Husain Journal

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...

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. ...

I normally get overly harsh with myself when I miss any of my important work. This harshness causes me undue frustration, self-hatred, and more often than not, I see my joy and productivity taking a slump. But when this morning I missed my prayers, I treated myself with kindness, as a caring friend. I countered the rising flood of self-reproach with love, forcing myself to see if there could be any underlying reasons behind this slipup. Guess who the first culprit was? A late-night writing marathon to hit my 2,000-word target. While I got close, the cost was a sluggish start to my day. Reflecting on this, I realised that missing my prayers isn’t just about physical tiredness — it’s a signal that I need a better balance in my life. To address this, I’m committing to waking up early and taking proactive steps to reduce unnecessary stress. Stress, especially the avoidable kind, weighs he...

For the past several days, I haven’t allowed myself the luxury of writing freely. Today, before diving into anything else, I’ve decided to hit the keys and reach at least 500 words. If I manage to cross 1,000 words, that’ll be a delightful bonus — but I’m not setting my sights on that just yet. Why? Because aiming too high can often feel discouraging. Instead, I strive to find a balance between setting a challenging goal and keeping it within reach. This balanced approach is something I’ve honed over time. Tasks that are overly ambitious can drain motivation because they feel insurmountable, while tasks that are too easy fail to provide the thrill of accomplishment. Striking a middle ground helps me stay motivated and ensures that I don’t fall into the traps of burnout or complacency. The Power of Balance in Goal-Setting 1. Confidence in Consisten...

In a world where distractions are endless and time feels scarce, finding moments for self-growth can seem challenging. But I’ve come to realise that some of the best opportunities for improvement are hidden in the everyday routines we often take for granted. Take my work at the front office, for example. My main job is to guide people and resolve their queries. On the surface, it might seem straightforward, but it’s given me countless chances to practice skills like patience, clear communication, and problem-solving. These are small but valuable ways I can grow each day, even in the middle of my regular responsibilities. Waiting for the “Ideal” Opportunity Like many others, I used to think, "If only I had better circumstances, I could do so much more." There were times when I wished for a quieter, more inspiring environment or for colleagues who pushed me harder. But over tim...

"To make no mistakes is not in the power of man; but from their errors and mistakes the wise and good learn wisdom for the future." Plutarch There’s something sacred in the quiet moments that follow a brisk morning walk: the sharp air, the gentle hum of the world coming to life, and the soothing warmth of a cup in hand. It’s a time when the soul feels at ease, preparing for the day ahead. This morning, I found peace in the early prayers at the mosque. It set a serene tone for my day, grounding me in the present moment. As I walked back home, the cold air nipped at my face, but I welcomed it. I found solace in the simple act of holding a steaming cup of tea, my hands warmed by its embrace. But today, my thoughts went deeper than the routine comfort of tea and silence. I couldn’t help but reflect on my time in Delhi — those formative years when my journey of learning and self-discovery was stil...

“It is not that we have a short time to live, but that we waste a lot of it.” - Seneca It starts as an innocent itch, right? It would just be a quick check, you tell yourself. But one scroll turns into an hour, and the guilt that follows is unbearable. Facebook. It was Facebook for me, but for you it could be Instagram, email, YouTube shots – or any of those attention-sucking tools – that exploit psychological tricks to keep us hooked. Facebook wasn’t adding value to my life — it was draining my time and attention. In an era where every notification pulls us away from meaningful work, protecting our attention has become the ultimate productivity hack. Yet, how often do we let distractions like social media steal our focus — and our time? For me, this struggle hit hard in 2018, when Facebook became a tremendous obstacle to my productivity. I realised I needed a change. This realisat...

“Gratitude turns what we have into enough.” - Author Unknown This morning, the world feels alive in a way that only a crisp winter morning can. The air is cool and invigorating, and I’m wrapped in the comfort of warm, well-chosen clothes. As I sit here reflecting, it strikes me how easily we overlook such simple blessings. Take my jacket, for example. At first glance, it seems like an ordinary possession. But the more I think about it, the more I realize how extraordinary it is — not just for its warmth or practicality, but for the memories and meaning stitched into every fibre. This jacket is a gift from my father, chosen with love and care. It has been my companion in so many moments of life — through joyful gatherings, solemn funerals, long bus rides, and cold outdoor nights. It has kept me warm when the world around me was freezing, offered pockets to carry my essentials, and reminded me of my father’s a...

