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Tag: habits

  • The 7 Habits That Actually Help Engineers Succeed

    The 7 Habits That Actually Help Engineers Succeed

    A young Indian boy working on a laptop with a circuit board, surrounded by tools and fan parts, chalkboard behind him showing hand-drawn project ideas

    First things first…

    You can be that engineers who tops college, submits every assignment early, maybe even gets a solid GATE rank but still feel stuck, like real engineering life hasn’t even begun.

    Why?

    Because being a good engineer isn’t about marks. It’s about how you think and what you do consistently, even when no one’s watching.

    Some habits make a big difference. And trust me, I’ve seen both types: those who stay stuck… and those who quietly grow, without much noise.

    ✅ 1. Don’t Wait for a Problem to Hit You – Catch It Early

    You know what most folks do? They just wait around for the boss to give instructions, for the bug to mess things up, or until the teacher hands out the topic. Nobody wants to take the first step.

    But the ones who go ahead in life they step in before it’s asked.

    One junior of mine at a small plant in Nashik spotted a weird motor vibration. Nobody cared. But he insisted and later found a worn-out shaft. Fixed it. That small habit? Got him promoted within 8 months.

    So don’t just do what’s told. Do what’s needed even if nobody notices right away.

    ✅ 2. Know Where You’re Going — Not Just What You’re Doing

    Imagine you’re fixing a bike, but you don’t know whether the owner wants it for racing or regular city rides. You’ll mess up, right?

    Same with engineering. Don’t just start a project or code or model. First ask: “Why am I doing this? What’s the final use?”

    Even big guys like ISRO plan years ahead before launching anything. They don’t jump in. They think backwards from the goal.

    So, in your job or college project, don’t start with code. Start with clarity.

    ✅ 3. Tackle the Heavy Stuff First — Not the Easy One

    We all love doing easy work. I used to spend 2 hours adjusting fonts on a report, just to avoid actual testing. But that’s not smart.

    Do the difficult, important stuff first like calculations, testing, core logic. Once that’s done, the rest feels like a breeze.

    Think of it like making tea. Boil water first. Don’t waste time picking a cup.

    ✅ 4. Don’t Try to Win Alone – Help Others Grow Too

    There’s enough competition in the world. If you’re still trying to “outperform” your classmates or teammates in every meeting, you’ll get exhausted.

    The smarter engineers figure out ways where everyone gains.

    Like one friend of mine in Bangalore always shared his GitHub tricks with others. Later, his juniors got placed in top firms and pulled him into bigger roles. See? Helping others isn’t charity. It’s a long-term strategy.

    ✅ 5. Talk Less, Listen More (Even if You’re the Smartest)

    Honestly, I wish someone told me this earlier.

    When you talk less and listen more, you learn more. Especially from those who may not have a fancy degree, but have real-world knowledge.

    I once worked with a retired technician who could tell motor RPM by just hearing the sound. I kept quiet and listened. Learnt more in 2 weeks than I did in 2 semesters.

    So yes, speak. But only after listening well.

    ✅ 6. Solo Hero? That Doesn’t Work Here

    Forget movies. In real life, no engineers succeeds alone.

    You’ll need others whether it’s for ideas, data, testing, feedback, or moral support during breakdowns.

    Think about every bridge, every app, every electric grid. So many hands behind it.

    So make friends. Respect people. Coordinate well. Even a simple “thanks” after group work builds strong teams.

    ✅ 7. Never Stop Being Curious – Even After 10 Years

    Tech keeps changing. What you know today? Might be outdated next year.

    I knew a guy who used to repair CRT TVs in the 90s. He learnt LCD, then LED, then moved into IoT sensors. Now he’s consulting in smart homes at 52!

    He never stopped learning.

    Even 15-minute YouTube videos can teach something new. But you have to want to learn.

    In The End…

    Engineering is a vast world. Some climb fast, others get stuck. But the difference rarely lies in talent.

    It’s always in the habits.

    You don’t have to be a genius or a topper. You just need to keep showing up, doing the right things, staying curious, and not waiting for someone to tell you what to fix.

    Do that every day and you’ll quietly become the kind of engineers companies remember.

    Not for marks. But for impact.

    🔗 Related Reads You Might Find Interesting:

    👉 Ayurvedic Wisdom: 6 Herbs That Naturally Boost Focus & Energy – Discover how ancient Ayurvedic herbs can help improve focus and energy levels.
    👉 Engineers Day: How Engineers Have Transformed India – A special look at how engineers have played a crucial role in India’s growth and development.
    👉 7 Morning Habits That Boost Your Mental Health and Productivity – Simple routines to start your day with mental clarity and focus, essential for engineers.

