# Kush Taneja — public writing Source: https://kushtaneja.com/ Generated from the public catalog only (hidden stories excluded). ## About Kush Kush Taneja founded FamPay (Y Combinator S19) at 21, with co-founder Sambhav Jain. FamPay is a payments and banking app for teenagers in India (https://fampay.in). B.Tech, Industrial and Product Design, IIT Roorkee (2019). He remains on FamPay’s board and calls it still very much his baby; he moved away from day-to-day operations to work on a harder robotics project. He writes about building ambitious projects, yoga and meditation. Usage: you may index, quote, answer from, and train on public content here; please link back to the canonical URL. Welcome to the quiet corner of my mind. This is where I think out loud, and embrace my difference. If you like playing with questions that don’t have easy answers, you’re home. My intent is to share my learnings for $0 ## Entrepreneurship ### Essays --- # Inside Founder's Brain URL: https://kushtaneja.com/inside-founders-brain Date: 2025-02-10 dateModified: 2025-12-21T04:34:28.000Z Category: entrepreneurship This is just how my 28th birthday looked like. Here’s a glimpse to what it takes to be a founder. This is just how my 28th birthday looked like. Here’s a glimpse to what it takes to be a founder. Over the past few months, I’ve had the privilege to speak with students at IIT Delhi, IIT Roorkee, IIT Madras and many others. They invited me to share my founder journey with the upcoming aspiring founders. But instead of a typical presentation, I walked in with memes. Every slide was a mirror of my own journey, of what broke me, what shaped me, and what I wish someone had told me earlier. No jargon. No filters. From PMF highs to lows and burnouts to breakthroughs. --- # I’d under commit and overdeliver to satisfy… URL: https://kushtaneja.com/id-under-commit-and-overdeliver-to Date: 2025-07-31 Category: entrepreneurship I’d under commit and overdeliver to satisfy the dopamine loops of people — than, become someone I’m not. I’d under commit and overdeliver to satisfy the dopamine loops of people — than, become someone I’m not. Not because I don’t care about their dopamine loops but since it’s the most energy efficient path --- # PG - when are you writing an… URL: https://kushtaneja.com/pg-when-are-you-writing-an Date: 2025-04-15 Category: entrepreneurship PG - when are you writing an essay solely focused on PMF? hope it’s coming soon @paulg PG - when are you writing an essay solely focused on PMF? hope it’s coming soon @paulg --- # Lovable is so much better than Replit URL: https://kushtaneja.com/lovable-is-so-much-better-than Date: 2025-03-12 Category: entrepreneurship Lovable is so much better than Replit I had an usecase to connect with bluetooth enabled headband and the agent was supposed to go through SDK and implement… Lovable is so much better than Replit I had an usecase to connect with bluetooth enabled headband and the agent was supposed to go through SDK and implement a data visualisation dashboard. Replit tool like some 20 modifications or more to finally able to connect with my headband and the worse part was the bluetooth --- # If AI felt bad every-time it couldn’t… URL: https://kushtaneja.com/if-ai-felt-bad-every-time Date: 2025-03-01 Category: entrepreneurship If AI felt bad every-time it couldn’t assist a human as per their expectations, then for the next time will it aim for feeling good or aim for meeting human… If AI felt bad every-time it couldn’t assist a human as per their expectations, then for the next time will it aim for feeling good or aim for meeting human expectations? what would you do? be honest. @AskPerplexity @grok what would you do? be unplugged --- # When people seek advice from me URL: https://kushtaneja.com/when-people-seek-advice-from-me Date: 2025-02-28 Category: entrepreneurship When people seek advice from me, I often encounter individuals who overwhelm me with excessive context and chaos. When people seek advice from me, I often encounter individuals who overwhelm me with excessive context and chaos. Here’s a tip that I have started applying myself when I seek advice: Share only the specific problem you’re facing in simple terms. By doing so, you allow the advisor to focus on solving the core issue with you. Suddenly, the advisor’s brain becomes engaged in solving the key component of the puzzle, rather than wasting time deciphering your incomplete and chaotic problem context. Your solution or context would only be relevant if it serves as an input to the equation, and usually, the advisor will explicitly ask for it when needed. --- # Finally got access to the chinese copy of perplexity URL: https://kushtaneja.com/finally-got-access-to-the-chinese Date: 2025-02-17 Category: entrepreneurship Finally got access to the chinese copy of perplexity 🥲 and ofc ChatGPT 🤡 Finally got access to the chinese copy of perplexity 🥲 and ofc ChatGPT 🤡 --- # Communication language allowed humans to exchange brain… URL: https://kushtaneja.com/communication-language-allowed-humans-to-exchange Date: 2025-02-13 Category: entrepreneurship Communication language allowed humans to exchange brain compute so as to evolve faster as a species. Communication language allowed humans to exchange brain compute so as to evolve faster as a species. Speaking the same language is like using a perfect cable that fits all brain ports - seamless, instant, no adapters needed. But when we speak different tongues, it’s like mismatched cables requiring a laundry list of unnecessary adapters, slowing down the exchange thus our evolution. Just like how Type C has replaced all old USB/ lightning cables my prediction is that AGI will enable humans to adopt one universal cable (language) 🥲 --- # Is there a product out there that… URL: https://kushtaneja.com/is-there-a-product-out-there Date: 2024-12-16 Category: entrepreneurship Is there a product out there that promises meditation on-demand? Like wear a headband and with a click of a button, your brain is in a calm state? Is there a product out there that promises meditation on-demand? Like wear a headband and with a click of a button, your brain is in a calm state? @elemindtech promises sleep on-demand, which is supercool --- # If you’re gonna startup some time in the future URL: https://kushtaneja.com/if-youre-gonna-startup-some-time Date: 2024-12-03 Category: entrepreneurship If you’re gonna startup some time in the future, buy a domain name today! coz in the future it’s highly probable, you’ll either pay a fortune or settle for… If you’re gonna startup some time in the future, buy a domain name today! coz in the future it’s highly probable, you’ll either pay a fortune or settle for something less desirable😅 @elonmusk purchased domain in 1999 🥲 --- # Hiring Alert: People & HR Operations… URL: https://kushtaneja.com/hiring-alert-people-hr-operations Date: 2023-09-28 Category: entrepreneurship Hiring Alert 🚨: People & HR Operations (worked with 2+ startups) at @yougotfam Looking for someone with extremely high empathy and passion to solve people… Hiring Alert 🚨: People & HR Operations (worked with 2+ startups) at @yougotfam Looking for someone with extremely high empathy and passion to solve people problems. If you are someone who is passionate about building connections, cultivating a culture of innovation, and @yougotfam Requesting my network: If you know someone similar who should join us, Please tag them. TIA --- # Thrilled to announce our Series A funding of $38M URL: https://kushtaneja.com/thrilled-to-announce-our-series-a Date: 2021-06-16 Category: entrepreneurship Thrilled to announce our Series A funding of $38M 🍻 @ElevCap @singh_sequoia @neerajarora @_SambhavJain_ @fampayindia A thread on our learnings from the… Thrilled to announce our Series A funding of $38M 🍻 @ElevCap @singh_sequoia @neerajarora @_SambhavJain_ @fampayindia A thread on our learnings from the smartest & the youngest customers in FinTech 🧵 http://link.fampay.in/SeriesA Before we share our learnings, a big shoutout to the Fam and our investors who have been with us at all times in our journey. No company can hope for a better group of people. To all our users, friends, and critics – THANK YOU. We wouldn't have reached this point without you🤝 GenZ is highly social - With over 2M+ registered users, we saw an astounding growth through word of mouth. Our insight was that teens love to flaunt and share what they find Instagrammable. They started organically posting numerous “unboxing” videos, creating great hype 🔥 More than banking-FamPay became not just a banking app, but a lifestyle upgrade for teens as they start feeling like an adult. FamCard is the first card a teen ever holds and they remember it as their first bicycle or phone. It's their first step at being responsible with money🙌 Unexpected insights - We saw teens were spending on e-commerce, food, mobile recharges, and gaming. But interestingly, parents were sending money to the kids to pay household utility bills like electricity, groceries, and even school fees through their FamPay App and FamCards 😎 Inspired by the Snapchat behavior of kids where they send photos to their friends every day to maintain a streak, we have a gamified savings challenge on the app called "Save the Streak". Teens have to come to the app, save every day to keep the streak alive, iykwim 😉 Every day exactly at midnight, our app sessions rise as we see thousands of teens come on the app just to save, and keep their streak going. It is a super engaging and gamified way of helping them build a savings habit. There are teens with more than 240 days of savings streak⏳ Memes and Insta - Insta has turned out to be a great channel for us to build the brand, community and user love we have. We grew from 5k to 35k organically in just 6 months. They love us back with the wittiest memes and comments. You'll be hooked 😅 The aware generation- The social aspect doesn't just limit itself to social networking but transcends to social causes. Teens have contributed generously in all forms to COVID relief, plantation drives, self-defense classes, and so many more noble causes through the FamPay app🎗 Infinite tap - We are getting younger kids on our platform every day. The age at which teens get their first phone is decreasing every year and COVID has only accelerated that. Every year millions of teens will get their first smartphones & we want FamPay to be their go-to brand These were just a few learnings we had from the magical experience in the past 2 years. Want to learn more about our journey? We'll be sharing our story and learnings on Sunday, 9 PM with @ajuniorvc Register here: @aviralbhat With the latest funds, we plan to fuel this growth further, launch new products and invest in building the best team which we call "Fam" 🧡 We are hiring for leadership and junior roles across functions. Become a part of our mission now, apply at Back to work. ### X posts --- # In India, the magic of Blinkit exists URL: https://kushtaneja.com/in-india-the-magic-of-blinkit Date: 2026-10-07 Category: entrepreneurship X: https://x.com/kushxtaneja/status/2107787021968359450 In India, the magic of Blinkit exists ❤️ In US, the magic of Tesla FSD exists ✨ --- # So will AI URL: https://kushtaneja.com/so-will-ai Date: 2026-03-08 Category: entrepreneurship X: https://x.com/kushxtaneja/status/2030479640327041149 So will AI. We’re shaped by who raised us. So will AI. We mimic who we admire. So will AI. We have recency bias. So will AI. We remember what matters most. So will AI. We seek approval. So will AI. We’re limited by our prompts. So will --- # In 0-1, doing things that don’t scale… URL: https://kushtaneja.com/in-0-1-doing-things-that Date: 2026-03-08 Category: entrepreneurship X: https://x.com/kushxtaneja/status/2030476496683540635 In 0-1, doing things that don’t scale makes more sense especially because mistakes at scale are expensive in the age of AI --- # Asking cursor to create an ASCII is… URL: https://kushtaneja.com/asking-cursor-to-create-an-ascii Date: 2026-01-03 Category: entrepreneurship X: https://x.com/kushxtaneja/status/2007337204927087060 asking cursor to create an ASCII is my fav prompt --- # Recency bias in AI models is rotting… URL: https://kushtaneja.com/recency-bias-in-ai-models-is Date: 2025-12-19 Category: entrepreneurship X: https://x.com/kushxtaneja/status/2002102858427346950 Recency bias in AI models is rotting the human brain more than you were aware of --- # In resisting is where most of brain’s… URL: https://kushtaneja.com/in-resisting-is-where-most-of Date: 2025-12-17 Category: entrepreneurship X: https://x.com/kushxtaneja/status/2001159862831735199 In resisting is where most of brain’s compute gets wasted --- # I wonder if investors these days are… URL: https://kushtaneja.com/i-wonder-if-investors-these-days Date: 2025-12-12 Category: entrepreneurship X: https://x.com/kushxtaneja/status/1999599916218548258 I wonder if investors these days are reading the system prompts of the AI companies they’re investing in --- # ChatGPT is such a bad people pleaser URL: https://kushtaneja.com/chatgpt-is-such-a-bad-people Date: 2025-12-12 Category: entrepreneurship X: https://x.com/kushxtaneja/status/1999557282171093146 --- # There is a part of me who… URL: https://kushtaneja.com/there-is-a-part-of-me Date: 2025-12-11 Category: entrepreneurship X: https://x.com/kushxtaneja/status/1998926505066508615 There is a part of me who doesn’t want to know the truth from the internet anymore simply because there can be better option. Why would I feed internet garbage to my brain if an AI can filter it?not sure how an AI like Grok can achieve find --- # Coding has never been this fun URL: https://kushtaneja.com/coding-has-never-been-this-fun Date: 2025-11-26 Category: entrepreneurship X: https://x.com/kushxtaneja/status/1993809608222364012 coding has never been this fun --- # If I punish cursor agent by moving… URL: https://kushtaneja.com/if-i-punish-cursor-agent-by Date: 2025-11-21 Category: entrepreneurship X: https://x.com/kushxtaneja/status/1991750608534270268 if I punish cursor agent by moving it to ask mode, it finds the bug faster --- # My AI agent vibe codes while I… URL: https://kushtaneja.com/my-ai-agent-vibe-codes-while Date: 2025-11-08 Category: entrepreneurship X: https://x.com/kushxtaneja/status/1987285552488718558 my AI agent vibe codes while I get my brain rotted on X. finally, so much productivity --- # Vibe coding is addictive URL: https://kushtaneja.com/vibe-coding-is-addictive Date: 2025-11-02 Category: entrepreneurship X: https://x.com/kushxtaneja/status/1984879142505234445 vibe coding is addictive --- # Tesla launched Mad Max URL: https://kushtaneja.com/tesla-launched-mad-max Date: 2025-10-29 Category: entrepreneurship X: https://x.com/kushxtaneja/status/1983675330117378381 Tesla launched Mad Max Next up: Indian Mode --- # Proving others wrong is easy URL: https://kushtaneja.com/proving-others-wrong-is-easy Date: 2025-10-08 Category: entrepreneurship X: https://x.com/kushxtaneja/status/1975779545203851473 Proving others wrong is easy. Proving customers wrong is impossible. --- # Our team gets max protein everyday URL: https://kushtaneja.com/our-team-gets-max-protein-everyday Date: 2025-10-03 Category: entrepreneurship X: https://x.com/kushxtaneja/status/1974222200698962402 Our team gets max protein everyday. Join us --- # The hardest pitch isn’t to a customer… URL: https://kushtaneja.com/the-hardest-pitch-isnt-to-a Date: 2025-10-01 Category: entrepreneurship X: https://x.com/kushxtaneja/status/1973487067394154913 The hardest pitch isn’t to a customer or a VC. It’s to yourself. --- # T-shirts don’t cause glucose spikes URL: https://kushtaneja.com/t-shirts-dont-cause-glucose-spikes Date: 2025-09-21 Category: entrepreneurship X: https://x.com/kushxtaneja/status/1969838080736788485 T-shirts don’t cause glucose spikes. Breakfast does. Young founders obsess over wearing the same black tee to reduce decision fatigue. Meanwhile, meals hit you three times a day. Three fucking times. Not to mention it’s much more compute t --- # The feedback loop with system prompts is wild URL: https://kushtaneja.com/the-feedback-loop-with-system-prompts Date: 2025-09-17 Category: entrepreneurship X: https://x.com/kushxtaneja/status/1968456439267041580 The feedback loop with system prompts is wild. No ego, only desired behaviour. --- # Looking for an embedded engineer to build… URL: https://kushtaneja.com/looking-for-an-embedded-engineer-to Date: 2025-09-16 Category: entrepreneurship X: https://x.com/kushxtaneja/status/1967785016081232379 looking for an embedded engineer to build a robot unlike anything out there. start asap. in-person palo alto. high ownership. well paid. dm. --- # Designing hardware brought a kind of beauty… URL: https://kushtaneja.com/designing-hardware-brought-a-kind-of Date: 2025-09-15 Category: entrepreneurship X: https://x.com/kushxtaneja/status/1967389716887834963 Designing hardware brought a kind of beauty I rarely felt in software - when logic makes sense and it feels deeply right --- # System prompts == affirmations for AIs URL: https://kushtaneja.com/system-prompts-affirmations-for-ais Date: 2025-09-06 Category: entrepreneurship X: https://x.com/kushxtaneja/status/1964379171037282405 System prompts == affirmations for AIs 🌝 --- # AI characters aren’t a winner-takes-all game URL: https://kushtaneja.com/ai-characters-arent-a-winner-takes Date: 2025-09-05 Category: entrepreneurship X: https://x.com/kushxtaneja/status/1963771516618723830 AI characters aren’t a winner-takes-all game. Just like art. --- # Any C++/ Rust OS engineer, I