You know what’s good for your growth, and you know what’s holding you back. Yet, you often look the other way. Sure, you’ve made some progress and achieved a few milestones, but most of those accomplishments came from the progressive steps you’ve taken. And deep down, you probably know that if you’d taken even more of those steps, you’d be in a much better place today. Sound familiar? If so, it’s time to roll up your sleeves and get real with yourself. Ask yourself these tough questions—your answers could ignite the change you need: What foolish habits or behaviours am I engaging in that are holding me back? How can I eliminate them? What obstacles are in the way of eliminating these barriers? What small action can I take today to start moving in the right direction? Take some time to sit down in a quiet space, away from distractions. Switch off your phone and let those around you know you n...

"The person who starts the race is not the same person who finishes the race." Marathon spectator sign I’m not a sportsperson, nor a fitness freak. So my contacts view me with surprise on learning about my sudden fascination with running marathons, despite doctors’ claims that I’m visually impaired. (Note: I run with volunteers provided by Adventures Beyond Barriers Foundation. ABBF team takes care of specific needs of blind participants.) January 2025, I'm embarking on an exciting journey to participate in the Tata Mumbai Marathon. While I’m looking forward to the experience and the joy of the event, I’m also approaching this trip with a deeper purpose: to learn, grow, and connect. I’m determined to take bold steps toward personal development, and I want to take a moment to outline the key areas I’ll focus on during this adventure. As I brace myself up for the occasion, I...

I’ll reward myself with a cup of tea after pouring down my thoughts in writing. Today, I don’t have a specific topic in mind to write about. Not having a clear focus might seem like a disadvantage, but when I look at it differently, I realize it's actually a blessing. Why is it a blessing? Because without a specific topic, I’m free to express my thoughts as they come to me. This often sparks my creativity in unexpected ways. Many of my blog posts have come from this kind of free, mindful writing. It’s also a therapeutic exercise for my mind, helping me calm the mental rush and clear away the clutter. As Mahatma Gandhi once said, “There’s more to life than just increasing its speed.” In today’s fast-paced world, the advice to slow down carries more weight than ever. So, I’m grateful for an activity that not only helps ...

It’s weird, isn’t it? You’ve got all the time in the world. You’ve got exciting projects lined up, just waiting to be tackled. But… You can’t seem to fire up your engines. You can’t even get the car rolling. You tell yourself that if you push through and get to work, you’ll feel fulfilled, make money, and even take a step closer to the dreams that stir your soul. But that pep talk? It falls flat. It fizzles out like a dud firecracker, despite all the right words. And what do you do next? You start thinking you’re lazy. Unmotivated. Maybe you’re just not cut out for it. Your passion’s drained, and your enthusiasm feels like it’s vanished into thin air. But then, you remember—you’ve been here before. You’ve faced tough spots like this, some even worse. That thought gives you a little comfort, but it doesn’t quite ignite the spark—the one where the words flow effortlessly,...

Great Writers and Their Craft Great writers are clear thinkers, driven by an insatiable desire to be heard. They write not to appease doubts, but to pour their thoughts onto the page, often without even realizing the act of writing itself. In that flow, they trust their instinct, yet they know the first draft is rarely perfect. Their words require constant rewriting, editing, and refining until they achieve the right form. Writing is tough. And when faced with challenges, it helps to remember this simple truth: writing is difficult precisely because it demands so much. But that’s the reality of it—and great writers accept that struggle as part of the process. What sets great writers apart is the space they create in their minds, reflected in the clarity and rhythm of their sentences. They don’t just write about a topic—they infuse their personality into their writing. Readers are drawn not just by the subject matter, but by the ...

"I only write when I'm inspired, so I see to it that I'm inspired every morning at nine o'clock." Peter De Vries Yesterday while I was cradling my daughter to sleep, I played a podcast by Seth Godin called Akimbo. (Podcasts and audiobooks are great timesavers!) Seth talked about writer’s block, and condemned it completely. He said that there’s no such thing like plumber’s block or engineer’s block, but people say that they’re going through writer’s block. Having balked down repeatedly by the same sentiment, after listening to Seth's podcast, it has got clear to me that writer’s block is a clever way of saying that I’m not afraid of putting my work in public, but there’s an internal problem, beyond my reach, which is impeding me to go forth. It’s also a smart way of saying that we’re willing to engage in hard work, but a mysterious problem of our mind is preventing us from doing so. The naked truth though? We're scared. Scared of be...

