Husain Journal

I used to think boundaries were for other people — the ones who were strict, disciplined, or assertive. Me? I just went along, said yes, and tried to keep everyone happy. It started small. A family member would ask me to spend a little extra on something “important,” a friend would expect me to be available at odd hours, and colleagues would slip tasks onto my plate without asking. I didn’t mind at first. I shrugged it off, telling myself, “It’s fine. I can handle it.” But over time, I noticed something. That quiet tension in my chest, the subtle frustration that I couldn’t shake, the evenings I spent worrying instead of resting — it was all piling up. And I realised, slowly but painfully, that I had no boundaries. The Wake-Up Call The moment that changed everything was simple. I was tracking my monthly expenses and savings — something I had been doing for years — and I noticed how often I was giving away money or energy without thin...

“You have power over your mind—not outside events. Realise this, and you will find strength.” — Marcus Aurelius Earlier, it was Facebook. Before that, Orkut. Then email. Even the daily horoscope. And now? It’s Groww. The stock market. I feel a regular itch to check my portfolio—whether my shares have gone up or down. I know this urge is a waste of time. Monitoring the market’s tiny daily movements doesn’t help. Experts say the same, and their reasoning is solid, grounded, unarguable. And yet? I still give in to the impulse. I keep checking, even though I know it steals my time and attention—leaving less room for real, productive work. But if productivity is my aim, I must be ruthless about weeding out habits that hold me back. If I clearly know that a certain activity doesn’t contribute to my growth, there’s no excuse for continuing it. I need to kill my base impulses, however intense they feel in the moment. Doing that would fr...

Why I Challenge Myself to Write 500 Words in 10 Minutes Every Morning Every morning, before the market opens, I sit down and write. It’s not always easy. In fact, I deliberately make it a little hard. My goal? 500 words in 10 minutes. It might sound intense—and it is—but I’ve done it before, many times. And every time I do, I get a little better. A little faster. A little more confident in my ability to express myself, even when the words aren’t flowing perfectly. The Power of Tough Daily Challenges I believe in pushing boundaries. Not to the point of burnout, but enough to feel discomfort—the kind that signals growth. If I always stayed within my comfort zone, how would I improve? So I set tough, time-boxed goals like these to sharpen my skills. But I also keep it realistic. Writing 1,000 words in 10 minutes? That’s just chaos. But 500? That’s my sweet spot. It forces me to think, to focus, and—most importantly—to let go of perfecti...

Whenever I sit down to freewrite, I often wonder if I’m just indulging myself. Am I really doing something worthwhile, or simply escaping tougher challenges? This doubt slows me down. But over time, I’ve realised something important: freewriting is not an escape. It’s a practice that sharpens my thinking, improves my expression, and helps me discover new ideas I wouldn’t have found otherwise. Every session makes me a little better, even if it doesn’t feel like “serious work” in the moment. Turning intentions into concrete goals If I want to create something meaningful, I must treat my writing practice as a rewarding pursuit—and back it up with clear goals. For September, I’ve set myself four tasks: Publish one blog post every week Post two videos Read at least two books Speak in English with my children The first two will help me get consistent with “shipping” m...

Have you ever looked at someone successful and wondered, How did they get there? The truth often isn’t glamour—it’s consistency. Quiet, persistent action. And what may look like overnight success is usually years in the making. I’ve been sitting with a thought lately that’s quietly reshaping my habits: The effort I put in today is a gift to my future self—and to the people I love. The work I do now may feel thankless, but it’s the very thing that could transform my future life. "The future depends on what you do today." – Mahatma Gandhi Whether it’s putting in the hours at work, learning something new, or investing small amounts of money regularly, these acts are not wasted. They compound — just like interest does. Small, consistent effort in the present becomes long-term growth in the future. And nowhere is this principle more visible than in personal finance . Your Daily Habits Are Financial Investments Too ...

Recently, I gave a quick read to a few chapters of The Intelligent Investor by Benjamin Graham. Though the language was slightly heavy at times, I managed to scoop out some incredible insights on how to build wealth. To my joy, the core lessons were clear and impactful — especially for someone like me who’s trying to get better at managing money and understanding the logic behind investing. Here’s what stood out. 💡 Investment ≠ Speculation One of the book’s central ideas is that there’s a huge difference between investing and speculating — and we often blur that line without realizing it. Graham stresses that true investing is about analyzing where your money goes , aiming for long-term growth. Speculation, on the other hand, is about chasing quick profits, often driven by guesses, trends, or hype. He recommends that if you must speculate, keep it to no more than 10% of your total investments. Anything more, and you're just ga...

"At dawn, when you have trouble getting out of bed, tell yourself: ‘I have to go to work—as a human being. Why should I feel annoyed if I’m going to do what I was born to do?'" — Marcus Aurelius (Meditations 5.1) We all have different definitions of happiness. Some people find joy in parties and luxuries, while others, like you and me, feel most fulfilled when pushing themselves towards a goal. There’s something deeply rewarding about working — not just for success but for the sense of growth and progress it brings. Why Work Feels So Rewarding There’s a common belief that work drains you, but people like me find the opposite to be true. The more effort I put in, the more I enjoy the process. It’s like a muscle — the more we use it, the stronger it gets. The challenges that once seemed overwhelming start feeling achievable. Right now, I’m focused on improving my communication skills. Ever...