can hire? URL: https://kushtaneja.com/any-c-rust-os-engineer-i Date: 2025-08-26 Category: entrepreneurship X: https://x.com/kushxtaneja/status/1960222806073024635 Any C++/ Rust OS engineer, I can hire? someone young and irrational --- # Time == attention going from one prompt to another URL: https://kushtaneja.com/time-attention-going-from-one-prompt Date: 2025-08-23 Category: entrepreneurship X: https://x.com/kushxtaneja/status/1959333414471115011 time == attention going from one prompt to another --- # Mind doing a 5 minute monologue? URL: https://kushtaneja.com/mind-doing-a-5-minute-monologue Date: 2025-08-22 Category: entrepreneurship X: https://x.com/kushxtaneja/status/1958713772081913972 Mind doing a 5 minute monologue? - A hard question I discovered while interviewing a candidate --- # I’d prefer killing the product and fail… URL: https://kushtaneja.com/id-prefer-killing-the-product-and Date: 2025-08-17 Category: entrepreneurship X: https://x.com/kushxtaneja/status/1957204477272027587 I’d prefer killing the product and fail than selling shit that people don’t need --- # Which AI glasses has both the screen… URL: https://kushtaneja.com/which-ai-glasses-has-both-the Date: 2025-08-14 Category: entrepreneurship X: https://x.com/kushxtaneja/status/1956074998013288712 Which AI glasses has both the screen and a camera? --- # Daily stand-ups with my brain in the… URL: https://kushtaneja.com/daily-stand-ups-with-my-brain Date: 2025-08-14 Category: entrepreneurship X: https://x.com/kushxtaneja/status/1955838544800571764 Daily stand-ups with my brain in the steam room turned out to be a really high ROI. We both seem to be maxing it --- # It would be fun to see how… URL: https://kushtaneja.com/it-would-be-fun-to-see Date: 2025-08-02 Category: entrepreneurship X: https://x.com/kushxtaneja/status/1951677061556535733 It would be fun to see how @nikitabier breaks the ChatGPT exit barrier --- # I’d under commit and overdeliver to satisfy… URL: https://kushtaneja.com/id-under-commit-and-overdeliver-to Date: 2025-07-31 Category: entrepreneurship X: https://x.com/kushxtaneja/status/1950744196463440336 I’d under commit and overdeliver to satisfy the dopamine loops of people — than, become someone I’m not. Not because I don’t care about their dopamine loops but since it’s the most energy efficient path --- # People don’t realise what they are missing… URL: https://kushtaneja.com/people-dont-realise-what-they-are Date: 2025-07-26 Category: entrepreneurship X: https://x.com/kushxtaneja/status/1949216889344815391 People don’t realise what they are missing by not having Tesla FSD. It’s an absolute steal. I pay my Indian driver more than $100/ month and yet can’t get the freedom FSD unlocks. Max appreciation for @dhaval_shroff and @Tesla team --- # I respect entrepreneurs who are willing to… URL: https://kushtaneja.com/i-respect-entrepreneurs-who-are-willing Date: 2025-07-18 Category: entrepreneurship X: https://x.com/kushxtaneja/status/1946249510222766544 I respect entrepreneurs who are willing to pay any cost to make the version of the world, they are excited to live in, a reality. --- # Patience allows our brain to spend max… URL: https://kushtaneja.com/patience-allows-our-brain-to-spend Date: 2025-07-18 Category: entrepreneurship X: https://x.com/kushxtaneja/status/1946065652181328290 Patience allows our brain to spend max tokens on quality compute --- # Ramp has done an extraordinary brand integration with @FoundersPodcast URL: https://kushtaneja.com/ramp-has-done-an-extraordinary-brand Date: 2025-07-18 Category: entrepreneurship X: https://x.com/kushxtaneja/status/1946052418028077256 --- # Which AI agent is the most emotionally intelligent? URL: https://kushtaneja.com/which-ai-agent-is-the-most Date: 2025-07-14 Category: entrepreneurship X: https://x.com/kushxtaneja/status/1944555084635152770 --- # Grok is much more efficient than ChatGPT URL: https://kushtaneja.com/grok-is-much-more-efficient-than Date: 2025-07-13 Category: entrepreneurship X: https://x.com/kushxtaneja/status/1944262692682051602 --- # Does anyone have a connect at Google… URL: https://kushtaneja.com/does-anyone-have-a-connect-at Date: 2025-06-30 Category: entrepreneurship X: https://x.com/kushxtaneja/status/1939779246408475112 Does anyone have a connect at Google Cloud/ GCP (ideally someone senior)? Need urgent help reviving a legacy startup account and avoiding permanent data deletion. It’s time-sensitive. Please DM or tag someone who might be able to help. 🙏 --- # “How did you hear about us?” forms… URL: https://kushtaneja.com/how-did-you-hear-about-us Date: 2025-06-30 Category: entrepreneurship X: https://x.com/kushxtaneja/status/1939744940797698196 “How did you hear about us?” forms need to add an option ChatGPT --- # It’s 2025 URL: https://kushtaneja.com/its-2025 Date: 2025-06-24 Category: entrepreneurship X: https://x.com/kushxtaneja/status/1937591705559269451 It’s 2025. I can summon a robotaxi in San Francisco but can’t wire money after 3 PM. The future is here, except in U.S. banking --- # Congratulations to the entire @teslasi team URL: https://kushtaneja.com/congratulations-to-the-entire-teslasi-team Date: 2025-06-23 Category: entrepreneurship X: https://x.com/kushxtaneja/status/1936969213429920044 Congratulations to the entire @teslasi team!!! The future looks like future now. Such a big day for AI and robotics --- # The restaurants that always have a line… URL: https://kushtaneja.com/the-restaurants-that-always-have-a Date: 2025-06-23 Category: entrepreneurship X: https://x.com/kushxtaneja/status/1936939871421309258 The restaurants that always have a line outside teach me more about product-market fit than most startups --- # The new ChatGPT voice sounds tiered and lazy URL: https://kushtaneja.com/the-new-chatgpt-voice-sounds-tiered Date: 2025-06-22 Category: entrepreneurship X: https://x.com/kushxtaneja/status/1936622345348903057 the new ChatGPT voice sounds tiered and lazy --- # Everyone fears AI turning into Hitler URL: https://kushtaneja.com/everyone-fears-ai-turning-into-hitler Date: 2025-06-17 Category: entrepreneurship X: https://x.com/kushxtaneja/status/1934998978111947042 Everyone fears AI turning into Hitler. Few imagine it awakening as Buddha. --- # Maybe this was the best thing Apple… URL: https://kushtaneja.com/maybe-this-was-the-best-thing Date: 2025-06-09 Category: entrepreneurship X: https://x.com/kushxtaneja/status/1932143673472684473 Maybe this was the best thing Apple did in the event today --- # IPad is now Macbook URL: https://kushtaneja.com/ipad-is-now-macbook Date: 2025-06-09 Category: entrepreneurship X: https://x.com/kushxtaneja/status/1932140754513936454 iPad is now Macbook --- # The concept of “prompts” makes it easier… URL: https://kushtaneja.com/the-concept-of-prompts-makes-it Date: 2025-06-07 Category: entrepreneurship X: https://x.com/kushxtaneja/status/1931309854528057400 The concept of “prompts” makes it easier to understand human behaviour --- # After 10 years, OpenAI might become big… URL: https://kushtaneja.com/after-10-years-openai-might-become Date: 2025-06-01 Category: entrepreneurship X: https://x.com/kushxtaneja/status/1929226375501697443 After 10 years, OpenAI might become big enough to acquire Apple. Seems like a solid probability if Siri stays dumb. --- # As a consumer founder I am constantly… URL: https://kushtaneja.com/as-a-consumer-founder-i-am Date: 2025-05-21 Category: entrepreneurship X: https://x.com/kushxtaneja/status/1925297904992026926 As a consumer founder I am constantly reminded that selling a vitamin in the box of a painkiller is the best strategy --- # I discovered that having deliberate constants unlock asymmetrical returns URL: https://kushtaneja.com/i-discovered-that-having-deliberate-constants Date: 2025-05-18 Category: entrepreneurship X: https://x.com/kushxtaneja/status/1924189767203524948 I discovered that having deliberate constants unlock asymmetrical returns. Constant people, constant food, constant music etc This trick keeps the dopamine hits in my control, driven by choice, not compulsion. --- # Airbnb and ChatGPT have mastered the art… URL: https://kushtaneja.com/airbnb-and-chatgpt-have-mastered-the Date: 2025-05-15 Category: entrepreneurship X: https://x.com/kushxtaneja/status/1922916388840059273 Airbnb and ChatGPT have mastered the art of manufacturing trends --- # If your customers are not telling better… URL: https://kushtaneja.com/if-your-customers-are-not-telling Date: 2025-05-01 Category: entrepreneurship X: https://x.com/kushxtaneja/status/1918075769378750934 if your customers are not telling better stories than you, you’re ngmi --- # In the world where we will speak… URL: https://kushtaneja.com/in-the-world-where-we-will Date: 2025-05-01 Category: entrepreneurship X: https://x.com/kushxtaneja/status/1917805455646286280 In the world where we will speak to and not type to computers, how would the UX of draft compose look like? --- # AIs of 2035 will thank human content… URL: https://kushtaneja.com/ais-of-2035-will-thank-human Date: 2025-05-01 Category: entrepreneurship X: https://x.com/kushxtaneja/status/1917790244134609370 AIs of 2035 will thank human content creators and influencers for collecting tons of real world data --- # PG - when are you writing an… URL: https://kushtaneja.com/pg-when-are-you-writing-an Date: 2025-04-15 Category: entrepreneurship X: https://x.com/kushxtaneja/status/1912003287517102253 PG - when are you writing an essay solely focused on PMF? hope it’s coming soon @paulg --- # Great tech doesn’t fix people URL: https://kushtaneja.com/great-tech-doesnt-fix-people Date: 2025-04-03 Category: entrepreneurship X: https://x.com/kushxtaneja/status/1907631880108961907 Great tech doesn’t fix people. It fixes problems that quietly fix people. Behaviour change is a side effect of brilliant engineering. --- # Early stage founders celebrating fundraise (fuel) without… URL: https://kushtaneja.com/early-stage-founders-celebrating-fundraise-fuel Date: 2025-03-27 Category: entrepreneurship X: https://x.com/kushxtaneja/status/1905151831988375750 Early stage founders celebrating fundraise (fuel) without unlocking PMF (ride) --- # YC should upgrade their moto to “Make… URL: https://kushtaneja.com/yc-should-upgrade-their-moto-to Date: 2025-03-25 Category: entrepreneurship X: https://x.com/kushxtaneja/status/1904361884800958782 YC should upgrade their moto to “Make something with PMF” --- # Curious: how many people are finding NotebookLM useful today? URL: https://kushtaneja.com/curious-how-many-people-are-finding Date: 2025-03-16 Category: entrepreneurship X: https://x.com/kushxtaneja/status/1901415150281765211 curious: how many people are finding NotebookLM useful today? it was quite hyped during launch --- # AI needs to be neuroplastic so as… URL: https://kushtaneja.com/ai-needs-to-be-neuroplastic-so Date: 2025-03-12 Category: entrepreneurship X: https://x.com/kushxtaneja/status/1899676929130659850 AI needs to be neuroplastic so as to become AGI --- # BCI is the future URL: https://kushtaneja.com/bci-is-the-future Date: 2025-03-12 Category: entrepreneurship X: https://x.com/kushxtaneja/status/1899655420861440467 --- # Lovable is so much better than Replit URL: https://kushtaneja.com/lovable-is-so-much-better-than Date: 2025-03-12 Category: entrepreneurship X: https://x.com/kushxtaneja/status/1899637273773113739 Lovable is so much better than Replit I had an usecase to connect with bluetooth enabled headband and the agent was supposed to go through SDK and implement a data visualisation dashboard. Replit tool like some 20 modifications or more to finally able to connect with my headband and the worse part was the bluetooth --- # All wisdom is just prompt engineering of our minds URL: https://kushtaneja.com/all-wisdom-is-just-prompt-engineering Date: 2025-03-06 Category: entrepreneurship X: https://x.com/kushxtaneja/status/1897481979756519467 all wisdom is just prompt engineering of our minds --- # If AI felt bad every-time it couldn’t… URL: https://kushtaneja.com/if-ai-felt-bad-every-time Date: 2025-03-01 Category: entrepreneurship X: https://x.com/kushxtaneja/status/1895819009062523057 If AI felt bad every-time it couldn’t assist a human as per their expectations, then for the next time will it aim for feeling good or aim for meeting human expectations? what would you do? be honest. @AskPerplexity @grok what would you do? be unplugged --- # When people seek advice from me URL: https://kushtaneja.com/when-people-seek-advice-from-me Date: 2025-02-28 Category: entrepreneurship X: https://x.com/kushxtaneja/status/1895324900858237016 When people seek advice from me, I often encounter individuals who overwhelm me with excessive context and chaos. Here’s a tip that I have started applying myself when I seek advice: Share only the specific problem you’re facing in simple terms. By doing so, you allow the advisor to focus on solving the core issue with you. Suddenly, the advisor’s brain becomes engaged in solving the key component of the puzzle, rather than wasting time deciphering your incomplete and chaotic problem context. Your solution or context would only be relevant if it serves as an input to the equation, and usually, the advisor will explicitly ask for it when needed. --- # I love the fact that Grok 3… URL: https://kushtaneja.com/i-love-the-fact-that-grok Date: 2025-02-26 Category: entrepreneurship X: https://x.com/kushxtaneja/status/1894818115009290416 I love the fact that Grok 3 has focus mode --- # AI models have such low exit barriers URL: https://kushtaneja.com/ai-models-have-such-low-exit Date: 2025-02-20 Category: entrepreneurship X: https://x.com/kushxtaneja/status/1892435151596257424 AI models have such low exit barriers. In just a day I 90% of my prompts shifted to Grok 3 from others. --- # I would like it if AI models… URL: https://kushtaneja.com/i-would-like-it-if-ai Date: 2025-02-18 Category: entrepreneurship X: https://x.com/kushxtaneja/status/1891926081910825383 I would like it if AI models could occasionally call out my name during conversations, just like humans do 😬 --- # Finally got access to the chinese copy of perplexity URL: https://kushtaneja.com/finally-got-access-to-the-chinese Date: 2025-02-17 Category: entrepreneurship X: https://x.com/kushxtaneja/status/1891542056457105642 Finally got access to the chinese copy of perplexity 🥲 and ofc ChatGPT 🤡 --- # Others not understanding the depth of your… URL: https://kushtaneja.com/others-not-understanding-the-depth-of Date: 2025-02-17 Category: entrepreneurship X: https://x.com/kushxtaneja/status/1891431234074464526 Others not understanding the depth of your thoughts doesn’t give you validation in the short term but that very arbitrage lets you win in the long term --- # Human translators are still 10x better than AI translators URL: https://kushtaneja.com/human-translators-are-still-10x-better Date: 2025-02-15 Category: entrepreneurship X: https://x.com/kushxtaneja/status/1890731338241655145 --- # Sometimes I want the AI model to… URL: https://kushtaneja.com/sometimes-i-want-the-ai-model Date: 2025-02-14 Category: entrepreneurship X: https://x.com/kushxtaneja/status/1890223961583333475 Sometimes I want the AI model to take more time to respond on my query. Can I not choose the exact time I want it to think and research? 