing nutrient absorption during eating windows.

Essentially, it aligns with the body’s circadian rhythm—our natural biological clock.

---

🛑 What I Strictly Avoid

• Packaged foods, however tempting.

• Sugary snacks, diet drinks, and refined carbohydrates.

• Late-night “comfort bites” that only cause insulin spikes.

“If it comes in a packet with a mascot on it, it’s not for your stomach—it’s for the shelf.”

Instead, I enjoy:

• Fresh fruits (within the window)

• Nuts and seeds (especially post-lunch)

• Home-cooked, sensible meals—without fear or overanalysis. No Vegetable packaged oil whatsoever. Oil is from Cold press shop. 

---

🌍 Real People. Real Results.

Intermittent Fasting is not just theory. Globally, and in India too, many have benefitted from it:

• Dr. Jason Fung, a nephrologist from Canada, has reversed type 2 diabetes in thousands of patients through fasting protocols—especially in South Asians, who are insulin-resistant by genetics. My Aim is not this... Just get on with life. I am not hoping reversal. 

• Hugh Jackman (Wolverine actor) used intermittent fasting to sculpt his lean physique while staying strong and active.

• Akhilesh, 48, a Chennai-based software architect, shared in The Hindu how he lost 12 kg and reversed early diabetes by following a 16:8 fasting model for six months.

• Rujuta Diwekar, celebrity nutritionist, while not a fasting advocate, has acknowledged that time-restricted eating with good sleep and movement improves metabolism in urban Indians.

---

🧘‍♂️ My Lifestyle Anchors That Support Fasting

• Fixed meal timings

• Black coffee at 3 AM (no milk, no sugar with a tinge of Cinamon)

• No mobile / Screen post 6 PM

• Mindful sleep and screen discipline

• Simple home food

• Walking 10,000 steps without fail

It’s not about chasing numbers—it’s about trusting your body’s rhythm.

---

🎯 Conclusion: A Gentle Discipline, A Lifetime Gift

Intermittent fasting isn’t a “quick fix” or a glamorous health trend. It’s a gentle discipline—something ancient, deeply personal, and surprisingly liberating.

It teaches you:

• To listen to your body, not external noise.

• To say “no” to temptations that offer short-term pleasure and long-term damage.

• To reclaim control over your energy, sleep, digestion, and mental clarity.

And most importantly, it gives your mind and body space to breathe—without the clutter of constant chewing, snacking, and over-processing.

“Let food be thy medicine, and fasting be thy healer.”
– Adapted from Hippocrates

Give it a try. Not for weight loss. Not for trends. But for yourself.

What do you think?

Karthik

24/3/25. 

PS: Good music finds you,if you are a fan of it.... I was mesmerised by this song... Boy close to 2 Billion views. I heard it 100 times on JK Sax the Saxophone version. Wonder I got curious to know the original version!! Boy blown over!!! As they say, when student is ready, the teacher appears. Same is true for a great music.  

50 Years of Mintzberg’s Truth: Are Indian Managers Lost in the 2025 Mess?

 #640

It’s been 50 years since Henry Mintzberg dropped his game-changing The Manager’s Job: Folklore and Fact in HBR back in 1975. (I read the article in early 2000s, I am his big fan). They’re celebrating it this month (March 2025)—I’m diving into that soon! Mintzberg flipped the script on what managers do, but fast forward to 2025, and it feels like his ideas are fading, especially the last 15 years. What’s he saying about this mess? Let’s unpack it.

Mintzberg’s 1975 Wake-Up Call

Back in ‘75, Mintzberg watched real managers hustle and threw shade at the old-school view (cheers, Henri Fayol) that they just plan, organize, coordinate, and control. Nah, he said—they’re chaos warriors, juggling short, messy tasks at a relentless pace, thriving on chats over reports. He smashed four myths:

1. Myth: Managers are calm, systematic planners. Nope—they’re action-driven, half their tasks done in under 9 minutes.
2. Myth: Good managers skip routine stuff. Wrong—they handle ceremonies, negotiations, and gossip to keep the wheels turning.
3. Myth: Top dogs need fancy data. Nope—they prefer a quick call or chai-time gossip for the real scoop.
4. Myth: Management’s a science. Nope—it’s an art, lived, not taught.