"If someone succeeds in provoking you, realise that your mind is complicit in the provocation." — Epictetus I’ve wasted precious hours in unnecessary quarrels. It’s easy to get off course, to let ego pull us away from what truly matters. And in the past, I’ve allowed this to happen more times than I’d like to admit. Looking back, I can see how pointless those arguments were. If I had kept my goals in sight, I would have understood how meaningless those conflicts would prove to be. Every moment spent on negativity was a moment stolen from my growth. But if there’s one thing I can learn from my past mistakes, it’s this: my energy is better spent on self-improvement, not on proving a point to others. Rising Above If my journey toward discipline and self-mastery makes me appear weak or cowardly in the eyes of others, so be it. The truth is, the real strength lies in restraint – in taming our dest...

"If you are ever tempted to look for outside approval, realise that you have compromised your integrity. If you need a witness, be your own." — Epictetus Recently, I shared my Tata Mumbai Marathon 2025 photos and videos with others. Their reactions were heartening — words of appreciation, encouragement, and admiration. And I won’t lie — it felt good. Their recognition gave me a surge of self-esteem. But then, a question crossed my mind: Would I have felt this level of confidence if no one had acknowledged my achievement? The honest answer? No. That realisation was unsettling. Because regardless of whether anyone noticed, the truth remained unchanged: I had accomplished something. Something that required effort, discipline, and perseverance. And that alone made it worthy of recognition — even if the only person recognising it was me. Yet, my self-esteem had risen not because of what...

Do you feel that the pace at which you’re progressing is slow? For everyone, there are moments when rewards appear elusive, and efforts feel long and arduous. I admit that sometimes it seems as though I’m moving forward through a desert and drought, with fertile lands far out of reach. Progress rarely unfolds in a straight line, but every small step matters. As Confucius wisely said, “It does not matter how slowly you go as long as you do not stop.” Today, I’m taking a moment to reflect on my journey and express gratitude for how far I’ve come. One of today’s highlights was completing my speaking session. It wasn’t easy — I had to push through negativity and self-doubt to find my voice — but I did it. To top it off, I also published a new blog post. These small actions might seem insignificant on their own, but together, they create meaningf...

“Do not wait to strike till the iron is hot, but make it hot by striking.” — William Butler Yeats Have you ever felt that life has thrown everything problematic it can at you? Yesterday was one of those days for me. It was tough — emotionally draining and physically taxing — and as it closed, I could feel the toll it had taken on my health. But here’s the thing: despite the exhaustion and setbacks, I didn’t give up. I showed up. Today, I’m back to the drawing board, meditating, putting in the work, and focusing on honing my skills. In fact, I’m doing something I’ve been thinking about for a while now — starting a YouTube channel. The plan was to record a video last evening. I had even picked a topic, one I was really excited about. But, as life often goes, unexpected events cropped up, draining my e...

Each year, a state-level award is bestowed upon outstanding employees with disabilities for their exceptional performance in Uttar Pradesh. This year, I dared to dream of it. My nomination was a compilation of my proudest achievements: running marathons, publishing two books, earning an award from my workplace for incredible performance, and delivering inspiring talks at various conferences. By all accounts, my chances seemed promising. But when the results came out, my name wasn’t on the list. At first, the news hit hard. Disappointment lingered momentarily, but as the dust settled, a surprising emotion emerged: a profound sense of accomplishment. How could rejection feel like a reward? Let me explain. A Blessing in Disguise Had I won the award, my schedule would have filled up with celebrations, interviews, and formalities. While those moments of recognition would have been exhilarating, they might have ...

No classroom, textbook, or seminar could have imparted the wisdom I gained through the tough experiences of lending money. Ironically, the lost money turned into tuition fees for the school of hard knocks, teaching me invaluable truths about financial responsibility and boundaries. This isn’t a tale of bitterness or regret; it’s a journey of growth. If you’ve ever lent money to someone and regretted it, my story might resonate with you. The First Knock: Trust vs. Responsibility Once a friendly person told me that he was in a tight spot and urgently needed money. I didn’t hesitate — I handed over what he needed, confident that he would repay me as promised. Weeks turned into months, and the repayment never came. I found myself making excuses for him, convincing myself that he would honour his word eventually. But instead of repaying me the old money, he asked me for more, telling me, with hesitation and embarrassment, that he had got into ...