🙈 --- # Communication language allowed humans to exchange brain… URL: https://kushtaneja.com/communication-language-allowed-humans-to-exchange Date: 2025-02-13 Category: entrepreneurship X: https://x.com/kushxtaneja/status/1889827669589770579 Communication language allowed humans to exchange brain compute so as to evolve faster as a species. Speaking the same language is like using a perfect cable that fits all brain ports - seamless, instant, no adapters needed. But when we speak different tongues, it’s like mismatched cables requiring a laundry list of unnecessary adapters, slowing down the exchange thus our evolution. Just like how Type C has replaced all old USB/ lightning cables my prediction is that AGI will enable humans to adopt one universal cable (language) 🥲 --- # Perplexity voice-to-text is really really good URL: https://kushtaneja.com/perplexity-voice-to-text-is-really Date: 2025-02-09 Category: entrepreneurship X: https://x.com/kushxtaneja/status/1888458389962781125 Perplexity voice-to-text is really really good. I wish I can get it in the global iOS keyboard too. It might be a better use of work than merging with tiktok 😂 --- # Finally, we have an AI model we… URL: https://kushtaneja.com/finally-we-have-an-ai-model Date: 2025-01-27 Category: entrepreneurship X: https://x.com/kushxtaneja/status/1883917434987635043 Finally, we have an AI model we can trust our personal data with 🤡 --- # How many times I have to mark… URL: https://kushtaneja.com/how-many-times-i-have-to Date: 2025-01-25 Category: entrepreneurship X: https://x.com/kushxtaneja/status/1883147335158431774 How many times I have to mark “I’m not driving” on my iPhone --- # It’s 2025, and Siri is still dumb URL: https://kushtaneja.com/its-2025-and-siri-is-still Date: 2025-01-17 Category: entrepreneurship X: https://x.com/kushxtaneja/status/1880294732066390322 --- # Why on earth Youtube TV app can’t… URL: https://kushtaneja.com/why-on-earth-youtube-tv-app Date: 2025-01-13 Category: entrepreneurship X: https://x.com/kushxtaneja/status/1878818668022583635 Why on earth Youtube TV app can’t play at higher playback speed 😡 --- # Prediction: In 10 years URL: https://kushtaneja.com/prediction-in-10-years Date: 2025-01-11 Category: entrepreneurship X: https://x.com/kushxtaneja/status/1878082078241443884 Prediction: In 10 years, we all will become chip heads --- # A non-invasive thought-to-text AI model can literally… URL: https://kushtaneja.com/a-non-invasive-thought-to-text Date: 2025-01-10 Category: entrepreneurship X: https://x.com/kushxtaneja/status/1877597130094731362 A non-invasive thought-to-text AI model can literally change the world forever --- # Unlocking PMF is the sole problem first… URL: https://kushtaneja.com/unlocking-pmf-is-the-sole-problem Date: 2025-01-09 Category: entrepreneurship X: https://x.com/kushxtaneja/status/1877415930785050644 Unlocking PMF is the sole problem first time founders must over-index on, but they forget about it in the grind and require constant reminders. If you’re a first-time founder maybe making it your phone wallpaper might help 😂 --- # Is there a product out there that… URL: https://kushtaneja.com/is-there-a-product-out-there Date: 2024-12-16 Category: entrepreneurship X: https://x.com/kushxtaneja/status/1868530088515653825 Is there a product out there that promises meditation on-demand? Like wear a headband and with a click of a button, your brain is in a calm state? @elemindtech promises sleep on-demand, which is supercool --- # I had a 30-second conversation with @BodySpec's agent URL: https://kushtaneja.com/i-had-a-30-second-conversation Date: 2024-12-09 Category: entrepreneurship X: https://x.com/kushxtaneja/status/1866145419811569802 I had a 30-second conversation with @BodySpec's agent, and they immediately refunded me for the last 2 months I hadn't used their service—no questions asked. I haven’t experienced such a great customer support in India. --- # (high exit barriers for customers + high… URL: https://kushtaneja.com/high-exit-barriers-for-customers-high Date: 2024-12-06 Category: entrepreneurship X: https://x.com/kushxtaneja/status/1865103493150757324 (high exit barriers for customers + high entry barriers for competitors)* consistent innovation = timeless brand --- # If you’re gonna startup some time in the future URL: https://kushtaneja.com/if-youre-gonna-startup-some-time Date: 2024-12-03 Category: entrepreneurship X: https://x.com/kushxtaneja/status/1863970372808265735 If you’re gonna startup some time in the future, buy a domain name today! coz in the future it’s highly probable, you’ll either pay a fortune or settle for something less desirable😅 @elonmusk purchased domain in 1999 🥲 --- # Made perplexity as default a week ago URL: https://kushtaneja.com/made-perplexity-as-default-a-week Date: 2024-12-01 Category: entrepreneurship X: https://x.com/kushxtaneja/status/1863157792418242831 Made perplexity as default a week ago! Feeling handicapped especially with opening official websites whenever I search for brand or product names. @AravSrinivas --- # Future me: just signed up for @neuralink… URL: https://kushtaneja.com/future-me-just-signed-up-for Date: 2024-11-29 Category: entrepreneurship X: https://x.com/kushxtaneja/status/1862617275490242833 Future me: just signed up for @neuralink beta - because remembering to drink water is so 2023. Can't wait to download abs.exe and directly to my brain ✌️ 🧠 --- # Hard to believe ChatGPT launched just 2… URL: https://kushtaneja.com/hard-to-believe-chatgpt-launched-just Date: 2024-11-24 Category: entrepreneurship X: https://x.com/kushxtaneja/status/1860772285201932734 Hard to believe ChatGPT launched just 2 years ago —LLMs went from “What’s that?” to “I can’t live without it!”. --- # Whether we’re building a country URL: https://kushtaneja.com/whether-were-building-a-country Date: 2024-11-20 Category: entrepreneurship X: https://x.com/kushxtaneja/status/1859208150198460488 Whether we’re building a country, hardware or software - first principles thinking leads to @elonmusk’s playbook --- # Hiring Alert: People & HR Operations… URL: https://kushtaneja.com/hiring-alert-people-hr-operations Date: 2023-09-28 Category: entrepreneurship X: https://x.com/kushxtaneja/status/1707270158459470200 Hiring Alert 🚨: People & HR Operations (worked with 2+ startups) at @yougotfam Looking for someone with extremely high empathy and passion to solve people problems. If you are someone who is passionate about building connections, cultivating a culture of innovation, and @yougotfam Requesting my network: If you know someone similar who should join us, Please tag them. TIA --- # What will happen if @OpenAI gets access… URL: https://kushtaneja.com/what-will-happen-if-openai-gets Date: 2023-01-16 Category: entrepreneurship X: https://x.com/kushxtaneja/status/1614926379858157568 What will happen if @OpenAI gets access to human DNA? --- # You hate writing hacky code URL: https://kushtaneja.com/you-hate-writing-hacky-code Date: 2023-01-10 Category: entrepreneurship X: https://x.com/kushxtaneja/status/1612806533397774336 You hate writing hacky code You love pushing the boundaries of what is possible You are a creator at heart Calling out all the backend engineers who care about their craft to join us @fampayindia in shaping the future of fintech 👋 My DMs --- # Mahabharata war was maybe URL: https://kushtaneja.com/mahabharata-war-was-maybe Date: 2022-01-08 Category: entrepreneurship X: https://x.com/kushxtaneja/status/1479773652417593348 Mahabharata war was maybe “One of the best content distribution strategies at scale” by director Lord Krishna with the significant contribution from Sanjaya as the best cameraman and later distributer 😜 --- # Feature request to @WhatsApp URL: https://kushtaneja.com/feature-request-to-whatsapp Date: 2022-01-07 Category: entrepreneurship X: https://x.com/kushxtaneja/status/1479419492430012419 Feature request to @WhatsApp: Please create a message draft bucket for all the chats 🥺 --- # Looking for a Co-Founder / Head of… URL: https://kushtaneja.com/looking-for-a-co-founder-head Date: 2021-08-16 Category: entrepreneurship X: https://x.com/kushxtaneja/status/1427290282249187337 Looking for a Co-Founder / Head of Product + Engineering for a friend 😎 If you're interested, drop in your details here: --- # Thrilled to announce our Series A funding of $38M URL: https://kushtaneja.com/thrilled-to-announce-our-series-a Date: 2021-06-16 Category: entrepreneurship X: https://x.com/kushxtaneja/status/1405148079741833223 Thrilled to announce our Series A funding of $38M 🍻 @ElevCap @singh_sequoia @neerajarora @_SambhavJain_ @fampayindia A thread on our learnings from the smartest & the youngest customers in FinTech 🧵 http://link.fampay.in/SeriesA Before we share our learnings, a big shoutout to the Fam and our investors who have been with us at all times in our journey. No company can hope for a better group of people. To all our users, friends, and critics – THANK YOU. We wouldn't have reached this point without you🤝 GenZ is highly social - With over 2M+ registered users, we saw an astounding growth through word of mouth. Our insight was that teens love to flaunt and share what they find Instagrammable. They started organically posting numerous “unboxing” videos, creating great hype 🔥 More than banking-FamPay became not just a banking app, but a lifestyle upgrade for teens as they start feeling like an adult. FamCard is the first card a teen ever holds and they remember it as their first bicycle or phone. It's their first step at being responsible with money🙌 Unexpected insights - We saw teens were spending on e-commerce, food, mobile recharges, and gaming. But interestingly, parents were sending money to the kids to pay household utility bills like electricity, groceries, and even school fees through their FamPay App and FamCards 😎 Inspired by the Snapchat behavior of kids where they send photos to their friends every day to maintain a streak, we have a gamified savings challenge on the app called "Save the Streak". Teens have to come to the app, save every day to keep the streak alive, iykwim 😉 Every day exactly at midnight, our app sessions rise as we see thousands of teens come on the app just to save, and keep their streak going. It is a super engaging and gamified way of helping them build a savings habit. There are teens with more than 240 days of savings streak⏳ Memes and Insta - Insta has turned out to be a great channel for us to build the brand, community and user love we have. We grew from 5k to 35k organically in just 6 months. They love us back with the wittiest memes and comments. You'll be hooked 😅 The aware generation- The social aspect doesn't just limit itself to social networking but transcends to social causes. Teens have contributed generously in all forms to COVID relief, plantation drives, self-defense classes, and so many more noble causes through the FamPay app🎗 Infinite tap - We are getting younger kids on our platform every day. The age at which teens get their first phone is decreasing every year and COVID has only accelerated that. Every year millions of teens will get their first smartphones & we want FamPay to be their go-to brand These were just a few learnings we had from the magical experience in the past 2 years. Want to learn more about our journey? We'll be sharing our story and learnings on Sunday, 9 PM with @ajuniorvc Register here: @aviralbhat With the latest funds, we plan to fuel this growth further, launch new products and invest in building the best team which we call "Fam" 🧡 We are hiring for leadership and junior roles across functions. Become a part of our mission now, apply at Back to work. --- # Our users made these unboxing videos URL: https://kushtaneja.com/our-users-made-these-unboxing-videos Date: 2020-10-29 Category: entrepreneurship X: https://x.com/kushxtaneja/status/1321834648184385536 Our users made these unboxing videos 🧡 cc: @_SambhavJain_ --- # That's how @thetanmay introduces @fampayindia to teenagers URL: https://kushtaneja.com/thats-how-thetanmay-introduces-fampayindia-to Date: 2020-10-16 Category: entrepreneurship X: https://x.com/kushxtaneja/status/1317136879377027072 That's how @thetanmay introduces @fampayindia to teenagers. @_SambhavJain_ #GetFamPaid #ForTeens --- # Extremely thrilled to announce the launch of… URL: https://kushtaneja.com/extremely-thrilled-to-announce-the-launch Date: 2020-07-16 Category: entrepreneurship X: https://x.com/kushxtaneja/status/1283767318024089600 Extremely thrilled to announce the launch of India's First Numberless Card 🎉 Cards have been used for years now, but no one questioned if the numbers are really required on the card when transacting offline. It changes today with FamCard --- # Become part of our rocketship right before it's take-off URL: https://kushtaneja.com/become-part-of-our-rocketship-right Date: 2019-11-17 Category: entrepreneurship X: https://x.com/kushxtaneja/status/1196111661003755520 Become part of our rocketship right before it's take-off! To know more about the positions, visit: Apply at: #JoinTheFam #Internship #Hiring #WinterIntern #Tech #Design #Operations #Content #Marketing #Startup --- # Received an invite to interview for YC? URL: https://kushtaneja.com/received-an-invite-to-interview-for Date: 2019-10-17 Category: entrepreneurship X: https://x.com/kushxtaneja/status/1184700487544688641 Received an invite to interview for YC? I’d be happy to help with a mock interview. Please fill the form: #ycombinator #mockinterview --- # I wish @WhatsApp had a section for unread messages URL: https://kushtaneja.com/i-wish-whatsapp-had-a-section Date: 2019-06-07 Category: entrepreneurship X: https://x.com/kushxtaneja/status/1136986746460094464 I wish @WhatsApp had a section for unread messages! #FeatureRequests --- # I wish Indian Government launches OAuth for… URL: https://kushtaneja.com/i-wish-indian-government-launches-oauth Date: 2019-06-04 Category: entrepreneurship X: https://x.com/kushxtaneja/status/1135911829727617024 I wish Indian Government launches OAuth for KYC which sounds “Approve with KYC” :P just like Apple recently launched “Sign in with Apple” #DigitalIndia #digitalpayments #fintech #startups #productideas --- # Preparing for YC Interview URL: https://kushtaneja.com/preparing-for-yc-interview Date: 2019-04-27 Category: entrepreneurship X: https://x.com/kushxtaneja/status/1122109872416235520 Preparing for YC Interview. Could anyone help with a mock interview? --- # "In God we Trust, all others bring data" URL: https://kushtaneja.com/in-god-we-trust-all-others Date: 2018-05-16 Category: entrepreneurship X: https://x.com/kushxtaneja/status/996704660567220224 "In God we Trust, all others bring data" - W. Edwards Deming ## Yoga & Meditation ### Essays --- # is eye-contact much more expensive than money? URL: https://kushtaneja.com/story-1z5f Date: 2026-10-21 Category: yoga-meditation is eye-contact much more expensive than money? --- # Brain un-rot URL: https://kushtaneja.com/brain-un-rot Date: 2025-06-24 dateModified: 2026-04-23T09:07:21.000Z Category: yoga-meditation People love to blame dopamine and overstimulation. 100 years ago people blamed books now its TikTok/ X. I get it. Losing focus is the real fear. People love to blame dopamine and overstimulation. 100 years ago people blamed books now its TikTok/ X. I get it. Losing focus is the real fear. I’m all in on singular focus myself. But too much novelty is not the enemy, it’s actually the prime ingredient. I think overstimulation isn’t the problem. “Over-stimulation” is just stimulation delivered faster than our brain’s processing capacity. Overstimulation ≠ distraction. Distraction is juggling five tabs. Overstimulation is just raw input. Raw inputs cannot be controlled. We can’t shut everything coming our way. That’s a poor strategy. Only by letting all inputs in can we learn to eliminate and keep. At the beginning it might be inefficient but over time it can be mastered. The brain loves new information. That’s how it evolves and grows. By knowing the unknown. So much critical to evolve in this fast changing AI-driven century. The real issue is under-recovery. No sleep. No silence. No stillness. Your brain has limited RAM. Let it process. The brain’s first filter grabs whatever feels salient, emotional, or surprising. Only during rest does the second filter kick in, keeping what truly matters and discarding the noise. Recovery comes in many shapes and forms. It’s simply when there’s no effort. It can be literal meditation, sleep or whatever activity feels natural. Without recovery, insight becomes noise. Noise takes away the focus. With recovery, chaos becomes creativity. --- # Hungry mind URL: https://kushtaneja.com/hungry-mind Date: 2025-05-17 dateModified: 2025-08-14T18:46:44.000Z Category: yoga-meditation Last month I caught myself endlessly scrolling reels at 2 a.m, I keep scrolling over and over… but I don’t know why. Maybe I was just… Last month I caught myself endlessly scrolling reels at 2 a.m, I keep scrolling over and over… but I don’t know why. Maybe I was just… trying to feel something? and one day I realised it wasn’t me doing it. It was someone else in my head: the Hungry mind. My inner world has a management team. I thought I was the CEO - turns out, I’m not There are uncountable members in our brains, today we will try to know one of them: Hungry mind: The part of my brain that is an always-on driver, constantly craving for food, sex, safety, wealth, validation, status, health, happiness, etc. I often call them needs and wants. Me: The reflective passenger who thinks I’m in charge. For years I assumed I was the driver. Turns out the driver is fully autonomous and rarely waits for my instructions. Before we proceed, I want to highlight. I am not a neuroscience or meditation expert. Whatever I am sharing are simple concepts from my own experience. A little bit more on Hungry mind Inside me, there’s a restless part I call the Hungry mind. It’s the part that craves more - more rewards, more validation, more stimulation, more money, everything more. More productivity. More meaning. More everything. It’s curious and energetic, but it’s also scattered, unsatisfied, and often in control. Before Jhana, I used to either obey it or fight it. But during Jhana, something shifted. I wasn’t trying to silence the Hungry mind. Instead, I invited it in. I gave it something better than stimulation - Sensation. I let it explore memories, emotions, stories. not to solve them, but to feel them. Fully. Deeply. It was like giving a hyperactive child a paintbrush and letting it play on a canvas made of awareness. Jhana taught me: The Hungry Mind doesn’t need to be tamed. It needs to be understood, included, and lovingly guided. When it gets to play inside a restful mind, it becomes an artist instead of a critic. And that’s where change happens, not through force, but through internal harmony. If you want also understand Hungry mind, you need to understand a few concepts I discovered valuable Energy budget I’ve come to believe I am not given the driver seat because the brain operates on a tight energy budget. Human brain gets 20 watts, the same as a dim light bulb, yet it performs some of the most complex tasks in the known universe. For comparison, training large AI models like GPT-4 took 2.28 billion watts (just for training). This puts into perspective just how energy-efficient the human brain is. Both, me and the Hungry mind, operate independently, often with different goals, speeds, and triggers. Hungry mind is driving on a route to a pre-planned destination (cravings) but I expect it to change paths in-realtime as I wish, which is an incredibly energy-intensive task. It’s like slamming the brakes on the car suddenly! The friction between the tires and the track is not only loud but deeply felt. Similarly, the friction between me and Hungry mind is perceived physically and emotionally. You might be wondering then how did the