He gave us ten roles—interpersonal (figurehead, leader, liaison), informational (monitor, disseminator, spokesperson), and decisional (entrepreneur, disturbance handler, resource allocator, negotiator). It was gritty, human, and spot-on for decades.

2025: Lost in the Last 15 Years

But since 2010, post-2008 crash, Mintzberg’s vision feels like a ghost. Indian managers—you see this, right? The chaos-taming, gut-driven manager he loved? Buried under a pile of caution and corporate nonsense. Here’s how it unraveled:

• Fear Took Over: The 2008 meltdown made job security king—Bengaluru rents, EMIs, school fees—no one’s risking it. Managers turned cautious, not bold.
• Data Overload: Mintzberg’s quick-handshake vibe? Swapped for 30-page docs and dashboards. Decisions crawl, paralysis rules.
• Bureaucracy Boom: Regulations tighter than a Delhi metro rush, fake awards, and certifications killed agility. Managers are paper-pushers now—meetings, reports, MIA from teams.
• Short-Term Greed: Quarterly wins trump big bets—his entrepreneur role’s toast.
• Life’s a Mess: Nuclear families cracking, everyone’s stressed—managers can’t focus when home’s a warzone.

Mintzberg’s Reaction: The Last 15 Years Through His Eyes

Mintzberg, now 85, isn’t blind to this. He’s been vocal—on his site, X, and in chats—about how management’s gone off the rails since 2010. In a 2019 interview, he said we’re obsessed with “change over continuity,” leaving managers disconnected, remote-controlling teams like a TV. His another piece, “Managing on the Edges,” nods to pandemics and tech shifts, but he’s pissed—managers still cling to rigid, top-down habits, not the ground-level hustle he championed. On X, he’s tweeted stuff like, “Metrics over meaning—this is management’s slow death,” slamming the data craze you and I hate.

He’s still roasting MBAs—Managers Not MBAs (2004) vibes live on—saying they churn out analysts, not leaders, worse now with AI hype. In a 2021 blog, he called out “leadership narcissism” post-2008, how it’s left firms gutless, chasing shareholder value over real impact. He’s pushing “communityship”—less hero CEOs, more team grit—but admits it’s rare ‘cause the system’s too bloated. He’s not shocked, just frustrated: the last 15 years proved his point—management’s human art got crushed by fear, tech, and greed.

Can We Fix It?

I’m not holding my breath. This sludge—red tape, cowardice, short-termism—is deep. We need a Drucker or Peters to torch it, but Mintzberg’s skeptical too—says we’re stuck unless we ditch the MBA playbook and get real again. HBR’s new piece might spark something—I’ll update you. Till then, Indian managers: are you trapped in this caution crap too? Hit me up below!

Karthik

21/3/25

12Noon.

Label is life saver- Read it and Don't get CHEATED. - How I took control of my Health, wellness.

 #639

Hey folks, I recently saw a video clip by Revant Himantsingka, (He exposes many food myths/ scams) and my jaw just dropped. He picks up stuff like tomato ketchup—guess what? Hardly any tomato! Cashew biscuits? Less than .1% cashew! I mean, what are we even eating? It’s all a big marketing tamasha, and I’m done falling for it. That’s why I’ve started reading food product labels like a detective, and trust me, it’s a game-changer. You’ve got to be sharp and choose wisely, or you’re just swallowing myths wrapped in shiny packets. Oh, Yes My Son in law- Eshwar's quizzical looks at Shelf at San Francico shops aisle, made me ponder and course correct. Thanks Eshwar.

And it’s not just ketchup pulling this stunt. Take hazelnut peanut butter—sounds yummy, right? But check the label, and there’s no hazelnut, just some synthetic flavour pretending to be the real deal. Or cashew cookies—get this, a measly 0.4% cashew! We see “hazelnut” or “cashew” plastered on the pack, and our brains go, “Oh, fancy, must be good!” But it’s all a fraud—cheap fillers and artificial junk. How misleading is that? We fall for it every time, handing over our cash while they laugh all the way to the bank.

