Thriving Like a Plant: A Simple Lesson in Health and Productivity
A few years ago, I attended a gardening workshop by a horticulturist. The audience was full of enthusiastic plant parents, each with their own set of worries:
“Should I water once a day or twice?”
“Which direction should I keep my Jade plant?”
“What fertilizer do you recommend for faster growth?”
The horticulturist answered all the questions patiently. But then he paused and said something that has stayed with me ever since.
“In the forest, these very plants thrive beautifully without any of this care. Nobody fusses over them. The real problem starts when we move them from their natural habitat into our homes. After that, we try to ‘care’ for them—and often create more problems than we solve.”
It was such a simple idea—yet so profound. Because it applies to us humans too.
We’ve also been uprooted from our natural habitat, from the lifestyle we were designed for. We were built to move constantly, to hunt and gather, to rest in short bursts, to sleep in sync with light and dark, and to respond only to real, tangible threats. Today, we sit in chairs for 10 hours, stare at screens, eat from packets, chase deadlines, and worry about emails as if they’re predators.
And yet, it’s not easy to break the human body. This design—refined not over millennia, but hundreds of thousands of years—is incredibly robust, resilient, and time-tested. We’re up against a creator who built something remarkably durable. Ironically, in the name of progress, we’ve invented some of the most powerful weapons against it: prolonged stillness, chronic stress, processed everything, and screens that rob us of sleep. It’s as if we’ve outsmarted our own biology—with unintended consequences.
It’s not that we’re broken. It’s that we’re out of place. Just like the potted plant on your balcony, we’re trying to survive in an environment we were never meant for. And then we wonder why our backs hurt, why digestion falters, why we feel anxious or can’t sleep.
So, what’s the fix?
We can’t go back to the forest. We can’t abandon our responsibilities and become barefoot nomads. But we can try to recreate some of that natural rhythm in the lives we live today.
There are two simple but powerful shifts I’ve found helpful.
First, we’re not meant to sit in the same position for hours. Standing desks, pacing during calls, stretching every hour, walking to get water—all of this counts. You can’t undo 10 hours of stillness with one hour of intense workout. It’s the continuous posture change and light activity that keeps our systems awake and functioning smoothly.
Second, our stress response is ancient and brilliant. It saved our ancestors from real danger. But today, it’s triggered by pings, meetings, a rush to complete activities, traffic, and whatnot. And unlike our ancestors, we rarely let our bodies return to calm. We live in a near-constant state of alert. The solution? Small things. Take a few long breaths while completing tasks. Sip water. Look outside. Build in micro-recovery.
It’s not just big deadlines—we often do this with everyday tasks too – joining a meeting, leaving for a movie, heading out for a game. We delay by minutes, then suddenly rush—scrambling with keys, skipping breaths, mentally apologizing for being “almost there.” Our bodies kick into stress mode for things never meant to be stressful.
Try flipping the script: Start a little early. Be ready before you need to be. And then… breathe. Use that spare moment to stretch, sip water, or just sit without a screen. It’s amazing how much calmer and more in control you’ll feel—with just a little margin built in.
Stress isn’t just in the mind—it shapes our hormones, sleep, digestion, and even immune function.
Maybe the right question isn’t “What’s the best health routine?” Maybe it’s “How far have I drifted from my natural way of being?” And “What can I gently restore today?” We may not live in forests anymore. But we can stop making the concrete jungle harder than it needs to be.
Here’s to reclaiming small pieces of our original design—one full breath, one good stretch, one step at a time!!
Subscribe to my newsletter, to get tips like this and more, directly in your inbox!
(Originally published in Times of India on April 12, 2025)
Turning Wasted Time into Opportunity: A Smarter Way to Handle Delays
We’ve all found ourselves in situations where time seems to slip away—waiting in a long queue, stuck in traffic, or sitting idle due to slow processes. It might be standing at a bus stop with no real-time updates, waiting at a railway station for a delayed train, standing by an elevator that stops at every floor except yours, or watching your flight delay stretch longer and longer at the airport.