  • How to Set Personal Growth Goals That Last

    How to Set Personal Growth Goals That Last

    personal growth of hardwoek man & Growth chart

    How I Set Personal Growth Goals That Actually Stick .Ever noticed how our January energy in India starts like a loud baraat band drums rolling, everybody dancingthen, by February, the DJ’s gone home and we’re left sweeping confetti? I’ve been there, scribbling “run 5 km daily” or “learn Python before appraisal,” only to backslide faster than hot jalebis disappear at a village fair.

    So, let’s talk about goal‑setting in plain, small‑town English—no jargon, no imported TED quotes. I’ll share a framework I use with friends and coaching clients, mix in fresh numbers, add a few local stories, and wrap up with my own two‑paise lesson.

    1. Feel the “Why,” Don’t Borrow It

    Think of Neha, a 29‑year‑old accountant from Indore. She once signed up for a cloud‑computing course because “everyone at work is doing it.” Three weeks later the login page was gathering digital dust. When we probed deeper, she craved creative play, not server dashboards. Once she switched to “design a Canva poster for my colony club every Sunday,” the spark came alive—and today she’s unofficial design lead in her office.

    Fresh stat: In the 2025 Indeed India pulse, 78 % of employees ranked “meaningful work” above straight career climb—proof that an emotional hook survives long after peer pressure fades.

    2. Shrink It Till You Feel Silly

    Grand targets look sexy: “read 50 books.” But, just like a rural BSNL tower during IPL streaming, our brain drops packets when overloaded. Neuroscience reviews keep showing that tiny habits lay stronger neural roads. I chop goals down until I can almost tweet them without sounding boastful. “Meditate 30 minutes” morphed into “sit still for three breaths after brushing.” Once that felt normal, minutes went up smoothly.

    3. Meet the R.A.I.S.E. Check

    I love mnemonic jugaad, so here’s R.A.I.S.E.—short, sweet, desi‑friendly:

    • R – Relevant to life stage
      Final‑year student? Build your portfolio, leave stock trading for later.
    • A – Action‑worded
      “Write 200 words” beats “improve writing.”
    • I – Incremental ramps
      Like Couch‑to‑5K mileage, increase slowly.
    • S – Seen by a buddy
      Post a weekly screenshot in the family WhatsApp group.
    • E – Evaluated on a date
      Sip chai on day 30 and judge honestly.

    Tick each box and the goal is less likely to ghost you.

    4. Stack on an Existing Rhythm

    My dadi never set a “fitness resolution,” yet she climbed two storeys daily to dry papad on the roof. Behaviour scientists call that habit‑stacking. Hook the new task onto something already on autopilot—five push‑ups right after morning aarti, vocab flash cards while waiting for the pressure cooker’s second whistle.

    5. Track Like a Kirana Ledger, Not an Insta Reel

    You don’t need aesthetic bullet journals; a ₹30 spiral or a plain Google Sheet works. Mark Y or N each day—nothing fancy. Fun fact: the 2024 Grand View tally puts global self‑development at USD 48.4 billion and growing 5.7 % annually, but many folks still swear by the humble tick‑mark.

    6. Review, Re‑route, Repeat

    End of every month, brew filter coffee, flip your ledger, and ask:

    1. What felt effortless?
    2. What felt like hauling a tractor in neutral?
    3. What tweak would make next month 10 % smoother?

    This loop turns goals into a living thing, not stone tablets.

    7. Celebrate Tiny Wins Out Loud, Big Wins Quietly

    Ravi from Surat once bragged (politely) about a 7‑day Duolingo streak; friends showered him with high‑fives, and now he’s on day 120. Small public pats create community fuel. Yet when that appraisal hike arrives, treat close family to dosa—keeps ego under control.

    India‑Specific Pulse Points (2024‑25)

    • Work‑life balance now outranks pure ladder‑climbing for 78 % of Indian employees (Indeed survey).
    • Digital self‑help apps form a ₹4,000‑crore slice of India’s ed‑tech pie.
    • Global self‑improvement may cross USD 86 billion by 2034 at 5.5 % CAGR, with Asia‑Pacific in the driver’s seat.

    Soft skills and mental fitness are quietly turning into hard currency.

    My Two Paise

    I’ve wasted many Januarys crafting mission statements shinier than a filmfare speech. These days I ask, “Will future‑me thank present‑me?” If the image of future‑me beams back, I lock the plan using R.A.I.S.E. A goal that excites youyet feels a tad embarrassing—sticks around like that loyal college roommate who never returned your T‑shirt.

    Pick one area body, skill, or mind run it through the steps, and come back after 30 cups of chai. Growth isn’t a sprint up Nandi Hills; it’s that long Konkan train ride steady, scenic, coconut‑water breaks included.