One thing that really gets me angry is added sugar in so-called “diabetic” products. Arre, it’s supposed to be 0 added sugar, right? But no, many brands sneak it in like we won’t notice. I’ve hunted down a few rare ones with zero sugar, but you’ve got to dig deep. And then there’s all these weird names on labels—stuff you’ve never heard of in your kitchen. If it’s not something familiar like haldi or jeera, it’s probably some filler or cheap substitute. My rule? Avoid it like the plague. Yes, good food comes at a price. (Whey Protien is Rs. 5000/ Kg, beyond reach for many- that is also the reality!).

The usual suspects—sugary drinks, biscuits, chips—are the easiest to ditch. People munch on these for timepass or hunger, but they’re just slow poison. Over time, this junk builds up visceral fat (that nasty belly fat you can’t see), messes with your metabolism, and leaves you feeling like a sluggish mess. I used to eat this stuff without thinking, but about two years back, I said, “Bas, enough!” Now, I’m super conscious, and I don’t even glance at these things in the store. Result? I feel energetic, no random hunger pangs, and honestly, I’m in a much better place. (Last 90 days no Sweets from shop, I took some made for mother's anniversary rituals- home made even that with a reluctance as a token gesture).

But it’s not just ketchup and biscuits you need to watch. Take packaged juices—those “100% fruit” ones. Check the label, and it’s mostly sugar syrup with a splash of fruit pulp. Breakfast cereals? They scream “whole grain” and “fibre,” but half the time, it’s sugar and refined flour with some artificial flavour thrown in. Even those “protein bars” or “energy bars” we grab for a quick bite—loaded with sweeteners, palm oil, and stuff like maltodextrin that does nothing for you. And don’t get me started on namkeen or ready-to-eat snacks—salt levels through the roof, plus preservatives you can’t even pronounce.

Then there’s bread—our daily roti substitute for some. Most store-bought ones have maida, sugar, and sometimes even sketchy emulsifiers to keep them soft. Look for “whole wheat” that’s actually 100% atta, not some mix. Yoghurt’s another trap—“probiotic” or “natural” sounds great, but flip the pack, and it’s got added sugar or artificial sweeteners like aspartame. If you’re picking pickles or sauces, watch for too much oil, salt, or random thickeners like modified starch—useless fillers that just sit in your body.

The trick is simple: if the ingredient list looks like a chemistry book, put it back. Stick to stuff you’d find in your mom’s kitchen—real food, not factory nonsense. I’ve been at this for two years now, and I can’t tell you how much better I feel. No more dragging myself through the day or craving junk every two hours. It’s not about being perfect; it’s about being smart. So next time you’re at the store, don’t just toss things in your cart—read the label, think, and choose. Your body will thank you later!

What are your plans?

Karthik

20/3/25 930am.

Chasing Nirvana in a Swiggy World: Why Young and Middle-Aged Indians Are Turning Spiritual.

 #638

I flipped through The Week this week—March 2025—and the cover stopped me cold: spirituality’s hot among young and middle-aged Indians. Not just the old-school, incense-wafting kind, but something new, buzzing, alive. It got me wondering: what’s fueling this? Why are folks my kids’ age—and even people like me—chasing inner peace in a world of instant deliveries and endless scrolling? Here’s my take, from the sidelines.

When the Joint Family Faded:- Back in the '70s and '80s, life had a vibe. Joint families were everywhere—grandparents dropping wisdom, aunts stirring pickle, cousins scrapping in the yard. If I was off my game, someone had my back over chai, no charge. By the late '90s, though, that faded. Now it’s you, maybe a spouse, a kid, and a smart TV. Trust and empathy? They’re slipping—family, friends, society all feel distant. We’re “connected” 24/7, but lonelier than ever. Spirituality’s like a stand-in now, filling that gap where the old support net used to be.

The Cash Can’t Fill the Void:- We’ve got money these days—more than my generation ever imagined. Cars, getaways, Swiggy at our fingertips. But there’s this hollow spot. Back then, we didn’t have much, so we didn’t expect much—destiny called the shots, and we rolled with it. Failure wasn’t an ego-killer; it was just life. Now? Everyone’s a star online, and when the shine fades, it cuts deep. Spirituality’s the balm for some—a way to dodge that “I’ve got it all, so why am I empty?” funk.