Yesterday, I lost my temper with my daughter. I treated her harshly, and I can’t help but feel deep regret and shame. The sobering truth is, my actions caused her pain, and that’s something I’ll never forget. I started with the best intentions, but somewhere along the way, my frustration got the best of me. Instead of guiding her with love, I responded with cruelty. I can’t take back what happened, but I can learn from it and make sure it doesn’t come to pass again. It’s a painful lesson, but it’s one that I needed to learn: love is the only force that truly shapes a child. You can’t force them to change or grow, no matter how hard you try. I’ve learnt that the hard way, but this wisdom has stood the test of time — and it’s something I will now carry with me every day. The Impact of Rash Actions Before I talk about what I plan to do differently, I n...

Whether one admits it or not, it happens all the time. We look at a huge project and feel that wave of cold dread washing over our bones. I’m going to tell you a shameful secret about myself. It could ruin the little reputation that I have, but let it come. Years ago, I started writing a huge novel, but the tyranny of the project overwhelmed me. So I gave up on it. Did I just tell you that I failed? Exactly. I had just started my 21-kilometre run when I felt a heaviness on my chest. The enormity of the distance for an untrained person like me was powerful enough to wipe out all the motivation. Yes, I tell you, right on your face, I had wanted to crawl back into bed. I felt the game’s over. Finish. But I told myself to keep running, even if I didn’t reach the target. And so, I kept at it. As far as my novel is concerned, well, I couldn’t complete it, but I wrote two books and covered huge distances in marathons. And wh...

Have you ever sat down to write without a specific topic in mind? I often do this, and while it might sound unstructured, I’ve found that it leads me to some of my most valuable insights. Today, I decided to give myself a ten-minute writing session without a clear plan, just to see where it takes me. For me, this approach isn’t just about filling the page — it’s a way to break free from predictability. I’ve realised that in writing, painting, or any creative pursuit, breaking away from what’s ordinary is essential. People, including myself, seem to enjoy variety. When everything feels too predictable, people tend to lose interest, and the effort can start to feel ignored. That said, I’ve also discovered that finding the right balance between novelty and familiarity isn’t always straightforward. While surprises in creative work can keep things fresh, too much of it might feel overwhelming or disconnected. For instance, in my own writing,...

“He had heard people speak contemptuously of money: he wondered if they had ever tried to do without it.” — W. Somerset Maugham, author of Of Human Bondage I don’t hate money. I hate the philosophy that dictates that money should be hated. Yes, we can’t drown in greed to acquire it. We can’t infringe on anyone’s rights to amass it. But we can’t also leave any legitimate way to earn it. Agree? Then read on. Digging around options to grow my money, I came across an intriguing concept: The Rule of 72. This simple formula helps you estimate how long it will take for your investment to double, based on a fixed rate of interest. Here’s how it works: you divide 72 by the rate of interest. For example, if you invest your money at a 10% annual return, the math is straightforward — 72 ÷ 10 = 7.2. That means ...

“I am a slow walker, but I never walk back.” Abraham Lincoln Ever felt Like Progress Is Too Slow? Has it appeared to you that the going is getting tough? If yes, then read on. Today, I published another post on my blog, and I’m feeling good about it. Staying consistent with my writing has been a challenge, especially when the response from readers hasn’t quite met my expectations. But I’ve realized something important: consistency is key, and that’s what matters most right now. Progress Is About Showing Up As I reflect on my journey, I remind myself that progress doesn’t always come in big leaps. Sometimes, it’s just about showing up, day after day, and putting in the work. Improvement happens gradually — by keeping the momentum going, even when immediate results aren’t visible. I’ve set myself a goal: once I’ve published a dozen or so great posts, I’ll start looking for influencers to help spread the word. It’s often said that the secret to s...

Here’s the thing about hiccups: they’re often disguised as opportunities. Over the years, I’ve come to believe that every moment — good or bad — has something to teach us. Yes, some days, no matter how much we plan, life throws curveballs. Today was one of those days for me. Half the day has passed by, and I’m finding myself mentally drained, feeling as though I hadn’t accomplished anything concrete. Yet, as I reflect on the day, I realize it wasn’t a complete waste — far from it. A Slow Start with a Bright Spot The day began with a small but meaningful success: I offered my morning prayers on time. It was a quiet moment of gratitude and reflection, setting the tone for a promising day — or so I thought. But soon, the sluggishness set in. Despite my initial enthusiasm to write and hit a thousand-word target, I struggled to focus. Restlessness crept in, and my productivity felt like it had hit rock bottom. ...

Let me confess upfront: I’m terrible at small talk. Social gatherings are my Achilles' heel, especially when faced with the challenge of creating engaging yet effortless conversations. However, last evening, when I met my cousin sister and her husband, I found myself thrust into the proverbial deep end of small talk. What could I possibly say to make the evening flow smoothly? As luck would have it, I discovered that my cousin’s husband works in a UAE bank. Aha! Finally, a topic I could tackle: money. Lately, I’ve become deeply interested in personal finance, particularly in frugality and strategies to save for the future. This newfound interest had nudged me toward exploring mutual funds, a topic I eagerly brought up. Why Mutual Funds Caught My Attention For years, I relied on traditional saving options like fixed deposits (FDs) and recurring deposits (RDs). While these tools offer safety, they fail to outpace inflatio...