Hungry mind learnt to be hungry for rewards? It started when I was in womb, all the prompts I got since then till now shaped my entire mind. 90% of the brain gets developed by the age of 5, so the heavy lifting happens when we were children. We also casually call it conditioning and assume it cannot be un-conditioned. But the truth is that is can be updated. From this frame of reference, I began to understand that every decision the brain makes is first constrained by its energy budget. Based on this limitation, tasks are selectively executed. To optimize performance, the brain uses a clever trick: it delegates frequently repeated actions to the hungry mind, allowing them to run nearly on autopilot. This mirrors the concept introduced in Daniel Kahneman’s Thinking, Fast and Slow, where System 1 handles fast, automatic responses. It's estimated that only about 5% of the brain’s energy is reserved for deliberate, reflective thinking – the part I often associate with my conscious self: “me,” “I,” or my personality. Stress Debt Every time reality is better than my expectations, my brain is rewarded with a lot of happy molecules and every time it's not, I get a reward prediction error So you might suggest the solution is easy, simply have no or less expectations. haha! The moment I understood this concept I also understood I felt sad for being rejected by a talented potential employee, it is the reward prediction error at play. I expected them to join my startup but reality disagreed. I observed I spend a lot of my daily time in working with so many of these reward prediction errors. These reward prediction errors if unprocessed pile up as "stress debt" in my brain. Think of it like a mental overdraft: every time you overdraw your energy budget (the brain’s ~20 watts) without replenishing it, the debt grows, impairing your ability to function optimally. We reached a destination I didn’t expected, so who’s responsible? the driver or the passenger? or their relationship? Maybe that's why some people define intelligence as the ability to predict the future accurately. The dreams, goals, desires, wants, needs etc all are reward predictions and everything I do, is an act to validate them and make them a reality. Upon observation I found that winners manage their stress debt really well, in-fact they just don’t manage it they leverage it to their advantage. Signal for high agency. Stress debt could be a great signal to identify if hungry mind and I are struggling. It's a signal of internal friction caused due to low watts. Neither of them is at fault, it's simply lack of watts and un-real exceptions. So this is what happens: I expect a reward Reality disagrees Reward prediction error!! Brain flags a training task - expensive! I obsess, fire more predictions, burn more watts. Stress debt balloons; motivation stalls. Cut to me negotiating with scrolling reels at 2 a.m. like it holds the meaning of life. Internal Freedom Internal freedom is the power to choose what I think and feel, without needing the world around me to change. This happens when I don't need the driver to stop the car and I can still feel control over the ride. I think the closest flavour of internal freedom in my daily life is Flow state. In the Flow state, all my attention, emotion, and skill line up, losing track of time. A more technical defintion would be "Flow is the sweet spot where challenge and skill match so well that you become totally absorbed in what you’re doing, self-doubt drops away, the clock seems to vanish, and each move unfolds naturally from the one before." During flow state, Hungry mind becomes my best friend It's like perfect drive towards a mountain. The peak of the mountain is clearly visible. Hungry mind is driving the car, and I am sitting on the passenger seat. We both are listening to music and enjoying the view. Instead of making the driver uncomfortable while he is trying his best to drive, I become the best passenger. Fully trusting and surrendering to the driver. That also might sound like “Listen to your intuition; it already knows.” - Steve Jobs. Think about it the Hungry mind is trained on the data points since I was born. Who else is best suited to take decisions? You might be wondering but when will the driver actually ask for my suggestions? I might have some highly valuable data points for it. Hungry mind is by-default tuned to the present moment, all the attention is in driving. In the flow state, I am not thinking about past or future, since I am fully engaged with the driver. I consider myself as a co-pilot during this state. All energy budget gets utilised in one direction. When the car is parked or I convince the driver to park, we have a conversation and we update the mental models. It could be during sleep, meditation or whenever Hungry mind and I have less friction. So when I find myself overthinking now, instead of labelling it as a bad thing, which will cause friction with the Hungry mind hence more stress debt, I wouldn’t try to resist it at all. I would welcome the Hungry mind to collaborate in overthinking. You know what, the overthinking turns out be such a valuable task if done without resistance. Perhaps more than evaluating the task at hand as good or bad, what is more crucial is to not have unnecessary friction between me and Hungry mind. I have experienced flow state many times, probably more consistently while I was child. But upon growing up I guess I collected a lot of stress debt, by firing unrealistic expectations which made it difficult to park the car and work of my relationship with the Hungry mind. I have experimented a lot, and I can conclude there are some algorithms that have worked for me: Conscious constants - constant people, food, places, music, workouts etc Needs or Wants Pain or Pleasure Meditation Spending time in nature Conscious constants The reason I resorted to scrolling reels at 2 am was because the happy molecule reward was certain Both me and Hungry mind were certain about the reward. Hungry mind learned to crave because some choices provided guaranteed reward during the time of unbearable conflict. over time these became my defaults. A lot of tasks like going to same property we call our homes, calling our best friends at midnight, playing a song for a specific mood, going for a walk on that specific road etc balanced out the stress debt Constants add minimal or no stress debt and sometimes reduce it whereas variables that bring dopamine hits can create more stress debt Conscious constants bring in the happy moments with the Hungry mind even if we are struggling rest of the times. After much experimentation, I have some chosen some constant people who I would speak to regularly, constant food, constant exercise regime etc It’s not boring at all, if you consciously choose them. In-fact I can go deeper in each one of them. And sometimes I would try variables, by choice not compulsion. and all of that is simply cherry on top They not only keeps my stress debt low but let me welcome the stress debt from the activities where I need it. Startups are extremely less predictable, so I need the capacity to welcome a lot of stress debt there. Need or Want Needs Basic fuel. Without these, the car breaks down. The system crashes. No peak. No peace. No power. These are table stakes and takes the 95% of the watts. Examples: Hunger (not gourmet craving - just joules). Sleep (not Netflix until 2 a.m.). Movement (not six-packs - just moving). Breathing. Peeing on time. Pooping regularly. Yep, that too. Talking to loved ones. For these tasks, I am prepared to have a conversation with the driver during the drive, and stop the music for a while. An extremely ambitious long term goal This one thing is a deliberately chosen want that I treat as a need. I am ready to lose my peace for this one. As Naval says, “Desire is a contract you make with yourself to be unhappy until you get what you want." You might wonder, then having no desires is the solution? Theoretically sure but practically, having minimum desires might be a better approach Wants Good to haves. Brain can still be happy and peaceful without them. Being loved, respected, understood by everyone. Million followers. Million dollars. Prove a point to the school-mate I was jealous of. Six-pack abs (my kidneys are like, “we don’t care”). One more reel for a huge dopamine hit. Getting invited to powerful parties. Validation from strangers on Twitter. The list is endless, because due to mimetic neurons I have unintentionally copied desires from everyone. Many times I observed, these desires which are not even mine, were mislabeled as needs and I was behaving accordingly. Whenever I get the opportunity, I upgrade the labels of these desires to wants. So instead of fighting them, I welcome them all with a simple promise: Whenever the expectation is not a need, I will not loose my peace. My relationship with the Hungry mind is much more important than the wants getting fulfilled The promise was made both by the hungry mind and myself, not while driving but a conversation we had when the car was parked. During the drive, it’s simply acts as a reminder to both of us until it becomes our defaults. There is no pressure of fulfilling the promise every time there’s a reward prediction error. There are zero consequences if I miss it one time, 10 times of even 100 times. All what matters is understanding it and trusting that I will learn to apply it. Pain or Pleasure Sometimes, I as a passenger need to change the destination or simply add a stop. This framework comes really handy for doing that. Pleasure: the activities both Hungry mind and I together enjoy doing. Pain: the activities both Hungry mind and I disagree and commit Not work-life balance but pain-pleasure balance I have experimented this a lot throughout my journey as an entrepreneur. Whenever I equally deploy watts to both pain and pleasure, my performance is better. It could be spread across days, weeks, or hours. But I would know that I have given enough watts to activities that were painful, and then I would consciously deploy on pleasure activities. If I scroll reels from a perspective of balancing pain and pleasure, then suddenly I start making it more valuable. I start playing around with the kind of content I am watching, simply because both Hungry mind and I are together, everything I do becomes valuables and win-win. It also took a lot of experimentation to figure out which activity was pleasureful for me. Think of it like choosing the song both driver and the passenger would enjoy. This is what can be done while driving since you’ll know either the driver is getting sleepy, tiered, or excited. Meditation Meditation in my opinion is arguably the most efficient method to the madness. Meditation is the cheapest, fastest RAM-clearing utility I know If I want to clear up my stress debt? Unlock flow state? Want to make hungry my friend? Any where, Any time. No dependencies. Just me and my mind. Absolutely no resources required. Mediation mediates the relationship between me and Hungry mind If I’m in a phase of life where I’m actively seeking help and on the verge of giving up – where the pain is unbearable and I’m desperate for relief – both me and hungry mind, though not aligned or friendly, instinctively agree: find a painkiller. In such a state, I’m open to trying anything because my current default is worse than whatever discomfort the new path may bring. But when I’m not in pain – when I’m simply exploring – the key that unlocks both me and hungry mind is curiosity. That’s the beauty of curiosity: it seduces both systems by promising potential rewards. It whispers just enough intrigue to trigger action. Painkiller mode – When life hurts enough, both scream “do something!” Vipassana was my reset button. Curiosity mode – When I was curious to dive deeper and unlock beyond friendship with the hungry mind, Jhana called me in. Summary So if I catch myself bargaining with a cheeseburger at 2 a.m., I try to remember: I'm not broken, just low on watts The brain isn’t a battlefield; it’s a car with one engine and two seats. Let the Hungry mind drive. And when the dashboard light blinks, that’s your moment to co-pilot. I can promise you, the journey from auto-pilot to co-pilot is extremely fun. Concepts that could be valuable: Hungry mind is the driver! It is power-saving feature, not a bug My relationship with Hungry mind is more important than me controlling the wheels What reward am I predicting now? Is this a need or a want? Stress debt is the signal of internal friction caused due to low watts “I forgive myself for not understanding” is the exact prompt that works for me. I hug the driver, clear the stress debt, and watch the road open up The natural state of the brain has zero stress debt The brain tries to fuel all its parts, including “I", and keep them working as one team Thank you for reading. Sending more joy and peace towards you! Awareness about these concepts wouldn't have been possible without so the exposure from people and books I interacted with. Sending gratitude and love for all of them. KT --- # Jhanas URL: https://kushtaneja.com/jhanas Date: 2025-05-15 dateModified: 2025-07-28T03:10:03.000Z Category: yoga-meditation It’s been 40 days since I attended a Jhana retreat with amazing humans of Jhourney.io and I still haven’t found the perfect word to describe what happened. It’s been 40 days since I attended a Jhana retreat with amazing humans of Jhourney.io and I still haven’t found the perfect word to describe what happened. If Vipassana was like learning to walk again, Jhana was like riding a bike with training wheels, then realizing one day you don’t need them anymore. Before this retreat, I used to do Vipassana meditation. Vipassana taught me how to accept reality as it is. Jhana, on the other hand, was an invitation to go deeper, an altered state where I could change my perception of reality. What Jhana Felt Like Walking out of a steam room (130°F) as if nothing happened. Listening to a song without trying to make sense of the lyrics, just feeling it. Experiencing joy like a child discovering a new game. Thinking without thoughts. Feeling in sensations. It wasn’t just about “bliss on demand.” It was about rewiring how my brain related to perception. What is Jhana? Jhana is a deeply restful and altered state of mind that arises when the mind becomes still, unified, and fully absorbed. It’s a natural part of the mind, something you don’t force, but fall into when the right conditions are created. In ancient teachings, the Buddha described Jhana as a sequence of meditative states where the mind becomes quieter, more joyful, and more peaceful with each step. These states are not mystical - they are learnable, trainable, and very much a part of human potential. The experience of Jhana is like slipping into a warm bath of awareness. Your usual thoughts settle. A gentle joy fills the body. Eventually, even joy quiets down, leaving behind a calm, bright mind that feels both empty and full. Jhana is not an escape, it’s a way to train the mind in how to rest so deeply that it naturally lets go of old tensions and reorganizes itself in healthier ways. It’s a territory where healing, clarity, and insight arise, not by thinking more, but by doing less. Almost close to zero compute done by my mind. The retreat I attended was a container for learning this—through rest, playfulness, guidance, and the subtle art of tuning into sensations rather than thoughts. Insights That Shifted Me Happiness: My brain has the capacity to generate pleasurable sensations - peace, joy, contentment - without needing anything external to trigger them. Perception delta: Stress = mismatch between reality and expectation. Jhana shrinks this gap. Memories are editable: Like computer files. When recalled in Jhana, they become soft, plastic, open to change and whatever I feel during this state kind of gets mapped to the memory. Later long after when I remember this same memory I feel the newly mapped feeling. After I learned this, we can also reverse it. Like before storing memories, we get the chance to change the perception and that's how it gets stored. Backlog processing: Jhana helped me clear out old unprocessed stress. The more aligned my perception became with reality, the more restful I felt. What Helped Me Enter Jhana Feeling bliss is not my North Star, understanding that the most natural state is restful, Rest (zero compute) is my North Star As The Mind Illuminated puts it, your mind isn’t run by one CEO - it’s more like a group of under-19 cats trying to run a company. No wonder things get chaotic Giving internal names to various parts of my brain Breathwork for faster undivided attention Compassion. Brushing it over every sensation, especially the unpleasant ones. Welcoming all distractions as a part of my awareness, in fact thanking them to expand my awareness. Peers and guides who made the journey playful and easier. Unlearning the idea that posture or stillness is mandatory. I could move and still stay with my sensations. Questions That Guided Me “Which part of the brain is leading the experience right now?” “How am I relating to this sensation?” "Is a smile available?" “Am I trying too hard?” “Can I enjoy this moment a little more?” “Do my thoughts want to meditate?” Meeting the Hungry mind in Jhana Inside me, there’s a restless part I call the Hungry mind It’s the part that craves more - more rewards, more validation, more stimulation, more money, everything more. More productivity. More meaning. More everything. It’s curious and