Spirituality, the New Hobby:- It’s gone slick, too. In the '80s, a temple trip or quiet prayer was raw—no price tag, just peace. Now? It’s a business. Yoga retreats for a fat fee, gurus on YouTube, malas on Flipkart. Apps and cash have made it a buffet—grab what you want, skip the rest. Savings? Nah, spend it—tomorrow’s not promised. It’s more hobby than soul-food now, less about calm and more about the Instagram story. I miss that uncommercialized stillness from my younger days.

Ego vs. Fate: A Generational Flip:- My generation didn’t overthink fate. Stuff happened, we dealt—no big ego trip. A bad day wasn’t “I’m a loser”; it was “That’s how it goes.” Today, though, it’s all about standing out—hustle hard, win big. When that flops, it’s personal. Spirituality might be the off-ramp—a nod back to letting go, to trusting something bigger than your LinkedIn bio.

Where I Stand

Full disclosure: I’m not big on religion or spirituality myself. Yesterday, I sat by a holy fire for two hours for my mother’s fourth annual ritual—a gratitude thing, not a zealot move. I’d have done it anyway, duty or not. To me, this religious/ spiritual stuff’s like pickle with your meal: a little goes a long way, and only when you feel like it. It’s personal, no need to flaunt it. I’m not agnostic or atheist— (Coming from the land of rational thinkers, you can not escape it I guess)I believe in a superpower steering us—but I’m not diving headfirst into the deep end either. “God helps those who help themselves” is more my speed. So, this wave? I see it, but I’m not riding it. I always cherish the 6 hours, I spent at our family temple at Karisuznthamangalam, once a year the best I could ever get from spiritual exposure than anything else!.

Fad or Forever? :- Is this spiritual boom sticking around or just a 2025 blip? Hard to say. The price tags and hype make it feel flimsy—like a trend ready to fade. But the hunger for meaning? That’s real, and it cuts across religions—Hindu, Muslim, Christian, you name it. Maybe it’ll morph into something lasting. Time’s the judge.

A Bigger Picture:- This isn’t just India, either. Globally, young folks are vibing with mindfulness and meditation—a pushback against tech overload and world chaos. India’s just got our own masala twist on it.

Parting Shot :- I dabble in this stuff sometimes—less than I could—and even that feels packaged now. I miss the '70s, when a temple moment was pure, no frills. Seeing this shift is wild, though. Are we chasing nirvana because we’ve lost something, or because we’ve gained too much? I’m curious, not converted. What about you—what’s tugging you toward that spark these days?

Karthik

19/3/25 930am.

Spotting the Slackers: A No-Nonsense Guide to Identifying and dealing with Low Performers

 #637

Personal Update:- Tomorrow, 18th March 2025(Tuesday), Mother's 4th Anniversary rituals. Time flies.

Context:Pilita Clark article on FT.

Let’s be real—every team has that one person who’s quietly (or not so quietly) screwing things up. Deadlines slip, work’s half-baked, and somehow it’s never their fault. Big companies love to throw around fancy tools like performance reviews or 360-degree feedback to catch these low performers. But here’s the truth: those tools are a mess. People lie, dodge, or play nice instead of calling it like it is. I’ve spent years with Lean and Six Sigma, setting norms and measuring results, and I say forget the fluff—let’s get practical. Here’s how you spot a low performer, no sugarcoating required.

The Telltale Signs of a Low Performer

1. They Miss Deadlines and Ghost You
   Stuff’s due, and they’re nowhere. No heads-up, no “I’m stuck”—just silence until you’re chasing them down way past the deadline. They have no respect for deadline and thus no respect for the person to whom they committed the deadline. 
2. They Get Defensive When Called Out
   Point out a slip-up? They snap back, make excuses, or act like you’re the jerk. Feedback’s a war, not a fix.
3. They’re Quiet Zombies in Meetings
   They sit there like lumps—zero questions, zero ideas, zero pushback. They don’t challenge bad calls or shake up the status quo. As my boss would say "STUNNED SILENCE"! 
4. They Don’t Play Well with Others
   Good work needs teamwork—talking, brainstorming, sorting stuff out. Low performers? They’d rather hide than collaborate.
5. They Just Don’t Get It
   Skills? Weak. Knowledge? Shallow. Drive? Missing. They can’t get things done right, and you’re stuck fixing it.
6. They Point Fingers
   Something flops? It’s the client, the tech, the weather—never them. Accountability’s not their thing.
7. They Keep Messing Up the Same Way
   Same mistakes, same excuses, rinse, repeat. They don’t learn, and you’re trapped in their Groundhog Day.
8. They Talk Big, Deliver Small
   They hype themselves up—big promises, bold claims—but when it’s showtime, you get crumbs.

