Ok, here is the print version of the book available on the Notion Press store. Yes, you can order the physical copy in India, now. Notion takes about 5 days to deliver within India.
Thank you #NotionPress for the super quick turnaround. I am happy that now readers can have their own copy on their bookshelf for posterity.
Yes, my fond hope that one day, this book becomes a playbook to keep democracy vibrant and alive across the world.
PS: The coincidental #goodfriday release is probably a metaphoric significance symbolising the shackled and crucified Democracy. Now let us work towards the #eastersunday soon for the resurrection.
If you had told me 10 years ago that I would someday laugh at my potato-shaped bald head, dad bod (or is it dad belly?), south Indian accent, modest height, and occasional fumbles, I would have thought you were crazy or even insulting me. But here I am, writing an article about how self-deprecation has transformed my life into a series of humorous personal experiences, leaving me happier and more fulfilled than ever. So here’s me regaling you with my tales of laughter, love, and life lessons, courtesy of my spud-tastic self.
By learning to laugh at my quirks and imperfections, I’ve fostered a deep sense of self-awareness and self-acceptance that has allowed me to become a better, more well-rounded individual. In this article, I’ll share how embracing self-deprecation has helped me grow and evolve, ultimately leading to a happier, more fulfilling life.
Twinsies with my spud bud at Morappur railway station 🥔😄 (Tamilnadu, India) As I took this snap of this potato-shaped bald head of mine with a potato onlookers gave some intriguing stares; Maybe puzzled by my spud buddy and self-deprecating humour. I spontaneously engaged them. by asking if they found any difference – and laughed with the crowd; it was fun.
Embracing Vulnerability: Learning to laugh at myself has required me to embrace vulnerability, which has been crucial to my personal growth. Self-deprecation involves admitting our flaws and recognizing that we are imperfect beings. By doing so, I realised that allow ourselves to be more open to feedback and criticism, which is essential for our development. This vulnerability has enabled me to tackle new challenges, learn from my mistakes, and become a more resilient.
Cultivating Empathy: As I’ve learned to laugh at my own imperfections, I’ve also become more empathetic towards others. By acknowledging my own weaknesses, I’m better able to appreciate the struggles that others face and offer support and understanding. This empathy has not only helped me forge deeper connections with the people around me but has also contributed to my own emotional intelligence and personal growth.
Developing a Growth Mindset: Embracing self-deprecation has played a crucial role in fostering a growth mindset. By finding humor in my own imperfections, I’ve come to see them as opportunities for growth and improvement rather than insurmountable obstacles. This shift in perspective has allowed me to approach life with curiosity and enthusiasm, always seeking to learn and evolve.
Enhancing Communication Skills: By using self-deprecating humor in my interactions with others, I’ve honed my communication skills and become a more effective communicator. It helped break down barriers and puts others at ease, fostering an environment of open and honest communication. As a result, I’ve become a better listener, more adept at reading social cues, and better able to navigate complex interpersonal dynamics.
Building Resilience: One of the most valuable lessons I’ve learned from self-deprecation is resilience. By laughing at my own failures and setbacks, I’ve developed a healthy perspective on life’s challenges and learned not to take myself too seriously. This resilience has enabled me to bounce back from difficult situations and continue moving forward, always seeking growth and improvement.
Self-deprecating humor has been an invaluable tool for my personal growth and evolution. By embracing vulnerability, cultivating empathy, developing a growth mindset, enhancing communication skills, and building resilience, I’ve become a happier, more fulfilled individual. So go ahead, laugh at your imperfections, and embrace the transformative power of self-deprecation – your personal growth depends on it.
I am thrilled to share the progress and impact of the 300M Citizen’s Challenge since its inception two years ago. The project’s primary goal is to improve the lives of children around the world through collaboration with partners, facilitators, and various stakeholders. In this blog post, I will provide an overview of the project’s achievements and express our gratitude for the incredible support we have received from all those involved.
The Power of Collaboration:
Since the beginning, the 300M Citizen’s Challenge has been focused on working together with partners and facilitators to create a positive impact on children’s lives. Our project covers a wide range of focus areas, including advocacy, knowledge, and technology partnerships, as well as direct interventions through programs.