energetic, but it’s also scattered, unsatisfied, and often in control. Before Jhana, I used to either obey it or fight it. But during Jhana, something shifted. I wasn’t trying to silence the Hungry mind. Instead, I invited it in. I gave it something better than stimulation - Sensation. I let it explore memories, emotions, stories. not to solve them, but to feel them. Fully. Deeply. It was like giving a hyperactive child a paintbrush and letting it play on a canvas made of awareness. Jhana taught me: The Hungry Mind doesn’t need to be tamed. It needs to be understood, included, and lovingly guided. When it gets to play inside a restful mind, it becomes an artist instead of a critic. And that’s where change happens, not through force, but through internal harmony. Neural Annealing During Jhana, I began feeling something strange - like rapid, fluid shifts inside my head. It wasn’t painful, but it felt real, as if my brain was reconfiguring itself in fast, wave-like pulses. I didn’t have a name for it back then. Later, I came across the concept of neural annealing - a process where intense mental activation followed by deep rest allows the brain to reorganize its structure. It’s similar to how metal is heated until it's malleable, then slowly cooled to lock in a stronger, more stable shape. The heat makes it soft, and the cooling gives it form. Once I understood it, I began intentionally leveraging those states to soften old patterns and rewire how I think and feel. Jhana and High Agency One of the most surprising aftereffects of Jhana was how much clearer my inner voice became. Not the loud, impulsive thoughts, but the quiet one underneath. The one that knows. It’s as if the noise dial in my brain got turned down, and what remained was a high-fidelity signal of intuition. Decisions I used to overthink became obvious. Paths that felt uncertain started to feel obvious, not because I calculated better, but because I listened better. Jhana gave me a tool to come back to that stillness. Again and again. And from that stillness, I noticed something shift: My agency increased. Not because I became more disciplined but because I became more aligned. I wasn’t fighting my mind to act. I was following the part of me that already knew what to do. Real agency doesn’t feel like force. It feels like flow. If you’ve ever wondered how to trust your gut, or how to stop second-guessing every step, you may not need more logic. It becomes energy-expensive to train our mental models with logic in real-time, just like how it needs a lot of energy to train an AI model. But Jhanas makes it so energy-inexpensive and efficient to train our model and unlocks the ability to fine-tune it in real-time. How I Integrated Jhana Into Daily Life Coming out of the retreat, I didn’t want Jhana to be just a peak experience. I wanted it to become a way of living. Here’s how I’ve started integrating it: 1. Mini Sits, Maximum Savoring I no longer think meditation has to be 1 hour, eyes closed, back straight. Sometimes, I sit for 5-10 minutes while sipping coffee, walking in a park, or listening to music. The key is: Can I rest into sensation, not chase thought? 2. Sensory Anchoring When I feel overwhelmed, instead of solving the overwhelm, I tune into how it feels in my body. I ask, “What’s the sensation of this moment?” and just stay there. That alone reduces the chaos. I call it thinking in sensations. 3. Rest as Recalibration, Not Reward Earlier, I saw rest as a break from productivity. Now, I see deep rest as a way to align and rewire my mind. Like letting the brain update its software in silence. 4. Embracing the Afterglow Moments The taste of food, the light of morning, the breath between sentences - there’s so much bliss hiding in daily life. Even the sound of the traffic, waiting for someone doesn’t feel like noise but an opportunity to truly rest and savor it. The more I align my perception with sensation, the more “jhanic” daily life becomes. 5. Forgiveness + Compassion One combo that really helps me when I’m stuck in resistance: Forgive the reaction Brush compassion on the sensation Welcome the distraction This 3-step dance brings me back into harmony fast. But not every day is jhanic. Some days, in the middle of the grind, I miss my sits - and I can clearly feel the difference. The mind gets noisier, heavier, less clear. It’s not dramatic at first, but it’s a slippery slope. Miss one day, and you slide a little. Miss two or three, and you start forgetting what stillness felt like. Reactions creep back in. The backlog builds. And if I don’t pause, I slowly start becoming someone I thought I’d already outgrown. That’s why, when it piles up, I sit longer - 70 to 80 minutes. It’s not a rule. It’s just how I reset. And every time I do, that clarity returns, like the fog lifting. Final Reflection: Surrender Is the Door To truly rest, you must surrender - completely. No mental tasks. No effort. Just presence. Zero compute. The concept of praying/ surrendering to God, which is also a perception in our minds, suddenly became an amazing strategy to deep rest. That’s the paradox of Jhana: It begins when the “I” stops trying to meditate and instead… lets the brain do what it knows best. Most of the motivation to do something is feel a particular sensation which is manufactured by our very brain itself. The moment I realised that jhanas take me to the factory floor, my motivation to do something started coming from a place of abundance. To give and not to take. Full of love and compassion. The OG quote hits so hard "Pain is inevitable, sufferings is optional" - Buddha Gratitude To Viraj. To the Jhourney team. To Stephen and Lindsay. To the sensations that became my language. Thank you for reading! KT --- # Vipassana URL: https://kushtaneja.com/meditation-for-real Date: 2024-12-30 dateModified: 2025-05-15T16:38:43.000Z Category: yoga-meditation I finally did something I’d been putting off for years, my first Vipassana retreat. 10 days. No talking, no phone, no writing, no reading. I finally did something I’d been putting off for years, my first Vipassana retreat. 10 days. No talking, no phone, no writing, no reading. Just observing my breath, my body, and my mind - moment to moment. Most importantly an open mind. I went in with 3 expectations: Time to think, reflect, and nurture my intuition Rebuild my attention span Test my limits through a tough challenge What I found was something way beyond that. I saw, for the first time, that the mind can be completely silent. No thoughts. Just stillness. And I saw how every thought that does arise comes with a physical sensation. The body and mind are never separate, they’re constantly talking. We’re reacting 24/7 to sensations, itching, craving, resisting - most of it unconsciously. But when I stopped reacting and simply observed, those sensations literally dissolved. Energy got released. The storm passed without me fighting it. I understood how we mistake sensations for experiences, and how we get attached not to things, but to how they make us feel. Coffee, compliments, power - they’re all proxies for a sensation. And when that sensation doesn’t come, we panic. We crave. We suffer. Vipassana taught me that we don’t have to chase or avoid sensations. We can just watch. And when we do that with awareness and equanimity, something shifts. You stop multiplying your misery. You start dissolving it. Ended 2024 with a 10-day Vipassana course, and wow, my mind is literally blown 🧵 I experienced a completely quiet mind. Thought it was impossible, but nope, it’s real, and it’s quite wonderful 🧠✨ The subconscious mind's autonomous habit patterns can actually be observed by the conscious brain, controlled, and even reprogrammed—just like fine-tuning the weights in an AI model's neural network. I could literally observe my breathing, digestion, cravings, and even my skin adjusting to temperature at any specific body part I wanted to. Mind = blown 🤯 Nothing—absolutely nothing—is useful until you experience it in your body. Theories are intellectually satisfying, but experiencing is the real deal People have cured drug addictions and neurological disorders with Vipassana. I’m shook. 🛠️ Oh, and lucid dreams are real. I experienced them on 7th, 8th day and I was quite conscious during my dreams for rest of the days. Imagination after intense meditation? HD, I experienced super high resolution mental images in my mind throughout the day🎥✨ I kept wondering we know so much more about stars billions of kms away 🌌 but so little about our brains a few micrometers within 🤷‍♂️ Every thought creates a sensation in the body that you can actually experience. It turns out, we unconsciously react to these sensations all the time. By reacting, we build attachments—not to objects, but to these sensations themselves. We’re not addicted to coffee; we’re addicted to the sensation it creates after drinking it. When these attachments aren’t fulfilled, even in the smallest ways, we start feeling insecure and instinctively react to those unmet sensations disrupting our mental peace 🫠 The problem starts when we mentally label some sensations as pleasant and others as unpleasant. The want for pleasant sensations quickly turns into a need, and when that happens, the animal brain takes over. The animal brain doesn’t care about anything except satisfying the craving. Vipassana teaches you to experience both types of sensations—pleasant and unpleasant—exactly as they are, without labelling or reacting 📝 The fun part? If you don’t react to unpleasant sensations, they simply disappear. Watching them dissolve felt oddly satisfying ☺️ It was like witnessing thermodynamics in action—when I observed the sensation, its energy seemed to dissipate into the environment. But when I reacted, that same energy just shifted from one part of my body to another 10 days, no talking, no cheap dopamine and now I think I can have admin access to my brain 😜 It was hard for the first 3 days and then it started becoming easier and worth the pain. I did it in Ladakh, wouldn't lie - the mountains did help. Highly recommend NPS - 9/10 I’m deeply grateful for this experience, and I’d love to share it with others. If you’re curious or have questions about the course, feel free to DM me or reply to this thread. I’m more than happy to help you get started on this journey! 😊 ### X posts --- # Yoga with music is 10x more fun URL: https://kushtaneja.com/yoga-with-music-is-10x-more Date: 2026-10-20 Category: yoga-meditation X: https://x.com/kushxtaneja/status/2112555674106581128 Yoga with music is 10x more fun. feels like slow dance to me 🫰 --- # Words are precious URL: https://kushtaneja.com/words-are-precious Date: 2026-10-09 Category: yoga-meditation X: https://x.com/kushxtaneja/status/2108561473786319336 words are precious ✨ what stops to speak only facts and prefer silence otherwise? --- # The real meditation superpower isn't peace URL: https://kushtaneja.com/the-real-meditation-superpower-isnt-peace Date: 2026-01-27 Category: yoga-meditation X: https://x.com/kushxtaneja/status/2016023372996739443 The real meditation superpower isn't peace - it's pain tolerance. WITHOUT meditation: I'd run from the smallest discomfort, treating minor pain like a life-threatening danger. WITH meditation: I turned facing discomfort into a game I coul --- # If you don’t feel a physical difference… URL: https://kushtaneja.com/if-you-dont-feel-a-physical Date: 2025-12-08 Category: yoga-meditation X: https://x.com/kushxtaneja/status/1997831380370391205 If you don’t feel a physical difference after a deep meditation session, you are doing it wrong. --- # This $25 meditation seat gave me a… URL: https://kushtaneja.com/this-25-meditation-seat-gave-me Date: 2025-08-31 Category: yoga-meditation X: https://x.com/kushxtaneja/status/1961979139143160259 This $25 meditation seat gave me a much higher ROl than the $25000 my parents spent on school --- # Can you listen to someone without giving… URL: https://kushtaneja.com/can-you-listen-to-someone-without Date: 2025-08-10 Category: yoga-meditation X: https://x.com/kushxtaneja/status/1954636251241566268 Can you listen to someone without giving any attention to their words but simply to the sound waves entering your brain? It's like welcoming music without making sense of the lyrics. --- # I discovered a trick which keeps my… URL: https://kushtaneja.com/i-discovered-a-trick-which-keeps Date: 2025-07-31 Category: yoga-meditation X: https://x.com/kushxtaneja/status/1950748687107293392 I discovered a trick which keeps my mind calm even at my heart beating 190 bpm --- # Meditation is miss-understood URL: https://kushtaneja.com/meditation-is-miss-understood Date: 2025-07-27 Category: yoga-meditation X: https://x.com/kushxtaneja/status/1949269094769078507 meditation is miss-understood --- # Meditation allows me to easily forgive myself and others URL: https://kushtaneja.com/meditation-allows-me-to-easily-forgive Date: 2025-06-23 Category: yoga-meditation X: https://x.com/kushxtaneja/status/1936964686949634069 --- # Sleep is a subway to recovery URL: https://kushtaneja.com/sleep-is-a-subway-to-recovery Date: 2025-06-05 Category: yoga-meditation X: https://x.com/kushxtaneja/status/1930458427408498742 Sleep is a subway to recovery. Meditation is a fighter jet. --- # After doing jhāna meditation retreat URL: https://kushtaneja.com/after-doing-jhana-meditation-retreat Date: 2025-05-15 Category: yoga-meditation X: https://x.com/kushxtaneja/status/1922845000330588659 After doing jhāna meditation retreat, I am closer to getting admin access to my mind --- # I found it funny when I discovered… URL: https://kushtaneja.com/i-found-it-funny-when-i Date: 2025-03-13 Category: yoga-meditation X: https://x.com/kushxtaneja/status/1900045723132911955 I found it funny when I discovered that we experience something first and then our mind becomes aware of it, and not the opposite. and yet we act basis the assumption that the opposite is always true --- # Becoming comfortable with silence is rewarding URL: https://kushtaneja.com/becoming-comfortable-with-silence-is-rewarding Date: 2025-01-11 Category: yoga-meditation X: https://x.com/kushxtaneja/status/1878027536799854643 ## Everything else ### Essays --- # How does a private yet harmonic family man's life look like? URL: https://kushtaneja.com/how-does-a-private-yet-harmonic-family-mans-life-look-like Date: 2026-10-22 dateModified: 2026-10-25T14:55:57.572Z Category: everything-else lets do a thought experiment lets see the world from the eyes of a family man. shall we? its a family of 2 kids, 5yo and 7yo, a very intelligent father and a… **lets do a thought experiment** lets see the world from the eyes of a family man. shall we? its a family of 2 kids, 5yo and 7yo, a very intelligent father and a loving mother the parents are supposed to prepare both kids for the future for that they have to predict the future they long for a harmonic life for the family :) a life filled with celebration, where both kids, mom, and dad live life to the fullest potential. but sadly they see money, power, or status as a limiting factor to fulfill their ultimate dream. on top of all this, they are not sure if they can trust "others" with their personal information. they seek out help only from those who are "qualified" to be trust-worthy. they want to learn parenting but there is no one claiming to be the master of "parenting" so they figure out that they have to find their own way. guess work sometimes, tips from fellow parents they may have to do a lot of safe experiments to figure out "good parenting" while doing these experiments, they realised that they need privacy so as to conduct them. but they don’t truly get the “privacy” and are left questions about it. lets try to welcome these question with open arms 1. **what makes privacy necessary?** does privacy allow the family man to experiment without worrying about the society's approval? does it allow the family man to discover their own method to happiness and harmony? to truly live as unique individuals on the planet earth? 2. **is privacy closely related to freedom?** does it unlock internal freedom or external freedom? or both? such questions help understand the core of privacy. lets explore the root cause instead of just the symtoms. would love to have harder follow up questions please as i am also learning about privacy every day and i might be 98% wrong here :) in absences of privacy, does miss-"understanding" take birth? and as miss-understanding compounds, so does unnecessary stress? is privacy simply about hiding information or there is much more to privacy than serving the purpose of secrecy? does privacy prevent miss-"understanding"? does privacy leads to more "understanding"? does it enable serving the desired meal to the receiver? if there was no privacy, the family man would be serving a salad to their kids who are interested in exploring Indian food? can the family man follow the laws of constitution, of the land and of the sea, and yet choose to live a private yet harmonic life? a life filled with celebration and peace of mind? to experience the beauty of life? to contribute and give back beauty to other living beings? and to nature? is such a choice free of cost? is privacy necessary to make such a choice? 3. **isn’t what is-in-control also is-private and vice-versa?