Why 360 Feedback and Performance Systems Don’t Work

You’d think performance reviews or 360-degree feedback would nail these slackers, right? Wrong. These tools sound great on paper but flop in real life. First, they’re drowning in bias—bosses play favorites, peers dodge tough truths to keep the peace. Even when it’s anonymous, people hold back because they don’t want drama. Second, they’re too slow—by the time you get the data, the damage is done. Third, they’re vague. “Needs improvement” doesn’t tell you squat about missed deadlines or finger-pointing.

Plenty of companies know this. They grumble about useless annual reviews or skewed ratings, but they stick to them anyway. Why? Habit, laziness, or no clue what else to do. In India, it’s worse—90% of firms lean on these systems, then do nothing with the results because confrontation’s a dirty word. Lean and Six Sigma taught me you can’t fix what you don’t measure properly. These tools? They’re like using a broken ruler—fancy, but useless. You need sharper eyes and real action, not paperwork.

Why It’s Hard to Call Them Out

Spotting them is easy if you’re paying attention. The real problem? Most managers won’t say it out loud. They’re too soft, scared of conflict, or just as clueless as the low performer. But here’s the deal: if you don’t tackle slackers, your team’s toast. Waste—like mediocrity—kills progress. You’ve got to measure it, name it, and cut it.

Real Stories from Around the World

Still not convinced? Check out how low performers mess things up globally—and what happens when you deal with them (or don’t).

• Toyota (Japan)
  Toyota’s Lean game is legendary. Every job’s got strict standards—time, quality, everything. One guy on the line skipped a tiny quality check to look faster. He didn’t speak up in team huddles, just nodded. Result? Bad parts, huge recalls, millions lost. Toyota retrained him or booted him—no room for slack when you’re that precise.
• General Electric (USA)
  Back in the day, GE’s boss Jack Welch had a rule: rank everyone, ditch the bottom 10% yearly. One sales guy kept promising big numbers but blamed “tough markets” when he flopped. After two rounds of excuses, he was gone. Harsh? Sure. But GE crushed it because they didn’t let weak links linger.
• Tata Steel (India)
  In one Tata Steel unit, production tanked. Deadlines slipped, but no one spoke up—too polite to ruffle feathers. Turns out, a few workers didn’t get the new machines and stayed quiet instead of asking. Competitors ate their lunch until Tata tightened up. Lesson? Nice doesn’t win.
• NHS (UK)
  A UK hospital had crazy patient delays. One nurse dodged team talks, didn’t challenge dumb schedules, and botched her tasks. Everyone knew she sucked, but the manager avoided the fight. Result? Angry patients and a PR mess. Once she was replaced, things clicked.

The Fix Starts with You

Low performers aren’t a mystery—you can spot them a mile away if you ditch the rose-tinted glasses. But it takes a culture of straight talk, not feel-good vibes, to do something about it. Managers need to step up, set clear norms (like we do in Six Sigma with behavioural expectations, vs Results Achieved, End does not justify the means), and stop coddling. Your team’s only as strong as its weakest link—so why let it rust?

End Note: How High Performers Do It:-

In top-notch organizations, everything’s tied to standard work. They set crystal-clear steps—what’s the task, what’s the output, what tools you use, even how to fix problems when they pop up. Meetings? Standardized. Brainstorming? There’s a playbook. It’s all linked to delivering results—you either hit the mark or you don’t. They even build in wiggle room for unexpected hiccups. But if you keep missing the bar, it’s obvious—you’re a slacker. And when that label sticks, action kicks in fast. No fluff, no excuses, just results.

What do you think? How you deal with loe performers? Karthik

17/3/25 12Noon.