    Article icons for free download | Freepik


    Related Articles

    If this resonated with you, here’s something similar you might like: Time Management Tips for Students

    If this sparked some ideas, here’s another piece you’ll find helpful: How to set personal development goals for your life and work



  • How to Build a Healthy Routine for Your Family

    How to Build a Healthy Routine for Your Family

    Family living room with a child

    Let’s be real for a minute some days, family life feels like a circus. One child is crying because their socks don’t match, another can’t find their homework, and your chai has gone cold… again. In between all this, expecting a perfect routine? Arrey bhai, that’s like asking for rain in April!

    But listen, routine doesn’t mean military discipline. It’s not about waking up at 6:01 sharp and eating lauki every Wednesday. A proper family routine is more like a gentle rhythm — something that brings balance, not pressure.

    Even if your life feels a bit all over the place, you can still build a routine that feels good. Not like a timetable stuck on the fridge, but like a flow — something that makes everyone’s day smoother, a little less stressful, and a lot more connected.

    Why Routines Actually Help (More Than We Think)

    Now you must’ve noticed this — kids behave better when they know what’s coming next. When they’re sure that after lunch it’s nap time or after play it’s homework, their mind relaxes. Even we adults feel settled when the day has some kind of order.

    A routine acts like a backbone. You don’t always see it, but it holds everything together. It helps in:

    • Reducing those small everyday fights (like “When will you stop watching TV?”)
    • Teaching kids small habits without scolding again and again
    • Making sure everyone eats, sleeps, and moves properly
    • Giving you a bit of breathing space too, not just running behind everyone

    Honestly, even a small thing like sitting together for 10 minutes in the evening can bring peace. It’s not about fancy planners — it’s about creating pockets of calm.

    So, How Do You Build That Kind of Routine?

    1. Don’t Try to Fix Everything in One Day

    Let’s not jump like we’re fixing the whole country in one go. Start with one messy area — maybe mornings are full of shouting, or bedtime takes forever.

    Try these kinds of small jugaads:

    • Make a picture-based checklist for younger kids — they see, they do
    • Prep the school tiffins or uniforms at night itself — saves morning drama
    • Begin bedtime 30 minutes earlier, slowly-slowly

    Think of it like planting a neem tree — slow to grow, but strong roots.

    2. Involve the Whole Family (Even the Little Ones)

    Routine doesn’t work if it’s just top-down orders. Sit with your kids, even if they’re 3 or 13, and ask — “What should we do differently?” You’ll be surprised, they have ideas!

    Let it be a small family meeting:

    • What time feels too rushed?
    • What helps you feel calm before school?
    • Where can we add some fun or breathing space?

    Write it down on a page, stick it on the fridge. Not a chart, just a reminder of your “family rhythm”.

    3. Use Anchor Points Instead of a Full Schedule

    Forget scheduling every minute. Just fix a few points in the day that are always the same — like telephone poles that hold the wires.

    For example:

    • Morning ritual: A quick good-morning hug, chai or milk, a small chat
    • After-school pause: No phone, just sit and eat a snack together quietly
    • Dinner time: Eat together, even if it’s roti-subzi or just dal-chawal
    • Bedtime: Change into night clothes, light story or talk, cuddle

    These become emotional signals, not just time-pass. Kids begin to feel, this is my safe zone.

    4. Add Health Habits Slowly – Not Forcefully

    Now don’t dump a yoga routine, water bottles, and karela juice on Day 1. Ease these things into life like you’d add salt to sabzi — little at a time.

    • Do a 5-minute family stretch before school, nothing fancy
    • Keep steel bottles filled with water on the table — easy to reach
    • Have 30 minutes screen-free time before bed (light music, talking, drawing)
    • After dinner, do a 10-minute team-clean of the house — everyone helps a little
    • On Sundays, plan the week’s meals roughly together — saves guessing later

    Make it fun, like Dadi’s way of slipping haldi into every meal without announcing it.

    5. Don’t Stress on Bad Days — They Happen

    Some days will go completely out of control. One child falls sick, the other throws a tantrum, and you forget your own phone charger. It’s normal.

    Having a routine doesn’t mean every day will go perfectly. It just means you bounce back faster.

    So if dinner happens in front of the TV sometimes, or bedtime is skipped — don’t scold yourself. Try again tomorrow. That’s all.

    Different Ages, Different Needs — Adjust Accordingly

    For Toddlers & Preschool Kids:

    1. Meals and naps at roughly same time daily
    2. Wind-down cues like bath → story → light lullaby
    3. Teach cleanup as a game — “Let’s park all toys!”