I am incredibly grateful to our 150 partners and 3,303 facilitators who have been instrumental in the project’s success. Their dedication and hard work have helped us reach 165,670 children. We are continuously inspired by their commitment to creating a better future for children worldwide.
Impact on Children:
Our ultimate goal is to positively impact the lives of children, and we are overjoyed by the progress we have made so far. Through our various initiatives, we have been able to provide support, education, and resources to thousands of children, empowering them to lead healthy and fulfilling lives.
The programs, for example, have reached over 165,670 children, providing them with access to quality education and opportunities for personal growth. Our Shelter Home initiatives had a significant impact, supporting 11,595 children in need of a safe and nurturing environment via Story Narration.
Looking Ahead:
As I reflect on our achievements, I am filled with gratitude for the incredible support we have received from our partners, facilitators, and stakeholders. We are proud of the impact we have made but know there is still more work to be done.
Moving forward, we will continue to expand our reach, collaborate with new partners, and develop innovative strategies to support children in need. Together, we can make a lasting difference in the lives of children around the world.
The success of the 300M Citizen’s Challenge is a testament to the power of collaboration and the collective efforts of our partners and facilitators. As we celebrate our achievements, we remain focused on our mission to positively impact the lives of children everywhere. We invite you to join us in our journey and help create a brighter future for children worldwide.
Sometimes, the most significant changes occur through the smallest of windows. In the world of technology, there have been a few unassuming features that have had an enormous impact on how we access and generate content. In this blog post, we will explore three such game-changing innovations: the address bar of Netscape Navigator, Google’s simple search bar, and OpenAI’s ChatGPT search bar. These seemingly minor interface elements have revolutionized the internet and our digital lives forever.
The Address Bar of Netscape Navigator: Navigating the Early Web Back in the early days of the internet, the Netscape Navigator browser introduced the address bar, a simple input field that allowed users to type in a URL and navigate to a specific webpage. This small interface element transformed internet access, as it empowered users to explore the vast, interconnected network of the World Wide Web with ease. The address bar has since become an essential component of every web browser, marking a major milestone in the history of the internet.
Google’s Simple Search Bar: Finding Information in the Blink of an Eye The launch of Google in 1998 brought another small yet powerful window: the simple search bar. This unassuming white box has become the gateway to the world’s information. By typing in a query, users can now access a wealth of knowledge at their fingertips. The Google search bar has not only transformed how we find information but also how we organize and process it. With its advanced algorithms, Google has made the process of searching for information fast, efficient, and user-friendly, forever changing how we interact with the internet.
OpenAI’s ChatGPT Search Bar: Revolutionizing Content Generation The development of OpenAI’s ChatGPT marked another critical shift in the digital landscape. The ChatGPT search bar allows users to interact with a powerful AI language model by simply typing in queries or requests. By generating high-quality content in response to user inputs, ChatGPT has revolutionized how we create and consume information. From drafting emails and writing articles to answering questions and providing personalized recommendations, the ChatGPT search bar has opened up a world of possibilities for content generation and made it more accessible than ever before.
A window of opportunity that rewrites the future.
Isn’t it truly fascinating how such small interface elements have led to significant changes in the way we access and generate content. The address bar of Netscape Navigator, Google’s simple search bar, and OpenAI’s ChatGPT search bar have all played crucial roles in shaping the internet and our digital lives as we know them today. These innovations remind us that, sometimes, it’s the smallest windows that have the power to open up the most significant opportunities.
10 Practical Steps for Exponential Success, Starting Today
Fuel Your Motivation: Keep your energy and motivation levels high to reach your objectives. Stay focused and consistently take action.
Eliminate Distractions: Avoid time-wasting activities and devote your attention to what truly matters. Success requires dedicated focus on your goals.
Set Audacious Goals: Aim for outcomes that are ten times greater than your current expectations, or even 100 times more than your perceived limits. Dream big and be bold.
Commit to Focused Action: Put forth extraordinary effort and energy to reach your goals. Success demands unwavering concentration on your priorities.
Cultivate a Supportive Network: Surround yourself with like-minded individuals who can provide encouragement and guidance. Your network can be an invaluable resource on your journey.
Learn from the Experts: Find mentors and learn from those who have already achieved your desired outcomes. Apply their wisdom to your own path.