Breaking Free from Self-Mastery Derailers: A No-Nonsense Guide to Winning at Life and Work

 #636

Lately, I’ve been noticing something troubling—whether it’s WhatsApp forwards, posts, Message boards, or chai-time chats, people in India seem to be wrestling with some serious inner demons. I’m talking about self-mastery derailers: Self-Pity, Self-Doubt, Self-Sabotage (or Self-Derangement), Timidness, and Anxiety/Worry/Fear. These aren’t just fancy words—they’re like viruses eating away at our potential, both at home and in the workplace. As someone who’s always been a go-getter (High D personality, if you know DISC!), I’ve rarely let these bog me down. But yes, I’ll admit, anxiety’s been knocking on my door lately—father to four kids, growing older, and the world going bonkers doesn’t help!

Today, let’s unpack these derailers, see why they’re harmful, figure out how to kick them out of our lives, and explore what companies, managers, and peers can do to help. Ready? Let’s dive in.

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What Are These Derailers and Why Are They Harmful?

1. Self-Pity: "Poor me, life’s so unfair!"
   This is when you sit and sulk, blaming everyone—boss, family, even the traffic—for your woes. It’s harmful because it keeps you stuck in victim mode. No progress, no growth—just a sob story. I’ve seen colleagues miss promotions because they’d rather complain than act.
2. Self-Doubt: "Am I good enough? Maybe not."
   That nagging voice questioning your every move? That’s self-doubt. It stops you from taking risks or grabbing opportunities. Think of that talented coder who never applies for a lead role because “I’m not ready”—progress stalled!
3. Self-Sabotage/Self-Derangement: "I’ll mess it up anyway, so why try?"
   This is when you’re your own worst enemy—procrastinating, skipping deadlines, or picking fights for no reason. It’s like digging a hole and jumping into it. A friend once tanked a big project by delaying prep, convinced he’d fail anyway.
4. Timidness: "Better stay quiet than rock the boat."
   Shyness or fear of speaking up kills your voice. In Indian offices, I see this a lot—people nodding in meetings but never sharing ideas. Result? No innovation, no growth.
5. Anxiety, Worry, Fear: "What if everything goes wrong?"
   This trio is a real buzzkill. It’s overthinking every step, worrying about the future, or fearing failure. I feel it too—will my kids turn out okay? Will I have enough for tomorrow? It paralyses you, and nothing moves forward.

These derailers don’t just slow you down—they rob you of confidence, kill your dreams, and make workplaces toxic. No wonder productivity’s taking a hit!

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How Can You Overcome These Derailers?

Alright, enough gloom—let’s talk solutions, My-style!

• Self-Pity: Stop the blame game. Take charge! List three things you can control today—like finishing a task or hitting the gym. Small wins kill self-pity fast.
  Example: My relative used to crib about his dead-end job. I told him to upskill online. Six months later, he’s a team lead—true story!
• Self-Doubt: Fake it till you make it, Start small—pitch one idea in a meeting or take on a tiny project. Each success shuts that voice up.
  Case Study: Look at PV Sindhu—she didn’t become a badminton champ by doubting herself. She trusted her gut and trained hard.
• Self-Sabotage: Set deadlines and stick to them. Tell a friend to nag you if you slack. Accountability works wonders.
  Example: A colleague kept missing client calls. We paired him with a buddy to check in daily—boom, he’s on track now.
• Timidness: Practice speaking up. Start with low-stakes stuff—like asking a question in a group. Confidence builds with reps.
  Example: I know a junior developer, who’d never talk in reviews. One day, he shared a bug fix idea—now he’s the go-to guy!
• Anxiety/Worry/Fear: Breathe, plan, act. Write down your fears, then list one step to tackle each. Meditation helps too—I’ve started 10 minutes daily, and it’s a game-changer.
  Case Study: Look at how ISRO keeps launching satellites despite setbacks—they plan, prep, and push past the jitters.

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What Can Organisations, Managers, and Peers Do?

This isn’t just a solo fight—workplaces need to step up too. Here’s how:

• Organisations: Build a vibe where mistakes are okay, and growth is king. Offer workshops on resilience—Infosys does this well with their mental health programs.
  Example: A Bangalore startup I know runs “Failure Fridays”—folks share flops and lessons. No self-pity survives that!
• Managers: Spot these derailers early. If someone’s quiet or panicky, don’t judge—coach them. Give clear goals and cheer small wins.
  Case Study: A manager at TCS turned a timid intern into a star by giving him bite-sized tasks and public praise.
• Peers: Be a bro, not a foe. If your teammate’s doubting himself, hype him up! Share your own struggles—makes it real.
  Example: My work buddy back in corporate days, was freaking out about a presentation. We rehearsed together, and he nailed it—teamwork FTW!