Whether caused by inefficiencies in the system or an unexpected surge in demand, these moments can be frustrating. We might express our displeasure, give feedback, or even try to push for better systems. But in those moments when nothing is going to change immediately, a shift in mindset and a few simple strategies can help us make the most of the time we’d otherwise lose.
- Use Solitude to Think Through a Problem – If you’re lucky enough to find a quiet corner while waiting—like a nearly empty waiting room or a peaceful airport gate—use the solitude to reflect on a complex issue you’ve been putting off. Moments like these are rare and precious in our always-on lives. We often long for uninterrupted time to think deeply, yet when it arrives unannounced, we tend to overlook it. Embrace it—you might be surprised at the clarity it brings.
- Network & Connect with People Around You – Waiting in line or sitting idle doesn’t have to be a solo experience. Strike up a conversation with someone nearby. Don’t go by their looks/attitude, they are often deceiving – we often misjudge. Just this week, I had a long wait at the Road Transport Office for the re-registration of my car. The person next to me was in the same boat, so I opened a conversation. We ended up chatting for two hours – sharing lots of interesting information from our work and life in general.
- Have an “Unexpected Free Time” Kit – A little preparation can make any waiting period feel more purposeful. Noise-cancelling headphones to listen to a podcast, audiobook, or calming music, and an E-reader or Read Later app to keep a book or saved articles ready for easy access.
- Organize & Declutter Your Digital Space – Small digital cleanups can be a productive way to pass the time. Sort through your photo gallery – Delete duplicates and organize albums. Remove unused apps – Free up space and declutter your phone.
- Embrace Boredom – Sounds counterintuitive, right? But as Deep Work author Cal Newport explains, moments of boredom—rare in modern life—are actually a blessing in disguise. They help strengthen focus, boost creativity, and give our minds a much-needed break from constant stimulation.
Time wasted is often an opportunity unnoticed. Instead of frustration, use delays as moments to reflect, learn, or tackle small tasks. A shift in mindset can turn setbacks into stepping stones for growth.
There’s no single “right” way to handle unexpected waiting time. Some days, you might network or use the moment to clear out digital clutter; other times, diving into a book or simply letting your mind wander might be the better choice. The key is to have all these options ready and decide in the moment what makes the most sense—whether it’s being productive, unwinding, or embracing a rare pause in a busy day.
Subscribe to my newsletter, to get tips like this and more, directly in your inbox!
(Originally published in Times of India on March 29, 2025)
Remembering Va Pu Kale – A Timeless Storyteller Who Taught Me a Lesson in Organization
The writing of one of Maharashtra’s greatest writers, Vasant Purushottam Kale, fondly known as वपु (VaPu), has a unique charm, blending humor, wit, and deep moral insights in a way that made his stories unforgettable. He had a vast fan following, not just among avid readers but also among those who liked to listen to his stories.
I first listened to and read Va Pu Kale’s stories during my teenage years. His storytelling is an exhilarating rollercoaster ride—one moment you’d be laughing out loud, and the next, you’d be left in awe. His stories made me laugh, made me think, and often left me with lessons that stayed with me for life. While I remember him for many things, one particular takeaway from his story हसरे दुःख (Hasare Dukh) has stuck with me over the years—something that, unknowingly, made me a little more organized.
But before I get to that, let me share a few gems from Hasare Dukh that showcase how he masterfully blended humor, wit, and wisdom.
While describing a visit to someone’s home in Mumbai, he remarks:
“ज्यांच्या जागा उतरण्यासारख्या प्रशस्त आहेत त्यांची मनं प्रशस्त नाहीत. आणि ज्यांची मनं प्रशस्त आहेत त्यांच्या जागा इतक्या लहान आहेत की यजमान आणि पाहुणा दोघांनाही संकोच वाटावा.”
(“Those who have spacious homes often have narrow minds, while those with generous hearts often live in spaces so small that both the host and the guest feel constrained.”)
And when talking about food offered by a generous host, he says:
“चव पदार्थाची असते का? तुम्ही ज्या भावनेने तो पदार्थ तुम्हाला ऑफर केला जातो त्या भावनेची पहिली चव असते.”
(“Does taste belong to the food itself? The first taste comes from the emotion with which it is offered.”)