Welcome Failure as a Learning Opportunity: Don’t fear failure; embrace it as a crucial part of growth. Learn from your mistakes and continue moving forward.
Embrace Self-Belief: Unwavering confidence in your potential is crucial. Trust in your abilities to accomplish your goals and continually strive for greater heights.
Acknowledge the Required Effort: Recognize that achieving your goals demands considerable dedication and action. Be prepared to do whatever it takes.
Take Responsibility for Your Success: Own your actions and their outcomes, whether positive or negative. Don’t blame others or make excuses; focus on what you can control and take charge of your achievements.
Effective communication is essential in every aspect of life, from personal relationships to professional interactions. One way to improve our communication is through the use of linking words, which serve to connect and clarify ideas. This article will explore various categories of linking words and demonstrate how they can enhance the clarity and persuasiveness of our speech and writing.
representative image for linking words.
Purpose: Establishing Goals and Intentions
Linking words can clarify the purpose or intention behind a statement. By using words like “to” and “so that,” we can demonstrate the desired outcome or goal. For example:
I’m going to the store to buy groceries.
She’s studying hard so that she can pass her exams.
Opinion and Concession: Expressing Personal Views and Acknowledging Alternatives
Expressing opinions and acknowledging alternative views are important in discussions and debates. Linking words such as “in my opinion,” “despite,” and “although” can help to convey personal perspectives while also showing respect for differing opinions:
In my opinion, the new policy is beneficial for the company.
Despite the challenges, I believe we can overcome them.
Although there are risks involved, the potential rewards are worth it.
Consequence and Contrast: Highlighting Results and Differences
Linking words can also be used to show consequences or contrast between ideas. Words like “as a result,” “however,” “yet,” and “whereas” help to illustrate the relationship between ideas:
The team worked hard, and as a result, they achieved their goal.
The movie was enjoyable; however, the ending was predictable.
He loves the city life, whereas she prefers the countryside.
Adding Ideas: Expanding on Thoughts and Connecting Points
Adding more ideas to our communication can make it richer and more persuasive. Linking words such as “moreover,” “also,” “in addition,” “so,” and “therefore” allow us to expand on our thoughts and present more evidence or examples:
The new product is affordable and user-friendly. Moreover, it has a range of unique features.
The book is not only entertaining but also educational.
In addition to our online presence, we plan to open a physical store.
Explaining, Condition, and Choice: Elaborating on Reasons and Alternatives
Linking words can also help us explain reasons, set conditions, or present choices. Words like “as,” “since,” “if,” “unless,” “either… or,” and “because” provide context and allow for clear communication of expectations:
Since you’ve completed your work, you may leave early.
If you want to join the team, you must pass the tryouts.
You can choose either the red shirt or the blue one.
Conclusion
Mastering the use of linking words is essential for clear and effective communication. These words help us express our intentions, opinions, consequences, and conditions while also allowing us to add ideas, create contrasts, and explain our thoughts. By incorporating these linking words into our speech and writing, we can enhance our communication skills and create more compelling, persuasive messages.
Life is full of choices, and as parents, it’s our responsibility to teach our children how to make wise decisions. From small, inconsequential choices such as what toothpaste to buy to life-changing decisions like taking a job offer, we encounter two choices: ‘This or That or That’ and ‘Take it or Leave It.’ Understanding the differences between the two can help our children develop the life skills they need to navigate life’s challenges.
‘This or That or That’ are the small, everyday decisions we make, such as choosing a brand of soap, deciding what to have for dinner, or picking an outfit for the day. In these situations, we have multiple options to choose from, and we can take our time to weigh the pros and cons of each option before making a decision.
On the other hand, ‘Take it or Leave It’ choices are the big, crucial decisions we encounter. These decisions that can have a significant impact on our lives, such as getting admission to a top university, accepting a job offer when unemployed, or negotiating a business deal. In these situations, time is limited, and we must decide quickly. It’s often a matter of taking the opportunity presented to us or walking away altogether.
As parents, it’s our responsibility to prepare our children for both types of choices. We need to teach them about the importance of making wise decisions, even when the options are limited. We can do this by giving them the freedom to make decisions and learn from their mistakes. We can encourage them to take calculated risks and help them develop the confidence they need to face challenges head-on.