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Final Thoughts

I am signing off with this: self-mastery isn’t rocket science, but it takes guts. These derailers—Self-Pity, Self-Doubt, Self-Sabotage, Timidness, and Anxiety—are like potholes on the road to success. Dodge them, fix them, and keep driving. At work or home, we’ve all got the power to rise above. So, what’s your next move? Drop a comment—I’d love to hear your take!

Karthik

16th March 2025

1030am.

Women Click with Women, Men Run from Men: Love vs. Lust in Nature’s Playbook

 #635

Hey folks, I am here with a thought that’s been buzzing in my head for the past few years. Ever noticed how women seem to pull other women into their orbit for love, companionship, and that soulmate vibe, way more than men do with other men? I’m not talking gay or lesbian stuff—just pure bonding. Men, meanwhile, can’t even handle sharing thoughts with another guy without bolting. I reckon it’s nature’s wiring—women find love and passion everywhere, while men are stuck on sex, which obviously won’t fly with another straight dude. Let me throw in some real-life masala and bookish backup.

Take, Lalitha—she’s a champ at this. We’re walking, she spots a woman, and boom—20 minutes of non-stop chatter! No prep, just pure passion—hugs, pecks, “Oh, you look so nice!”— How is life? like they’ve been soul sisters forever. Me? I see a guy or a couple, it’s a quick head nod, and I’m off. No hello, no lingering—I’m gone as fast as I could! Try talking to me for five minutes, even on the phone, and I’ll give you a gold medal. I need an hour to prep for a 10-minute chat, man or woman. Yesterday, Lalitha's sister from Bombay was here, (2 Hrs) (unexpecedly) my talk with her just one sentence, All Good? Going Ok. I went my way for my siesta, and when I woke up she was gone. Deep stuff? No chance—even sex for most men, (Me included) is “slam, bang, thank you ma’am!”—over and out, move on to other stuff, haha!

Then there’s this Sheryl Sandberg story that got me hooked. In a new book by her ex-colleague Sarah Wynn-Williams, it says Sheryl asked her female assistant to share a single bed on a private jet in 2016. No hanky-panky, just “Hey, crash with me, let’s talk.” Meta calls it bunk, but imagine a straight guy trying that with his male assistant. Never! I wouldn’t ask my buddy to cuddle up for “companionship”—too weird. Women, though? They dive in—sharing beds, giggling, with a fire that’s all about connection.

Here’s the thing: women bring passion to their bonds—not just romantic, but that intense, heart-on-fire vibe. Lalitha’s chats aren’t just talk—they’re alive, buzzing with energy. Men? We’re flat—give me a task, I’ll do it quick, no fuss. Sex? Wham-bam, done. No lingering, no soul-talk. Nature’s deal, I guess—women weave love and passion into everything, even with strangers. Look at kitty parties, Rakhi, weddings—women hug, laugh, spill secrets with a spark. Men? We’re at the bar, cracking jokes, keeping it light. Deep talk? No way, Pass.

Books I’ve peeked into nail this. Sula by Toni Morrison has Nel and Sula—two women so tight, their bond’s like a wildfire, messy but fierce. Men’s friendships? Cold competition. Attached by Amir Levine and Rachel Heller says women crave connection—passionate and deep—while men dodge unless it’s physical. The Female Brain by Louann Brizendine explains women’s brains pump oxytocin—love and passion juice—especially with other women. And Women’s Friendships by Pat O’Connor shows how women lean on each other with a heat men just don’t muster. Oh yes there is different side to this story of woman sabotaging another woman more, I am not getting in to that now. (All rules have exception).

Lalitha’s 20-minute passion-fests with random ladies? I can’t match that—I’m prepping an hour for a “Hi, bye” or walking away. Men don’t click like that; we run. Women’s love burns bright; men’s lust fizzles fast. What do you think, folks? Spot this in your life too?

Karthik

14/3/25 9am.