VaPu had an uncanny ability to capture life’s simplest truths in a way that felt lighthearted but left you thinking long after.
Now, coming to the quote that changed my perspective on organization and discipline. In Hasare Dukh, the host prepares a perfect chutney using a pata varvanta (traditional stone grinder), as described by VaPu –
“सुरेख चटणी वाटून चटणीचा गोळा करून त्यांनी सटामध्ये ठेवून दिली आणि चटणी वाटण्यापेक्षा इम्पॉर्टंट गोष्ट केली ती म्हणजे पाटा वरवंटा धुऊन ठेवला.”
“After making a perfect chutney and setting it aside, he did something even more important than making the chutney itself—he washed the pata varvanta.”
At first, I found this amusing—not just because of the observation itself, but because of Va Pu’s clever wordplay. He didn’t just say that the host cleaned the grinder—he emphasized that washing it was more important than making the chutney itself. That exaggeration made me laugh, but it also stuck with me.
People often procrastinate on “washing the grinder,” believing that what they’re currently working on is more important. But in reality, delaying small wrap-up tasks only makes them harder later. Worse, when you need to start fresh, you find yourself stuck because things weren’t left ready for the next time.
Over time, I started casually mentioning this line in my everyday life whenever I saw similar situations. Eventually, I began following it myself. Whenever I completed a task, I instinctively made sure there were no loose ends—whether it was finishing a project, responding to emails, or organizing my workspace. This habit gradually became my signature style of working—never leaving things undone just because they seemed less urgent in the moment.
Va Pu’s simple, witty remark turned into one of my core principles: finish completely, not just adequately. And to this day, every time I wrap up a task properly, I think of that pata varvant
Organize Your Home Office
An efficient workspace isn’t about aesthetics alone—it’s about comfort, productivity, and sustainability. Over the years, I’ve realized that a well-organized home office isn’t complicated. It’s about getting the basics right and adding small personal touches that make you feel at ease. Here’s what has worked for me:
1️⃣ The Desk – Not too small, but just enough to keep essentials at hand. A cleanable top makes it easier to maintain, and a couple of drawers help reduce surface clutter. Smaller the setup, easier the upkeep.
2️⃣ The Chair – A high-back chair with proper hand rest is a game-changer, especially when using a mouse. Comfort leads to focus.
3️⃣ Computer & Peripherals – Arrange your setup ergonomically.
Keep screens at eye level – A simple trick like stacking books under your laptop can make a huge difference.
Invest in a rugged keyboard, mouse, and mouse pad with gel wrist rest support – Comfort drives efficiency, especially during long work sessions.
Bluetooth speaker & noise-canceling headphones – Essential for focus, meetings, or even a productivity-boosting playlist.
Magic slate – A reusable way to jot down quick notes or sketch ideas without clutter.
Minimalist screen setup – Over time, I’ve shifted to using just my laptop screen, skipping extra monitors to keep my desk uncluttered. Instead, I rely on smart screen management techniques—split screens, ALT + Tab, and virtual desktops—to navigate efficiently.
4️⃣ Other Peripherals & Personal Touches – The little things make a big difference:
A Philodendron Lemon Lime plant in a hydroponic IKEA VILJESTARK vase—low maintenance, high impact!
A shiny glass water bottle—Bisleri Vedica is my go-to, elegant and practical.
A custom metal print of my favorite cartoons—a birthday gift from my daughter and now an iconic part of my desk!
A small bookshelf with currently read books—handy and inspiring.
🚶 Biggest mantra: No matter how good your setup is, get up often. Move your body, take breaks of different sizes to rest your eyes, arms, and legs. A productive workspace is one that lets you move freely.
The Hidden Cost of Disorganization (And How to Fix It)
Last weekend, I had a routine visit to my dentist for a procedure. As the chair reclined, my gaze shifted to the ceiling-mounted TV. To make the experience more pleasant, he asked what I’d like to watch, and I chose The Big Bang Theory—a show that never fails to entertain and is perfect for short distractions.
A few minutes into the episode, a scene unfolded that made me laugh so hard my dentist had to pause the procedure:
Sheldon (enters Penny’s messy apartment, gasps): Were you robbed?