However, some argue that exposing children to tough choices can make them anxious and uncertain about their futures. Parents may feel that by guiding their children towards a particular option, they can protect them from the disappointment of making the wrong choice. However, this approach may lead to children becoming overly reliant on their parents to make decisions, and may even limit their independence. Worse still, they do not realise that life is not so pardoning.
Therefore, it’s crucial to strike a balance between shielding our kids from the harsh realities of life and preparing them for it. By teaching them about both types of choices, we can help them develop the life skills they need to succeed in the real world. We can show them that life is not always fair, and they won’t always have the luxury of choosing between multiple options. We must teach them that some decisions need to be made quickly, and they must be prepared to make tough choices when the situation calls for it.
‘This or That or That’ and ‘Take it or Leave It’ choices are essential aspects of life, and we must teach our children about both to prepare them for the challenges they will encounter. By giving them the tools to make wise decisions, we can help them navigate life’s challenges with more ease and achieve their goals. As parents, it’s our responsibility to prepare our children for the future by teaching them valuable life skills such as decision-making, independence, and resilience.
Keywords: decision-making, parenting, preparation, life skills, opportunities
In today’s world, as much as it has always been in the past, dissent is often seen as a threat to the established order. Those who challenge prevailing assumptions and speak out against injustice or unfairness may (do) face opposition, ostracism, or even persecution. However, despite their challenges, dissenters play a crucial role in promoting progress, protecting democracy, and preventing the rise of authoritarianism.
Dissenters: The Guardians of Democracy
Dissenters are individuals who hold views that differ from those held by the majority, and are willing to express those views in the face of opposition. They may be motivated by a range of factors, including
personal convictions,
commitment to progress,
empathy and concern for others, and
intellectual curiosity.
While dissent may (will) require courage and may (will) be met with resistance, it is a vital component of a healthy and thriving society.
One of the key roles of dissenters is to challenge prevailing assumptions and promote critical thinking. By offering new perspectives and ideas, dissenters can help to spark innovation and progress, driving society forward and improving the lives of individuals and communities. In some cases, dissenters may be motivated by a desire to bring about social or political change, and may be instrumental in advocating for the rights of marginalized or oppressed groups.
Dissenters also play a crucial role in protecting democracy and preventing the rise of authoritarianism. In a healthy democracy, diverse perspectives and opinions are valued, and individuals are free to express their views without fear of persecution or retribution. However, in situations where dissent is suppressed or punished, there is a risk of erosion of democracy and freedom, as people may become discouraged or intimidated from expressing opinions that differ from the status quo.
“Dissent, rebellion, and all-around hell-raising remain the true duty of patriots.”
Barbara Ehrenreich
In recent years, we have seen a rise of authoritarianism and populism in many parts of the world. In this context, dissenters are often viewed as a threat to the established order, and face persecution, violence, or censorship. However, it is precisely in these contexts that dissenters play a crucial role in safeguarding democracy and protecting human rights.
History has shown us the power of dissenters to bring about positive change and prevent the rise of authoritarianism. From civil rights activists to environmental advocates to social reformers, dissenters have played a vital role in driving progress and promoting justice and equality. Even in situations where their views are initially met with resistance or hostility, dissenters have the potential to make a lasting impact on society, influencing the trajectory of history and shaping the world in profound ways.
Throughout history, dissenters have played a crucial role in driving progress and promoting social change. From civil rights leaders like Martin Luther King Jr., to social reformers like Jane Addams, to political activists like Nelson Mandela and Mahatma Gandhi, dissenters have challenged the status quo and brought attention to important issues that might otherwise have been ignored or suppressed. These dissenters were often met with resistance, ridicule, and even violence, but they persisted in their efforts to promote change and left a lasting legacy that continues to inspire and inform us today. By speaking out against injustice, advocating for the rights of marginalized groups, and challenging prevailing assumptions, these dissenters made a profound impact on the world and helped to shape the course of history.
“Dissent is essential in any democracy. Without dissent, we risk slipping into complacency and conformity, and losing sight of the values and principles that underpin our society.”