Resign to Shine: Why Indian Companies Only Love You When You Leave

 #634

A Few Personal Updates:- Since this blog’s my only megaphone (dropped LinkedIn, Facebook, X after 15+ years—lost interest!), here’s some quick stuff:

1. Our Annual Health Checks; Done Today: Discipline pays off—results are unbelivably awesome!
2. Need Your Ideas: I’m hitting a wall on blog topics. Suggest some, please—I’ve got a few brewing, but more the merrier! (Post in comments, No topic is off limits!). 
3. Subscribe, Please: Sign up to blog post (You can see on sidebar) so I don’t spam your WhatsApp or email with links. Thanks, folks!

That’s it for now—WhatsApp’s my only other lifeline, but I’m stingy with that too. (Not many know the #, hahahahha) Catch you in the next one!

Context:- This image from my friend prompted the blog. 

So True!! I wonder why??? More so horror in past 20 years!!! 

Ever notice how Indian companies suddenly discover your “stellar performance” the minute you drop your resignation letter? A friend shared this image that hit me like a truck: “Managers only discuss your best work when you resign—not during appraisals or salary talks.” Bang on, right? It’s pathetic how corporates here sleep on talent until you’re halfway out the door. No succession planning, no retention tricks—zilch. I’ve lived this, and it’s high time we called it out.

My Dance with “Flight Risk”

Back in 2008-11, I was labelled a “high flight risk”—fancy way of saying “this guy might bolt.” They slapped on some “golden handcuffs”—extra perks in addition to performance bonus, to tie me down. Worked smoothly. (Truth be told, I was even surprised when retention bonus was offered, my boss was an awesome army major, no way I would have left him! Oh yes I bailed out 2012, with his blessings, that is why we now catch up on call, every month since 2012 with last call in Feb 2025) Then, rewind to 1994: I was killing it, but couldn’t be promoted. Instead of a “too bad” shrug, my company (a rare smart one) sent me on a 4-week learning spree—Switzerland, UK, Germany. Cost them lakhs, but it kept me hooked. Next year? Boom, promotion. Why can’t Indian companies think this way?

The Big Blind Spot:- Most Indian firms don’t even know “flight risk” is a thing. They’re too busy chasing quarterly profits or pinching pennies to care. Succession planning? Good luck with that—nobody’s grooming backups. Retention? They’d rather hire a cheaper newbie than keep you. Here’s why they’re stuck:

• Short-Term Obsession: Save now, cry later. Why invest in you when you might leave?
• No Global Gyaan: Old-school bosses haven’t seen how MNCs roll—your growth is their win.
• Hierarchy Over Talent: Loyalty beats skill. Stuck till the boss retires? Suck it up.
• Chalta Hai Vibes: “It’ll sort itself out” is their mantra. Planning? Too much hassle.
• HR’s Just Paperwork: Strategic HR? Nope. They’re drowning in PF forms.

The Resignation Drama That image nails it—resign, and suddenly you’re the star. Appraisal time? “Good job, take 5%.” Salary revision? “Budget’s tight, bhai.” But wave bye-bye, and they’re showering you with praise and counteroffers. Why not show that love before? It’s like watering a plant after it’s dead.

How They Could Fix This

Indian companies need a reality check. Here’s what they could do:

1. Spot the Restless: Track high-performers or the ignored lot before they’re out.
2. Plan Ahead: Groom backups for key roles. Tata and Infosys dabble—others should too.
3. Retention That Works: Can’t promote? Send folks to a leadership gig or overseas stint. Worked for me in ’94! Send to life changing workshop, costing a couple of lacs of rupees. Peanuts is cost.
4. Real Appraisals: Reward stars now, not at the exit door.
5. HR with Power: Let HR flag risks and push plans, not just shuffle papers. 

A Slow Shift :-Things are moving—barely. Second- or third-gen owners, fresh from Harvard or MIT, get it. They’ve seen how Google or Unilever keep talent buzzing. Big names like Mahindra or TCS are testing succession plans and leadership programs. But the old guard? Still snoring.

Why This Bugs Me:- Having tasted smart retention (those handcuffs and that ’94 trip), I know it’s doable. Indian companies can do better—they just don’t want to. Next time your boss sings your praises as you resign, ask: “Where was this during my appraisal?” Maybe they’ll finally wake up. Would they? I doubt!!!

What do you think?

Karthik

1500 hrs. --- Boy Long day!! 3am to 7am without black coffee, some effort man for blood tests- I am pulling well- Discipline is an awesome stuff.