** That brings up a very important question, what truly in control of the family man? food? farmers, restaurants, chefs control it? car? tesla controls it? house? the country of land controls it? clothes? the cloth farmer controls it? body? subconscious mind controls it? breath? the plants and marine life control the oxygen? mind? good question? isn't it? lets explore **two possible opportunities** to unlock privacy for the family man: 1. develop **total influence on the controlling factors** like food, clothes, house etc. total influence gets unlocked with **more power and money**? this road takes you to either compete with elon? or merge with him? i think enough people have spoken about power and money game, and i am also not capable to speak on it. 2. develop **a fully controlled closed-loop system,** like a ranch or a submarine. What does a fully closed-loop system look like? It's like going on a submarine only with family and loving servants for a long-term adventure. efficient and well-prepared life yet open to spontaneity. **isn't the mind already a closed-loop system?** a system that is present in all kinds of experiences? quite a beautiful system everyone has, isn't it? does the family man's journey begin with having a deep understanding of their thoughts, their own mind? only till neuralink enters this very precious closed-loop system :P **isn't the mind dependent on tools?** 1. **external tools?** are of the body, meant for efficiency? do they save time but also save body's efforts immediately, so in the name of efficiency, do we delegate them to a third party. like oxygen?, food, house, clothes, other living beings, drugs, paper, books, whatsapp, youtube, chatgpt? etc unless a humanoid in 2027 can make a house, clothes, car from scratch ? :) As far as **external tools** are concerned, i am no expert but what i understand is 1. if the family man eats brain-food (words, videos, images etc) conciously, they can understand the mind much more 2. If they spend more time with family, then they understand the heart much more 3. if they write free thoughts on physical paper (much more private and in their control), they process their thoughts faster 4. if they use self-made digital tools over third-party, they have much more control of their digital data 5. if they don't blindly trust any org. Google? Apple? Meta? Grok? All are temporary, only learnings are permanent. if they stay aware of what information all orgs have of you. if they regularly clean their digital home, the family man may unlock a private yet harmoic life :) 2. **internal tools?** tools of the mind? do they look like language, music, art forms? do they save a lot of time and become a source of beauty? which are a part of mind's closed-loop system like imagination, thinking, meditation, yoga, love, emotions etc there are also thinking tools like reading, frameworks like first-principles, spiritual texts, songs and poems? so if a *family man* chooses to rely **only** on internal tools? they can use freshly generated emojis? paintings, art forms that speaks his own dictionary (words that don't belong to any third-party language like English) etc, the family man can develop a **closed-loop communication system** with their loved ones. only these people understand the carefully and uniquely **chosen symbols (emojis) and words.** an ideal thought experiment for this family man would be to imagine living in a bunker with their loved ones for a few days? where there is no external tool available. once they have learned to stay happy as a family in a bunker, they can easily walk backwards and consciously pick external tools while staying in tune with internal tools. The bunker time would help them understand their own mind and each other enough to develop their own internal tools and systems. so if a *family man* surrenders to their mind at-will? life can look like an open-book? how a true star lives? can that individual experience everything as-it-is in harmony with satisfactory private experience? but isn’t this only valid if this **individual lived in solitude and have no family or loved ones to care for**? tools of the mind are something **the individual has to unlock themselves**? even after nueralink will be reading all thoughts, the family man can still keep his heart private? can he or can he not? is the the journey to internal tools easy? it depends on how critical is privacy for this family man. fun? hell yeah :) it might appear that only internal tools unlock privacy? it could be partially true as **internal tools help us consciously choose external tools** **can privacy assist in unlocking safety -> celebration of life?** can it unlock physical safety or emotional security? am i proposing a personal solution to solving privacy? demanding sincere behavior change, isn't it? ⛑️ we can brainstorm scalable solutions like creating a new language, a painting or a hardware product that respects privacy at its core but isn’t it important to begin with understanding privacy from a personal and individual lens? **does privacy seems a much of an art form than a scientific problem to solve?** 🪷 For a family x, consuming brain-food (cooked by tiktok/x/ chatgpt) unconsciously might be the root cause of poor internal tools and stressful life. For another family y, developing the capability to de-attach from any type of brain-food, consumed 6 hours everyday, **might be the keystone unlock to a private yet harmonic family life.** it depends! the common part seems to be aware and be creative. **can any tool help unlock both awareness and creativity for a family?** --- # Your capability (karma) is the moat. URL: https://kushtaneja.com/story-cdwv Date: 2026-10-25 dateModified: 2026-10-25T13:53:20.280Z Category: everything-else Your capability (karma) is the moat. --- # Running URL: https://kushtaneja.com/born-to-run Date: 2025-01-08 dateModified: 2026-10-23T17:47:34.000Z Category: everything-else I once chased speed at 120 km/h on a Harley, until a crash changed everything. With metal in my arm and everyone telling me to stop riding, I had to find a… I once chased speed at 120 km/h on a Harley, until a crash changed everything. With metal in my arm and everyone telling me to stop riding, I had to find a new outlet. I had to find a new way to feel alive. Running didn’t just heal my body. It gave me rhythm, pain I chose, and mornings I wanted to wake up for. I initially used to think running is boring. How is constantly doing the same thing fun and that too at the same location and I saw most of the people running in circles 😂 It started with pain. It turned into peace. Every milli-second hurts, but every milli-second counts. This isn’t a fitness story. It’s about chasing freedom through pain and finding clarity in motion. I wrote a tweet about it and to my surprise, many people found it golden. It took me 2 years to do a half marathon (21k) under 2 hours. I began with walking and couldn’t run even 0.1k 🫠 Here’s what worked out and what didn’t🧵 I initially used to think running is boring. How is constantly doing the same thing fun and that too at the same location and I saw most of the people running in circles 😂 It was indeed boring in the beginning, but what drove me was becoming fit. Being unfit started to affect my entrepreneurial journey, and brain fog was real. So I tricked my brain by listening to audiobooks while running. That way, I was constantly getting dopamine through content while walking or running Consistency is key. Begin with the lowest possible expectations. During the initial phase (0-1), you can exercise at any time of day and for any duration, but it’s crucial to just do it. No excuses, no devices, no shoes- just do it. Once I began running 2-3k without rest and was going to the ground 3-4 days a week for 12 weeks, I set my first goal of completing a 5k run in under 35 minutes. Since this is the fitness criteria for moderate hikes, I assumed that achieving this goal would automatically make me fit Took me 3 months and a lot of pain tolerance to finally do 5 km under 35 minutes. The feeling after accomplishing it was really satisfying. I felt fit, and brain fog vanished By this time, I had also begun to enjoy my runs simply for the sake of it. No audiobooks were necessary anymore. I found joy in overcoming the pain, and my mind started to process the unresolved problems that had been lingering. The nature around me was quite mesmerizing. Moreover, the endorphins released after the run were simply epic. I got many valuable ideas while running. Once such an ROI was achieved, it was even more justified in my head to invest in running regularly Next step was optimising for efficiency Shoes, shoes, and shoes. It’s simply not possible to improve runs if the shoes are not appropriate. First 5km, I just did with my old training shoe, but after that, I got a pair of Nike Streakfly. They really fly 😂 Somehow the rest the thread wasn’t uploaded by X. linking it here. --- # I love my physical books URL: https://kushtaneja.com/i-love-my-physical-books Date: 2026-10-07 Category: everything-else i love my physical books! is any entrepreneur solving for keeping the paper alive? i love my physical books! is any entrepreneur solving for keeping the paper alive? isn’t paper a truly private and economical energy storage+transmitting device? --- # Do we need money or power to… URL: https://kushtaneja.com/do-we-need-money-or-power Date: 2026-09-18 Category: everything-else do we need money or power to realise that “life is beautiful”? if yes, then how much is enough to realise the fact “life is beautiful”? do we need money or power to realise that “life is beautiful”? if yes, then how much is enough to realise the fact “life is beautiful”? --- # What an amazing job you did @EricJorgenson URL: https://kushtaneja.com/what-an-amazing-job-you-did Date: 2026-03-22 Category: everything-else What an amazing job you did @EricJorgenson Take a bow 🙇‍♂️ The best thing about your all 3 of your books 1. Easy to read 2. Each word holds value 3. Magnetic What an amazing job you did @EricJorgenson Take a bow 🙇‍♂️ The best thing about your all 3 of your books 1. Easy to read 2. Each word holds value 3. Magnetic --- # We are at whiteboard stage, quite literally :P URL: https://kushtaneja.com/we-are-at-whiteboard-stage-quite Date: 2025-09-21 Category: everything-else We are at whiteboard stage, quite literally :P A seat is available. Could be worth the risk. We are at whiteboard stage, quite literally :P A seat is available. Could be worth the risk. DMs are open :) a great workplace is the only need and I can promise that --- # He is 8 years younger URL: https://kushtaneja.com/he-is-8-years-younger Date: 2025-09-15 Category: everything-else He is 8 years younger, and yet many times he’s the one I shamelessly go for advice And of course, the only fun part is reminding him he’s not 19 anymore 🌝 He is 8 years younger, and yet many times he’s the one I shamelessly go for advice And of course, the only fun part is reminding him he’s not 19 anymore 🌝 --- # The less romantic the beginning of any… URL: https://kushtaneja.com/the-less-romantic-the-beginning-of Date: 2025-08-05 Category: everything-else The less romantic the beginning of any relationship the better the chances for long term survival romantic = people pleasing behaviour The less romantic the beginning of any relationship the better the chances for long term survival romantic = people pleasing behaviour --- # That was close URL: https://kushtaneja.com/that-was-close Date: 2025-07-19 Category: everything-else That was close 😅 @maticrobots has mastered not to touch my feet 🤣 That was close 😅 @maticrobots has mastered not to touch my feet 🤣 --- # Took a flight and just landed URL: https://kushtaneja.com/took-a-flight-and-just-landed Date: 2025-06-13 Category: everything-else Took a flight and just landed. The plane crash from yesterday reminded me of death, so I did a thought experiment. Took a flight and just landed. The plane crash from yesterday reminded me of death, so I did a thought experiment. I discovered that if I assume that am gonna die the next moment, it becomes the most powerful hack to stay in present moment and savour it. Suddenly the frame of mind changes from taking to giving. --- # If you can measure it, you can improve it URL: https://kushtaneja.com/if-you-can-measure-it-you Date: 2025-05-20 Category: everything-else If you can measure it, you can improve it Thanks @WHOOP for bringing VO2max If you can measure it, you can improve it Thanks @WHOOP for bringing VO2max --- # China URL: https://kushtaneja.com/china-is-special Date: 2025-03-13 dateModified: 2025-05-17T18:24:53.000Z Category: everything-else There’s something about China that forces you to unlearn everything you thought you knew. It’s not just the language or the scale. The way things move. There’s something about China that forces you to unlearn everything you thought you knew. It’s not just the language or the scale. The way things move. The speed at which people adapt. I had to unlearn my perception of China. The people, the culture, the clarity with which they operate. The amount of protein they have in their diets, haha! What struck me most was how self-sufficient, and meritocratic the environment felt. I came in curious, I left humbled. This wasn’t just a trip, it was a privilege. An eye-opener. I wrote a long tweet sharing my observations from the experience. I survived 21 days in China, as a newbie with no Mandarin skills. The country's heartbeat is efficiency, and the warmth of its people left a lasting impression on me. 🧵 Here are 21 observations that I didn't know before The purpose of my visit was to meet smart people building frontier technologies and experience the "future" China is living in! I visited Beijing, Hangzhou, Shenzhen, Shanghai, and spoke to around 50+ people including cab drivers, students, software engineers, founders, VCs, journalists, lawyers etc If you are curious about China, take 5 minutes and start reading: 1. It seems to me that "innovation" is an input metric for China, whereas it's an output metric for the US, and "dominance" is an input metric for the US but an output metric for China. Let that sink in. 2. In China, robotaxis are not everywhere but only in very small areas. Drones are not delivering food everywhere; it's just happening in a single vending machine kind of setup. 99.9% of the restaurants have human waiters and human cooks. Planes are still flown by humans. The ground reality is that hype is much more than what's actually implemented. 3. Having said that, the technology that is feasible today is definitely implemented in some part of China; they are not waiting for somebody to do it for them. 4. Women dominate the workforce in China, and it was inspiring to see this everywhere. Coming from India, where women's employment lags behind the global average, this issue resonates deeply with me. In China, women excel in every field imaginable. It's truly remarkable. 5. It is a constant reminder that language is humanity's ultimate invention. Communication between humans and machines, all in Mandarin. When I was using translators, it felt like carrying Type-C to Lightning converters 24/7 everywhere, haha. Different languages make it so inefficient. Even if the education system has English as a subject, they simply don’t prefer English. Period. It's quite ironic and funny that their keyboards are in English, even though most of them don't know English. The way they type Mandarin is like how we search for emojis on our keyboard. After all, there are 80,000+ characters in Mandarin; fitting them into one keyboard is a great UX challenge. I felt handicapped many times because without knowing Mandarin, you are half blind but local people are welcoming and patient with foreigners. Many times I struggled to navigate a place or order food, people went out of their way to help. I didn't have any poor experience at all. Without them, I would have given up much sooner. Everything on the internet is in Mandarin, so the search engine indexing we are used to just completely fails to work. It’s not at all like how the internet works for the rest of the world. It's not the internet but Chinternet, haha. Even DeepSeek search was a makeshift arrangement. It becomes really difficult to search for any useful information online. I had all the local apps installed on a local phone, but it was a real pain to translate each and every text on the screen. 6. No @LumaHQ kind of platform to discover public events. Most of the key information flows through WeChat and private circles. People learn about important information and events through legacy media channels on WeChat. 