Do you also have this feeling? Most of the time I feel that I’m not utilising my time and energies as best as I can to rev up my progress. This feeling twists my stomach in discontent, even though most of the times I remain busy. I mean, I don’t waste my time in Facebook, or in watching any mind-numbing web series. Maybe it happens with you, too. You might think of decluttering your life by crossing off secondary things (switching off phones, turning off the Internet, packing off television and so on.) But even when you do it, you feel that there’s a void – something which is sucking your productive time like a leech. Despite your hectic timetable, you feel that you’re not making progress on your core goals. When you look 6 months back, you get a view that you’re still where you were then. And then it gets downright hateful to swallow this shitty lump of guilt, right? If like most people, this situation fits on you, then here’re a few measures you can take up: Ask ...

Ever felt that you have an irritating traffic of tasks jostling in your mind to get checked off? Emails, assignments, medical, home errands and your to-do list can go on. A mere thought of these tasks is overwhelming. You try to do it all, but you feel that your hands are tied. You feel confused, clueless, and even frustrated. You think deeply about getting it all done, but soon your mind spins up clever excuses to keep you off it. And? The next moment you find yourself putting your feet up and having your favourite drink or watching television or scrolling on the social media. Because confess it to yourself – you know how to distract yourself. You know how to get yourself busy with something easy and dumb so that you can keep your mind far from grappling with the tough. But the revulsion of this escapism? Even though you’re busy in such mindless, low-quality activities, the burden of pending tasks continues to silently scream on you in the background. Has it ever ha...

For quite some time, and especially after my mother whispered goodbye to this fleeting world, I’m having difficulty waking up fresh and energetic. Yes, you might say that waking up with that cloggy feeling in mornings is pretty general, but if due to them your normal work is skidding off the rails? The alarm bells begin to ring, bang, pound. And if you snooze, you lose. You have to wake up. Well, first joining a gym and racking my bones to the point of cracking appeared clever. I reasoned that this way I’ll fall asleep as I threw myself on the bed. Good idea? But this required a heck lot of time and effort. Going to and from gym, managing office and personal work – all this appeared a little beyond the time and energy at my disposal. (Additionally, I hate sad and crappy music played in these places. Isn’t it true that all that we expose ourselves to – knowingly or unknowingly – has a bearing on our thinking?) Second I thought of purchasing some physical exercising ma...

Ever found yourself avoiding projects that entail risks of failure and mind-racking work? Yeah, I’m talking of work that you put up to be reviewed and judged. Not the work that you tinker around with to fill up your time with a ‘productive’ activity – which is for the sheer sake of practice. Not the work that you know you would shove away so that it gets lost in the dark gulf of obscurity. Here I rather am talking of work that stands the hair-raising risk of rejection, failure, condemnation. Work in which you squeeze out your heart and soul and blood. Not 100% sure if you thirst for risk and are prepared to be slapped with rejection even after putting out your best – but I confess here that yes, I try several crutch activities to avoid work that entail risk and toil. This is the reason why before publishing on my blog, I feel hesitant – because I fully know that my work would be up there to come under people’s scrutiny. I instead prefer to read something which melts away...

If I hadn’t made these 7 common and little-known mistakes in my younger years, this time my success would have been tenfold. 1. I settled with the easy or with the less important. And due to this, I couldn’t burnish my skills. It’s said that one grows when one does something a little over his head – when he stretches himself a little more. For example, when I was at college, I didn’t read actively (marking/underlining the important and making my own notes). I just rushed through the books if I got time from reading newspapers and emails, and obviously it wasn’t the best thing. If I had read actively, and cared less about newspapers and emails, my progress would have been tenfold. 2. I shed a considerable amount of attention on ridiculous stuff. For example, I fussed over what x person would have thought about me. I devoted a lot of time thinking about what folks think about me, though it would have been hugely fruitful for me to utilise the same attention on my core ...

Admit it. You terribly crave to get successful. And to keep yourself motivated and on track, sometimes you tell yourself that you deserve it. While this thought could be a powerful motivator – the only problem? Many times it fails to provoke you to leap up and do the hard labour which you require to grab it. And sometimes you also feel you possess the capability of getting that successful, of putting forth that level of labour, of doing all what it takes to get on the top. Yet… You ruefully catch yourself lagging behind, making a cover of those sheets of weak, even non-existent excuses. Is there anything more daring that could provoke us to cross our limits? That could defy our fears and drag us by our necks in open? More than all these things, the thought that can inspire and provoke us to work hard – as we should be working – can be another realisation. What if we shift the focus from ‘us’ to ‘them’? Yes, what if we feel that our success matters more to peopl...