– Helen Clark
In recent years, with the rise of social media and technology giants like Facebook, Apple, Amazon, Netflix, and Google (FAANG), we’re supposed to give a platform and make it easier for dissenters to share their views and connect with like-minded individuals. However, this has also given these companies tremendous power and influence over the flow of information. They have often been accused of using their clout to silence dissenting voices. In the current digital landscape, dissenters face the challenge of raising their voices and not getting cowed down by powerful corporations that control the platforms they use to share their messages. As social media platforms continue to play an increasingly important role in shaping public opinion, it is more important than ever to safeguard the right to dissent and to promote a culture that values diverse perspectives and encourages respectful dialogue.
In conclusion, while dissenters may not rule the world, they are instrumental in preventing a collapse of world order and authoritarianism. By promoting critical thinking, advocating for progress, protecting democracy, and speaking out against injustice, dissenters play a vital role in shaping the future of society and ensuring that our world remains a place where diverse perspectives are valued and human rights are protected.
Do you ever find yourself stuck in indecision, struggling to make a choice and feeling like you’re wasting time? If so, you’re not alone. Decision-making can be tough, but it doesn’t have to be a source of stress and anxiety.
The Art of Making Faster Decisions
Here are a few tips to help you make faster, more confident decisions:
Set a deadline: When you’re facing a decision, give yourself a deadline to make it. This can help you avoid getting bogged down in analysis paralysis and make a choice more quickly.
Prioritize your values: Think about what’s most important to you, and use that as a guide for your decision-making. This can help you quickly eliminate options that don’t align with your core values.
Limit your options: Too many choices can be overwhelming and lead to decision fatigue. Try to narrow down your options to just a few, and focus on choosing the best one from that smaller set.
Listen to your gut feeling: Your intuition can be a powerful tool in decision-making. Pay attention to your instincts and feelings, and trust yourself to make the right choice.
Consider the consequences: Think about the potential outcomes of each option, and how they will impact you in the short and long term. This can help you make a more informed decision and avoid making impulsive choices.
Think of your time as money: Every moment you spend deliberating is a moment you could be spending on something else. Remember that time is a valuable resource, and use it wisely.
Remember that indecision kills: Delaying a decision can be just as harmful as making the wrong one. Don’t let fear or uncertainty hold you back from taking action.
Know that decisiveness grows with each decision: The more you practice decision-making, the easier it will become. Start with small decisions and work your way up to bigger ones. Over time, you’ll develop the confidence and skills you need to make decisions quickly and effectively.
It’s important to note that not making a decision can also be considered a decision, as long as it’s done intentionally and with a purpose. In some cases, not making a decision can be the best option. For example, if you’re presented with a choice between two options, and neither of them is a good fit for your values or goals, it may be better to refrain from making a decision and continue searching for a better option. Or, if you’re not sure what to do in a situation that requires more information or input from others, it may be wise to wait until you have more clarity before making a decision.
However, it’s important to be mindful of the potential consequences of not making a decision. In some cases, delaying a decision or avoiding it altogether can lead to missed opportunities or increased stress and uncertainty. It’s important to weigh the pros and cons of each option and consider the potential outcomes of not making a decision, in addition to the outcomes of making one.
Ultimately, the decision to not make a decision should be made intentionally and with purpose, rather than as a default or as a way of avoiding responsibility. It’s important to be honest with yourself and others about why you’re choosing not to make a decision, and to communicate your intentions clearly and respectfully.
“An impressionist Painting showing a human being Embracing the universe with a higher purpose”
It's not the title on the card, Or the paycheck that we hoard. A measure of worth, it's not at all, For a human is far more.
We are a canvas, yet to be filled, With talents, dreams, and skills. A job, just a speck in our lives, In the grand scheme, it just thrives.
So when you lose that job, don't grieve, For the universe has something up its sleeve. Take a step back, breathe, and believe, That what has happened, you can't retrieve.
Be grateful for what you have, And the path that you already have. For it can positively impact the future, In the larger plan, it's just a suture.
Across cultures and faith, they say, If He brought you into this world, He's got a way. Just be patient and accept, And do your best, without expecting an effect.
So rise up, and reach for the stars, For a bigger dream, and better scars. You are more than just a job or pay, For you are a unique and special being, in your own way.