Penny: No.
Sheldon (puzzled): How can you be sure?
🤣😂 You can watch the clip here.
While hilarious, this scene highlights an important lesson about organization. Benjamin Franklin once said:
“For every minute spent organizing, an hour is earned.”
Understanding what it means to be organized isn’t complicated. At its core, it’s about having the ability to retrieve whatever you need, instantly, whenever you need it. To achieve this, plan and create designated spaces for everything—whether it’s digital files, work documents, or daily tasks. Look at the visual on what I mean by organized spaces.
Once everything has its place, follow the DRIFT (Do It Right the First Time) principle: Whenever you receive something—an email, a document, a physical item, or even a task —place it in its designated spot (physical or digital) immediately. That’s all it takes to stay organized!
When we fail to stay organized, the consequences add up quickly:
Wasted Time – Instead of getting work done, we spend time searching for things.
Missed Opportunities – Important tasks slip through the cracks.
Increased Stress – Bottlenecks and last-minute crises create unnecessary pressure.
Missed Deadlines – Not having the required information on hand can derail our plans.
Being disorganized isn’t just about a cluttered desk—it’s about lost time, missed opportunities, and added stress.
Start Today: The Two-Step Formula
1️⃣ Create Organized Spaces – Assign a specific place for everything you use regularly.
2️⃣ Follow DRIFT (Do it Right the First Time) – Always place things where they belong immediately.
Small changes today can save you hours tomorrow. Start now, and take control of your time and sanity!
Subscribe to my newsletter, to get tips like this and more, directly in your inbox!
(Originally published in Times of India on March 14, 2025)
Why Most Resolutions Fail by February (And How to Revive Them)
Today is February 28th! The feeling of the New Year, by any stretch of the imagination, will also end now. By now, most resolutions are forgotten (Hey, kudos to you if yours have not!).
Why Resolutions Fail?
Most habits fail because they rely too much on:
- Willpower – Strong in the beginning but drains quickly.
- Memory – We think we’ll remember, but life gets in the way.
This should have been your blueprint when your willpower was high. If not, you may have to start from here.
First Part (Easier): Setting Up for Success
- Action Plan: Make a mind map for breaking down your goal (resolutions) into actionable steps and push the tasks into your to-do list. Remember, you can’t work on a goal—you can work on tasks. Complete the actions.
- Front Door Reminder: To refresh your memory on resolutions, create a physical flashcard or digital graphic. Keep the card where you can always see it, or make the digital version your screensaver.
The preparation steps are typically easy and often exciting—buying equipment, accessories, subscriptions, etc. The real challenge begins when you have a bunch of tasks that need to be integrated into your routines. This is where you need a deliberate system, something like this:
Second Part (Harder): Execution and Consistency
This is where you put your head down and consistently execute routines to achieve your goals. These aren’t glamorous but are necessary. Our motto here is: “No Forgetting, No Searching.”
- Time-Sensitive Routines: Add time-sensitive routines to your calendar with the required recurrence to get timely reminders. But reminders alone aren’t enough—plan your day around these slots to protect them from interruptions.
- Daily Routine: Write down your routines and refer to them daily. If they involve short actions, tackle them in the morning to avoid missing them. If they involve browsing, create a browser bookmarks folder on the bookmarks bar with links to these tasks. Open them all in one click.
- Weekly Routine: Some tasks only need to be done weekly. Again, write them down in your routine list. If they involve browsing, create a separate bookmarks folder for them. One click, no searching.
- Shortcut Your Success: If you use certain mobile apps for these routines, place their shortcuts on your home screen for instant access and as a visual reminder.
- Track It: Use a journal or habit tracker to log progress. Seeing your streak builds motivation and keeps you on course.
Add more tactics as per your needs—just follow the motto: “No Forgetting, No Searching.”
The Bottom Line – Willpower fades. Memory fails. It takes a village to stay consistent—build one around you.
Revive your New Year’s resolutions—it’s not too late!
Subscribe to my newsletter, to get tips like this and more, directly in your inbox!
(Originally published in Times of India on February 28, 2025)