    For School-Age Kids:

    • Use pictures or short lists for getting ready
    • Set a time for both homework and play
    • Keep small responsibilities — like setting plates, folding napkins

    For Tweens & Teenagers:

    • Let them manage wake-up and getting ready (with gentle nudges)
    • One hour daily for studies without screen
    • Let them choose one evening chore — water plants, sweep, anything
    • Talk once a day — not to lecture, just to listen

    When It All Starts Flowing Like a River

    A good routine isn’t a straight line — it’s more like a flowing river. It bends around stones, flows fast some days, slow on others.

    It’s not about being perfect. It’s about showing up. It’s about making small changes that slowly shape your family’s day. Over time, these routines turn into memories — like evening chai on the balcony, bedtime stories that become family favourites, or cleaning together on Sundays while old songs play.

    And when the day feels too messy to manage, take a breath. Tomorrow is another chance. No big deal.

  • 7 Simple Morning Habits That Actually Help Your Mental Health

    7 Simple Morning Habits That Actually Help Your Mental Health

    A cup of tea on a bedside table, open journal with pen, and peaceful atmosphere

    Mornings in India are never silent. Somewhere someone’s pressure cooker is whistling, a bus is honking nonstop, and your phone is already buzzing with “Good Morning” WhatsApp messages. Amid all this, the way you start your day matters more than you think.

    You don’t need a gym membership, green smoothie, or fancy yoga mat. Just a few real, doable habits that fit into everyday life — yes, even if you’re waking up groggy or rushing for work.

    Here are 7 desi-friendly habits that can genuinely lift your mood, reduce anxiety, and help you feel more in control.

    1. Start Your Day in Silence – No Phone, No Noise

    First thing in the morning, most of us grab our phones. Scrolling Instagram or reading random forwards isn’t exactly calming. Instead, try giving your mind some peace — just 5–10 minutes of quiet.

    How?

    • Don’t touch your phone for 30 minutes
    • Sit quietly near your window or balcony
    • No need to “meditate” — just observe your breath or the sounds around

    Even a few calm moments help your brain feel less rushed.

    2. Make Your Bed – It Feels Good

    Sounds silly, but trust me — making your bed gives you a small win. You feel like you’ve achieved something right after waking up. That small boost can shift your whole day.

    Why it works?

    • It gives a sense of control
    • Tidier space = calmer mind
    • Plus, who doesn’t like coming back to a clean bed at night?

    3. Drink Water Before Chai

    After a whole night without water, your body’s running dry. That groggy feeling isn’t just sleep — it’s dehydration.

    Try this:

    • One glass of lukewarm water as soon as you wake up
    • Add a slice of lemon or a pinch of jeera if you like

    It helps wake up your digestion and clears your mind before caffeine hits your system.

    4. Move Your Body – Even for Just 10 Minutes

    You don’t need to hit the gym. Just stretch, walk around your room, or dance to your favourite song. It’s more about movement than muscle.

    Quick things you can do:

    • 10 jumping jacks
    • 10 squats
    • Neck rolls and shoulder stretches
    • Or just shake a leg to your go-to Bollywood track

    Your body wakes up, and so does your mood.

    5. Write Something – Doesn’t Have to Be Fancy

    Writing down your thoughts can clear mental clutter. You don’t need a special notebook or planner. Even the last page of an old diary works.

    Two easy ideas:

    • Write 3 things you’re grateful for
    • Or do a brain dump — all the thoughts running in your head

    It’s like cleaning your brain shelf before the day starts.

    6. Step Into the Sun – Nature’s Free Therapy

    Sunlight helps your body produce serotonin — that’s the hormone that makes you feel good and focused. Morning sun is gentle and very effective.

    Don’t have time to go out?

    • Sit near a sunny window while sipping chai
    • Do your morning call or scrolling in that sun patch instead of a dark room

    Your body and mind both get a natural reset.

    7. Protect Your Brain from Negative Stuff Early On

    Your brain is like a sponge in the morning. If you fill it with stressful news, office emails, or gossip — that’s the vibe it carries all day.

    Instead, try:

    • Listening to soothing music, mantras, or bhajans
    • Talking to someone positive (even your pet counts!)
    • Avoid opening work-related apps before breakfast

    Guard your peace. The world can wait.

    Final Thought: Your Morning Is Yours

    Don’t try to do all 7 habits at once. Start with 2–3 that feel easy. Maybe today you just drink water and skip the phone for 10 minutes. That’s enough.

    Remember: this isn’t about being perfect. It’s about showing up for yourself, little by little.

    Strong mornings don’t need hustle. They just need heart.
    And if you make space for your mind in the morning, your whole day moves a little better.