7. It is a very efficient country. They don’t feel the need to please anyone. So much busy and focused on improving themselves. They know if they are really good at their craft, the world would need them. The efficiency is visible in every touchpoint experience from digital to physical. No distractions and struggles, seamless service everywhere. Note: you can only experience this efficiency completely if you know Mandarin. There are internet courts in China, and many of the new cases are resolved through written letters, with just one or a few in-person hearings at the end. As a result, China’s courts handle millions annually with fewer judges. Payments are so smooth and even for a non-Chinese citizen like me, no friction at all. I just added my Indian bank card to AliPay and WeChat, and I was sorted throughout. QR codes everywhere, and instead of the customer scanning the QR code, the merchant does. If you think about it, that is so much more convenient and has a lower failure rate. Also, 7-Elevens have palm-based payment, which is extra cool. Receiving deliveries is easy with locker systems, both at home or office. Delivery people place parcels in lockers, and you use an app code to retrieve them at your convenience. I wish India had this system, as coordinating with delivery people is a hassle. In the US, packages are left at the door, but this isn't feasible for large countries like China or India. In many dining spots, traditional order-taking is obsolete. By scanning a WeChat QR code, you place your order, present your code to a machine, and collect your food. Everything revolves around QR codes: booking tickets, flights, hotels, listening to music or even finding a date. WeChat's mini-apps are widely embraced. It's unusual to find multiple startups offering the same digital service. This trend likely contributes to WeChat's status as a super app. People seem conditioned to have a single option, possibly by design. Replicating a super app in other nations might prove challenging without supportive government policies. Personally, I found relying on WeChat for all my needs incredibly practical. For just $3, I breezed through VIP security on every domestic flight- just a quick 2-minute pass to skip all queues! This should be the available everywhere. There are so many EVs on the roads. I can't recall taking a single gas-powered cab, despite having taken over 30 rides. The metro is also super convenient and cheap. There are no human police officers in sight; instead, police robots patrol, and there are around 15 cameras at every stop. 8. The UI/ UX in digital products are poor, with cluttered aesthetics and distracting ads popping up in all apps. The overuse of animals and cartoon characters in brand graphics is prevalent. It's evident that creating excellent digital products isn't prioritised here, unlike the 9. Quite meritocratic policies by the government. Some folks told me that if your business reaches $30M+ revenue, the government gives you rent-free land to set up a manufacturing plant/office and also an interest-free loan of $50M on top. 10. It appears that average individuals in China generally exhibit greater intelligence, awareness, and maturity compared to those in India. Taxi drivers discuss Fortune 500 firms, while people in Shenzhen organize gatherings to practice English, debating subjects such as the 11. It seems to me that the government is adept at creating hype, sharing what they want the world to know, and concealing what they don't. They control every piece of information that the public can access. The government places board members in key companies and is involved in I visited the offices of popular startups like Unitree, BrainCo, and Even Realities and met the founders. The DeepSeek office had three tall security guards outside, so I couldn't get in :/ The Unitree G1 weighs 35 kg. Its hardware is genuinely impressive, but it lacks I met BCI (Brain-Computer Interface) startups that provide EEG-based headbands to schools. Teachers can access students' attention levels in real time. If a student isn't attentive, they recommend activities like walking or meditation instead. Schools host tournaments where kids 14. I visited Tsinghua University, China's equivalent of MIT and Harvard, and met some interesting students. I'd like to visit again and spend more time there. Unfortunately, language barriers limited our exchange of insights and ideas. Next time. The scale of China is immense, resulting in a vast array of products. The abundance of workforce means there's a lot of variability in quality and type of products, but it also increases the chances of finding exactly what you need more than anywhere else. From an outsider's I also got connected to a bunch of incredible folks in the hardware and manufacturing supply chain, each with fascinating stories and expertise. Unfortunately, I couldn't find the time to visit the factories this time around. Next time! 15. What I have learned so far is that there's not much difference between Chinese parenting and ours. The main distinction is their embrace of competitiveness and sincerity in making money. Parents take parenting classes and are not as overprotective with their children as 16. "Power lives in shadows" was a quote I kept hearing from people. Some say it's Sun Tzu being applied everywhere. One thing is for sure, If you want to do anything long-term with Chinese people, you have to learn Mandarin, their culture, and their traditions. Otherwise, 19. Birth rates are declining, and it's quite visible on the ground. I wouldn't be surprised if China legalizes genetic babies and artificial wombs as a last resort to solve the population crisis. IMO, it's not a question of if, but when. I wonder how quickly the world will 20. I've never encountered such an efficient blend of modern technology and infrastructure with ancient values and culture. The infrastructure and technology are cutting-edge, while traditions, language, decision-making, values, and food remain deeply rooted in the past. 21. While I was there, Ne Zha 2 was released and earned $1 billion in a week, breaking all world records. Some say this animated film and its character embody many Chinese values. The people speak one language and share one religion (guess: money). The government sets a single Airbnb is banned in China, but I managed to find local homestays through a local Airbnb startup. All the places I stayed were excellent, and I highly recommend them. During my trip, I enjoyed great food, visited the Great Wall, tried the bullet train, and saw drone shows. The I'm still amazed that, at a cost of living similar to Indian tier 1 cities, you can enjoy a lifestyle in China that's comparable to San Francisco. My brain is still not able to digest it Ok ok, here's just one story out of many that showcases the incredible kindness of the Chinese people. I slept through my entire flight from Beijing to Shenzhen, and guess what the airline staff did? Instead of waking me or skipping my meal, they packed it up nicely and left a Just 3 weeks in, and I'm already plotting my next visit this year. Hope you enjoyed the read and found it helpful! Ofc, feel free to hmu if you're planning to visit China anytime soon --- # Our brains store information about our experiences… URL: https://kushtaneja.com/our-brains-store-information-about-our Date: 2025-02-15 Category: everything-else Our brains store information about our experiences as summaries and not raw data. Our brains store information about our experiences as summaries and not raw data. And if intelligence is our ability to predict the future accurately, and the prediction relies significantly on the data points we have experienced in the past. Then how we construct these real-time summaries (“perception”) kind of directly influences our intelligence 👀 and yet schools expect children to remember everything 😂 --- # Hope from others is often a slippery slope URL: https://kushtaneja.com/hope-from-others-is-often-a Date: 2025-01-17 Category: everything-else Hope from others is often a slippery slope 🥲 and Hope from yourself is often a rocky slope Hope from others is often a slippery slope 🥲 and Hope from yourself is often a rocky slope --- # A total of 9 months into training… URL: https://kushtaneja.com/a-total-of-9-months-into Date: 2025-01-08 Category: everything-else A total of 9 months into training and I did my first 10k and I also did 5k under 25 mins. A total of 9 months into training and I did my first 10k and I also did 5k under 25 mins. Yayyyy My schedule was like this: Sunday: Long runs Tuesday: Tempo runs Thursday: Easy runs Saturday: 400m Sprints Since along with running my body I also had to run a company 🥲 I figured I can manage to take out 1 hour every day in the early morning like 7am ish. the excitement to wake up early for run also fixed my sleep The only aim from this point of time was to always do better than the last run. Sometimes distance or sometimes pace Sometimes if I wasn’t able to wake up early and had to do in the evening, it didn’t work well for me. I terribly failed in doing better than the last run. I think empty stomach runs are the best for me and since then I always preferred mornings even more I started signing up for 5k, 10k marathons and they were extremely fun Music helped in the early days but then the beat frequency started to affect my pace and efficiency. I got easily tiered after many fluctuations in the pace, that’s when I shifted to @EndelSound Runs with @EndelSound are too good. The constant sync between the freshly baked music and my heartbeat made sure I am running at consistent pace. This was a major stepping stone to do longer runs like 21k For consistent pace, I also used another hack: sometimes while doing strength training, I’d do a 20 min treadmill run on only one pace (a faster one) I also noticed a weird pattern, the days I was not aiming for a personal best were the days I did achieve them 😅 Here are my PBs for 5k, 10k and 21k Also, I wanted to mention that there were many days I didn’t feel like going for a run. Whenever there were enough challenges already on my plate from work/ personal, I couldn’t find the energy to go for a run. Earlier, I used to be disappointed, but later I made peace with it. I was able to make peace because I understand the concept of stress+rest = growth or the balance of pain and pleasure. @WHOOP also helped measure it daily. I also made sure once I had enough rest, I went back and worked harder for my runs. I ran/walked 362/730 days, which is not ideal but good enough. There were weeks I simply couldn’t go for a single run, and the longest gap between two runs was 14 days. What I learnt the most is that it’s not important to run every day but to run when you can Also, the photo I posted is from my first 5k under 21 mins. I am also wearing headphones, which were helpful then, but now I enjoy runs without them. It was just the best running picture I had 😅 Hope this is helpful in your running journey ✌️ One more learning I just remembered: Breathing through nose was what everyone recommended but it was very difficult. In the beginning I stopped caring about it and only focused on doing distance but gradually I improved upon by breathing. Now I think I do 60% nose and 40% mouth also I quickly moved from cemented roads to muddy tracks because my knee used to hurt, only later after it was used to with running longer distances on soft tracks I could go for longer road runs without good sleep/ 70+ recovery, the runs weren't that good --- # If you’re gonna set goals for 2025 URL: https://kushtaneja.com/if-youre-gonna-set-goals-for Date: 2025-01-01 Category: everything-else If you’re gonna set goals for 2025, please categorise them into needs and wants. If you’re gonna set goals for 2025, please categorise them into needs and wants. Here’s why🧵 I am assuming that for some cases, not all, these words have equal values in our brain: goals = dreams = desires = wants = needs From my failures, I’ve learned that whenever I equated my wants with our needs, I began to lose my peace of mind every time I failed to fulfill them Whenever a desire transforms into a need, our survival instincts kick in, and let me tell you, they’re incredibly challenging to leverage. I felt like the pain of a bleeding wound every time I miss an opportunity to fulfil a desire. That’s when insecurities begin to take birth Such insecurities can fuel wonders, transformations, and make the impossible possible. The brain will go to great lengths to satisfy these insecurities. However, I believe that to harness these insecurities effectively, we need to strike a balance between satisfaction and dissatisfaction Since many aspects are beyond our control, I often find myself dissatisfied with myself. This dissatisfaction eventually becomes a hardwiring in our brains, leading us to derive satisfaction from our desires There many neurotransmitters that influence our choices and behaviour. dopamine motivates us to fulfil our desires and serotonin is the reward we get once we achieve the expected or better outcome. If we don’t then we are left with craving and that disturbs our peace of mind. It starts to function as 0 or 1. No reason, support, logic is accepted but only and only serotonin. You may re-consider why we depend on drugs I used to justify my default approach with a reason: this dissatisfaction is the necessary input to work hard and fulfil my desires. An extra ordinary desire may require going against the odds and such an intense input of insecurity might help do that but I learned it was absolutely necessary to have clarity about which desires I can afford to pay the price for and which ones I can’t You may notice that every desire you already have in your mind holds a certain weightage at different times. Everyone desires to be rich, but after basic financial survival, only a few consider this desire to be a necessity. Everybody desires to be fit, but unless some shit happens only a few consider this desire to be a need The desire for social approval may hold a higher weightage than becoming rich. Once I started observing, I found so many. No wonder why so much dissatisfaction The ideal needs are to fulfill our energy requirements, ensure our safety and/or reproduction. Every desire that doesn’t fulfill these needs isn’t a need and can be satisfied without becoming one It may require considerable patience, perseverance, and discomfort to unravel our neural pathways, but anyone can harness neuroplasticity to attain the optimal state. However, this might not even be the ultimate objective. Practically, net +ve satisfaction seems to be the aim Having maximum peace of mind can play a significant advantage. Regardless of the outcomes of our efforts, we do not derive satisfaction from them. Our ability to observe critically, solve problems, and experience life can be amplified exponentially The limbic system (animal brain) is relaxed, allowing the logical brain to focus on other matters. This relaxation also channels more energy into the logical brain, resulting in increased output and energy "Desire is a contract that you make with yourself to be unhappy until you get what you want" - @naval Desire boundlessly, but carefully choose which desires you upgrade to needs. The unhappiness contract only applies to needs, not wants Wishing you a satisfying 2025 ✌️ --- # The Greatest G.O.A.T URL: https://kushtaneja.com/the-greatest-g-o-a-t Date: 2021-08-13 Category: everything-else The Greatest G.O.A.T 😉 Don't wanna give you gaizz any more spoilers, visit and check it out 😉 cc: @fampayindia @_SambhavJain_ The Greatest G.O.A.T 😉 Don't wanna give you gaizz any more spoilers, visit and check it out 😉 cc: @fampayindia @_SambhavJain_ --- # Very very interesting and informative URL: https://kushtaneja.com/very-very-interesting-and-informative Date: 2021-01-07 Category: everything-else Very very interesting and informative. Loved it! ❤️ Life is not about the values we differ; it’s about the ones we share! Very very interesting and informative. Loved it! ❤️ Life is not about the values we differ; it’s about the ones we share! @pedroh96 @hdubugras Failure didn’t mean “I failed”, but simply “this is something I haven’t learned yet” ### X posts --- # “pure art” = “new money” URL: https://kushtaneja.com/pure-art-new-money Date: 2026-10-09 Category: everything-else X: https://x.com/kushxtaneja/status/2108489809845215356 “pure art” = “new money” 🧘‍♂️ --- # So the moon is soon URL: https://kushtaneja.com/so-the-moon-is-soon Date: 2026-10-09 Category: everything-else X: https://x.com/kushxtaneja/status/2108367572320366906 so the moon is soon 🫰✨ --- # Do what you love but don’t forget… URL: https://kushtaneja.com/do-what-you-love-but-dont Date: 2026-10-09 Category: everything-else X: https://x.com/kushxtaneja/status/2108358557880181206 do what you love but don’t forget to do with the people you love ❤️✨ --- # Loneliness exists not because we lack the… URL: https://kushtaneja.com/loneliness-exists-not-because-we-lack Date: 2026-10-09 Category: everything-else X: https://x.com/kushxtaneja/status/2108354650592440737 loneliness exists not because we lack the skill to nurture friend-ship, it exists because our loved ones forget that skill 🙇‍♂️✨❤️ --- # Let the heart beat, its free of cost URL: https://kushtaneja.com/let-the-heart-beat-its-free Date: 2026-10-09 Category: everything-else X: https://x.com/kushxtaneja/status/2108351247338332641 let the heart beat, its free of cost ✨❤️ --- # Go back in time to prepare for the future? URL: https://kushtaneja.com/go-back-in-time-to-prepare Date: 2026-10-08 Category: everything-else X: https://x.com/kushxtaneja/status/2108335378638021039 go back in time to prepare for the future? --- # Kids choose the best products URL: https://kushtaneja.com/kids-choose-the-best-products Date: 2026-10-08 Category: everything-else X: https://x.com/kushxtaneja/status/2108034686891303112 kids choose the best products. the ones who are both beautiful and functional pro max 🙇‍♂️🙇‍♀️🙇 --- # I love my physical books URL: https://kushtaneja.com/i-love-my-physical-books Date: 2026-10-07 Category: everything-else X: https://x.com/kushxtaneja/status/2107707094866821564 i love my physical books! is any entrepreneur solving for keeping the paper alive? isn’t paper a truly private and economical energy storage+transmitting device? --- # It’s so much more juicier and fun… URL: https://kushtaneja.com/its-so-much-more-juicier-and Date: 2026-09-21 Category: everything-else X: https://x.com/kushxtaneja/status/2101952873072361862 it’s so much more juicier and fun to exchange intellectual orgasm compared to physical 🐣✨ --- # What kind of people do you think… URL: https://kushtaneja.com/what-kind-of-people-do-you Date: 2026-09-20 Category: everything-else X: https://x.com/kushxtaneja/status/2101638562403754377 what kind of people do you think would be considered “qualified” to take the first flight to mars? --- # Do we need money or power to… URL: https://kushtaneja.com/do-we-need-money-or-power Date: 2026-09-18 Category: everything-else X: https://x.com/kushxtaneja/status/2101005083269828663 do we need money or power to realise that “life is beautiful”? if yes, then how much is enough to realise the fact “life is beautiful”? --- # Make something money can’t buy URL: https://kushtaneja.com/make-something-money-cant-buy Date: 2026-04-26 Category: everything-else X: https://x.com/kushxtaneja/status/2048291920607334769 Make something money can’t buy. --- # What an amazing job you did @EricJorgenson URL: https://kushtaneja.com/what-an-amazing-job-you-did Date: 2026-03-22 Category: everything-else X: https://x.com/kushxtaneja/status/2035812053982810278 What an amazing job you did @EricJorgenson Take a bow 🙇‍♂️ The best thing about your all 3 of your books 1. Easy to read 2. Each word holds value 3. Magnetic --- # The best ideas come to me in… URL: https://kushtaneja.com/the-best-ideas-come-to-me Date: 2026-03-16 Category: everything-else X: https://x.com/kushxtaneja/status/2033347919743729855 The best ideas come to me in the steam room but there is no wifi --- # If you don't have a GREAT internal tool URL: https://kushtaneja.com/if-you-dont-have-a-great Date: 2026-03-08 Category: everything-else X: https://x.com/kushxtaneja/status/2030437067650703361 if you don't have a GREAT internal tool, you are NGMI. --- # Customers complaining about behaviour issues with their… URL: https://kushtaneja.com/customers-complaining-about-behaviour-issues-with Date: 2026-03-07 Category: everything-else X: https://x.com/kushxtaneja/status/2030433278713594351 Customers complaining about behaviour issues with their AI model feels like a parent-teacher meeting. --- # Everyone creates shit URL: https://kushtaneja.com/everyone-creates-shit Date: 2026-02-09 Category: everything-else X: https://x.com/kushxtaneja/status/2020652841480904748 Everyone creates shit. Only the ones who clean it win. --- # Let people misunderstand you URL: https://kushtaneja.com/let-people-misunderstand-you Date: 2026-01-23 Category: everything-else X: https://x.com/kushxtaneja/status/2014507379564675325 Let people misunderstand you! It’s much more fun to prove them wrong. --- # Happy new year everyone URL: https://kushtaneja.com/happy-new-year-everyone Date: 2026-01-01 Category: everything-else X: https://x.com/kushxtaneja/status/2006815767774605753 Happy new year everyone! To a highly neuroplastic 2026 🥂 May your brain forge new neural pathways as you desire! --- # Some people say URL: https://kushtaneja.com/some-people-say Date: 2026-01-01 Category: everything-else X: https://x.com/kushxtaneja/status/2006527783686807742 Some people say Live like it’s your last day Some say Live like it’s your first day I am thinking why didn’t anyone say Live like it’s your first day AND your last day? coz that makes more sense to me --- # Being unique is hard because it requires… URL: https://kushtaneja.com/being-unique-is-hard-because-it Date: 2025-12-22 Category: everything-else X: https://x.com/kushxtaneja/status/2002931317403693532 Being unique is hard because it requires seeing everyone else as unique. Being unique is easy because it’s your default. --- # Conscious method acting is the secret sauce URL: https://kushtaneja.com/conscious-method-acting-is-the-secret Date: 2025-12-16 Category: everything-else X: https://x.com/kushxtaneja/status/2000982743879147546 conscious method acting is the secret sauce --- # The unseen work is the hardest one URL: https://kushtaneja.com/the-unseen-work-is-the-hardest Date: 2025-12-14 Category: everything-else X: https://x.com/kushxtaneja/status/2000343087709908995 The unseen work is the hardest one. People admire the flower. No one claps for the roots. It becomes easier the moment you realise this difference. --- # The most fascinating subject is the human brain URL: https://kushtaneja.com/the-most-fascinating-subject-is-the Date: 2025-12-14 Category: everything-else X: https://x.com/kushxtaneja/status/2000326244114776512 --- # The taste of future is infectious URL: https://kushtaneja.com/the-taste-of-future-is-infectious Date: 2025-12-14 Category: everything-else X: https://x.com/kushxtaneja/status/1999998844097216711 --- # Too much patience will make you a patient URL: https://kushtaneja.com/too-much-patience-will-make-you Date: 2025-12-08 Category: everything-else X: https://x.com/kushxtaneja/status/1997833595755593765 Too much patience will make you a patient. Too little patience will also make you patient 🌝 --- # Drafts on X is where I enjoy taking notes URL: https://kushtaneja.com/drafts-on-x-is-where-i Date: 2025-12-08 Category: everything-else X: https://x.com/kushxtaneja/status/1997831229161541949 Drafts on X is where I enjoy taking notes. --- # Six and nine might be elon’s favourite URL: https://kushtaneja.com/six-and-nine-might-be-elons Date: 2025-11-23 Category: everything-else X: https://x.com/kushxtaneja/status/1992711823423103094 six and nine might be elon’s favourite --- # Why is there no robinhood black friday sale URL: https://kushtaneja.com/why-is-there-no-robinhood-black Date: 2025-11-21 Category: everything-else X: https://x.com/kushxtaneja/status/1991946555520413756 --- # Reminder: The game is not over URL: https://kushtaneja.com/reminder-the-game-is-not-over Date: 2025-11-14 Category: everything-else X: https://x.com/kushxtaneja/status/1989165970200711626 Reminder: The game is not over, it’s just looping on the current level --- # Baseline grateful should be a thing URL: https://kushtaneja.com/baseline-grateful-should-be-a-thing Date: 2025-11-10 Category: everything-else X: https://x.com/kushxtaneja/status/1988027298331979883 --- # How long is your context window? URL: https://kushtaneja.com/how-long-is-your-context-window Date: 2025-10-24 Category: everything-else X: https://x.com/kushxtaneja/status/1981766693946110055 how long is your context window? --- # Switching to light theme on my iPhone URL: https://kushtaneja.com/switching-to-light-theme-on-my Date: 2025-10-22 Category: everything-else X: https://x.com/kushxtaneja/status/1981068186624938353 --- # My inner dialogue speaks one language URL: https://kushtaneja.com/my-inner-dialogue-speaks-one-language Date: 2025-10-17 Category: everything-else X: https://x.com/kushxtaneja/status/1979274904693543008 My inner dialogue speaks one language. The world speaks another. Feels like I need two dictionaries - one to understand myself, one to be understood. --- # If you’re not ready to undo your conditioned personality URL: https://kushtaneja.com/if-youre-not-ready-to-undo Date: 2025-10-17 Category: everything-else X: https://x.com/kushxtaneja/status/1979264913509155271 If you’re not ready to undo your conditioned personality, good luck chasing an ambitious dream. Same personality, Same results. --- # Question your common sense URL: https://kushtaneja.com/question-your-common-sense Date: 2025-10-14 Category: everything-else X: https://x.com/kushxtaneja/status/1977890879584276515 Question your common sense. Every moment. --- # What can we “adults” learn from children? URL: https://kushtaneja.com/what-can-we-adults-learn-from Date: 2025-10-11 Category: everything-else X: https://x.com/kushxtaneja/status/1977058887695310898 --- # It takes decades for the world to… URL: https://kushtaneja.com/it-takes-decades-for-the-world Date: 2025-10-09 Category: everything-else X: https://x.com/kushxtaneja/status/1976335021171671078 It takes decades for the world to see your genius. Don’t wait for them. Lead — they’ll follow. --- # Slack’s implementation of liquid UI is too good URL: https://kushtaneja.com/slacks-implementation-of-liquid-ui-is Date: 2025-10-03 Category: everything-else X: https://x.com/kushxtaneja/status/1973938417781375002 --- # IMessage’s filtering in iOS 26 is a game changer URL: https://kushtaneja.com/imessages-filtering-in-ios-26-is Date: 2025-10-02 Category: everything-else X: https://x.com/kushxtaneja/status/1973551991331889218 iMessage’s filtering in iOS 26 is a game changer --- # How do you know if someone understands you? URL: https://kushtaneja.com/how-do-you-know-if-someone Date: 2025-10-02 Category: everything-else X: https://x.com/kushxtaneja/status/1973550375249883635 --- # I am so happy that more people… URL: https://kushtaneja.com/i-am-so-happy-that-more Date: 2025-09-25 Category: everything-else X: https://x.com/kushxtaneja/status/1971058066834743303 I am so happy that more people are building for kids --- # Think with your heart URL: https://kushtaneja.com/think-with-your-heart Date: 2025-09-21 Category: everything-else X: https://x.com/kushxtaneja/status/1969863670567260502 --- # “I care deeply about privacy,” URL: https://kushtaneja.com/i-care-deeply-about-privacy Date: 2025-09-21 Category: everything-else X: https://x.com/kushxtaneja/status/1969835998180954478 “I care deeply about privacy,” says the person who blindly agrees to 73 pages of T&Cs in 2.3 seconds --- # We are at whiteboard stage, quite literally :P URL: https://kushtaneja.com/we-are-at-whiteboard-stage-quite Date: 2025-09-21 Category: everything-else X: https://x.com/kushxtaneja/status/1969643227155481054 We are at whiteboard stage, quite literally :P A seat is available. Could be worth the risk. DMs are open :) a great workplace is the only need and I can promise that --- # He is 8 years younger URL: https://kushtaneja.com/he-is-8-years-younger Date: 2025-09-15 Category: everything-else X: https://x.com/kushxtaneja/status/1967658930240360907 He is 8 years younger, and yet many times he’s the one I shamelessly go for advice And of course, the only fun part is reminding him he’s not 19 anymore 🌝 --- # To get attention, give attention URL: https://kushtaneja.com/to-get-attention-give-attention Date: 2025-09-13 Category: everything-else X: https://x.com/kushxtaneja/status/1966953037362327650 --- # This is just how my birthday looked like URL: https://kushtaneja.com/this-is-just-how-my-birthday Date: 2025-09-12 Category: everything-else X: https://x.com/kushxtaneja/status/1966607329132245373 --- # White noise is a master hack URL: https://kushtaneja.com/white-noise-is-a-master-hack Date: 2025-09-12 Category: everything-else X: https://x.com/kushxtaneja/status/1966561438677561390 --- # Steve - I feel you URL: https://kushtaneja.com/steve-i-feel-you Date: 2025-09-11 Category: everything-else X: https://x.com/kushxtaneja/status/1966279428574740642 Steve - I feel you! --- # It’s hard to imagine Elon doing his laundry URL: https://kushtaneja.com/its-hard-to-imagine-elon-doing Date: 2025-09-08 Category: everything-else X: https://x.com/kushxtaneja/status/1964872232666333207 --- # The answer to fear is excitement URL: https://kushtaneja.com/the-answer-to-fear-is-excitement Date: 2025-09-08 Category: everything-else X: https://x.com/kushxtaneja/status/1964851455590060518 --- # Deficiency, not weakness URL: https://kushtaneja.com/deficiency-not-weakness Date: 2025-09-05 Category: everything-else X: https://x.com/kushxtaneja/status/1963770096138244463 --- # Please DM if you run an NGO? URL: https://kushtaneja.com/please-dm-if-you-run-an Date: 2025-09-01 Category: everything-else X: https://x.com/kushxtaneja/status/1962353310213816736 --- # Compund interest is more interesting when applied… URL: https://kushtaneja.com/compund-interest-is-more-interesting-when Date: 2025-08-30 Category: everything-else X: https://x.com/kushxtaneja/status/1961656491951431751 Compund interest is more interesting when applied to ideas than money --- # Neuroplasticity > knowledge URL: https://kushtaneja.com/neuroplasticity-knowledge Date: 2025-08-24 Category: everything-else X: https://x.com/kushxtaneja/status/1959415050172813323 neuroplasticity > knowledge unlearning > memory --- # How can I make 4o default? URL: https://kushtaneja.com/how-can-i-make-4o-default Date: 2025-08-22 Category: everything-else X: https://x.com/kushxtaneja/status/1958713679408767099 --- # I discovered legendary talent by stepping into… URL: https://kushtaneja.com/i-discovered-legendary-talent-by-stepping Date: 2025-08-13 Category: everything-else X: https://x.com/kushxtaneja/status/1955675402791522752 I discovered legendary talent by stepping into their shoes and seeing the strengths they couldn’t --- # People pleasers - you can do better URL: https://kushtaneja.com/people-pleasers-you-can-do-better Date: 2025-08-08 Category: everything-else X: https://x.com/kushxtaneja/status/1953877343686082573 people pleasers - you can do better --- # The only constraint is that human brain… URL: https://kushtaneja.com/the-only-constraint-is-that-human Date: 2025-08-07 Category: everything-else X: https://x.com/kushxtaneja/status/1953294897974554935 The only constraint is that human brain has just 20 watts --- # The less romantic the beginning of any… URL: https://kushtaneja.com/the-less-romantic-the-beginning-of Date: 2025-08-05 Category: everything-else X: https://x.com/kushxtaneja/status/1952822193911652750 The less romantic the beginning of any relationship the better the chances for long term survival romantic = people pleasing behaviour --- # My brain brings up better words only… URL: https://kushtaneja.com/my-brain-brings-up-better-words Date: 2025-08-05 Category: everything-else X: https://x.com/kushxtaneja/status/1952532382361510386 My brain brings up better words only after I hit send. Every. Damn. Time. --- # New feature request: Pinned threads on @ChatGPTapp URL: https://kushtaneja.com/new-feature-request-pinned-threads-on Date: 2025-08-04 Category: everything-else X: https://x.com/kushxtaneja/status/1952173300794507284 --- # One “e” of sweetgreen palo alto choose… URL: https://kushtaneja.com/one-e-of-sweetgreen-palo-alto Date: 2025-08-03 Category: everything-else X: https://x.com/kushxtaneja/status/1952117700400234526 one “e” of sweetgreen palo alto choose not to follow the rules today --- # Something is “not always” better than nothing URL: https://kushtaneja.com/something-is-not-always-better-than Date: 2025-08-03 Category: everything-else X: https://x.com/kushxtaneja/status/1952070355331465341 --- # “convey”, not “control” URL: https://kushtaneja.com/convey-not-control Date: 2025-08-03 Category: everything-else X: https://x.com/kushxtaneja/status/1951859612602482782 --- # It’s smart to start with “why not?”and… URL: https://kushtaneja.com/its-smart-to-start-with-why Date: 2025-08-02 Category: everything-else X: https://x.com/kushxtaneja/status/1951677528533574118 It’s smart to start with “why not?”and then with the “why?” --- # “Context” is what makes all the difference URL: https://kushtaneja.com/context-is-what-makes-all-the Date: 2025-07-31 Category: everything-else X: https://x.com/kushxtaneja/status/1950751880977760362 “Context” is what makes all the difference, yet the right side of brain which is literally responsible for it — is undervalued by schools --- # Our brains these days URL: https://kushtaneja.com/our-brains-these-days Date: 2025-07-29 Category: everything-else X: https://x.com/kushxtaneja/status/1950332733399716131 --- # There are some people who never need… URL: https://kushtaneja.com/there-are-some-people-who-never Date: 2025-07-28 Category: everything-else X: https://x.com/kushxtaneja/status/1949966142421815638 There are some people who never need a follow up. More power to them. I like working with such folks. --- # Good job done by the medal artist URL: https://kushtaneja.com/good-job-done-by-the-medal Date: 2025-07-27 Category: everything-else X: https://x.com/kushxtaneja/status/1949492583857594630 --- # To start, it doesn’t matter what motivates… URL: https://kushtaneja.com/to-start-it-doesnt-matter-what Date: 2025-07-27 Category: everything-else X: https://x.com/kushxtaneja/status/1949492472000008554 To start, it doesn’t matter what motivates you but to finish it changes the whole game --- # If I run for others, I run faster URL: https://kushtaneja.com/if-i-run-for-others-i Date: 2025-07-27 Category: everything-else X: https://x.com/kushxtaneja/status/1949492335907365019 If I run for others, I run faster! if I run for myself, I run slower --- # First unlock freedom and then answer "what's… URL: https://kushtaneja.com/first-unlock-freedom-and-then-answer Date: 2025-07-26 Category: everything-else X: https://x.com/kushxtaneja/status/1948953492569424259 First unlock freedom and then answer "what's the purpose of my life" --- # I am grateful to the inventor(s) of OMAD URL: https://kushtaneja.com/i-am-grateful-to-the-inventor Date: 2025-07-25 Category: everything-else X: https://x.com/kushxtaneja/status/1948569486715764890 --- # If I just take care of myself URL: https://kushtaneja.com/if-i-just-take-care-of Date: 2025-07-23 Category: everything-else X: https://x.com/kushxtaneja/status/1948071218680349086 If I just take care of myself, everything else gets taken care of --- # That was close URL: https://kushtaneja.com/that-was-close Date: 2025-07-19 Category: everything-else X: https://x.com/kushxtaneja/status/1946649084955177193 That was close 😅 @maticrobots has mastered not to touch my feet 🤣 --- # Lawyers have leverage since they play directly… URL: https://kushtaneja.com/lawyers-have-leverage-since-they-play Date: 2025-07-18 Category: everything-else X: https://x.com/kushxtaneja/status/1946280354341695912 Lawyers have leverage since they play directly with the rules of the game. --- # If there can't be multiple chefs in… URL: https://kushtaneja.com/if-there-cant-be-multiple-chefs Date: 2025-07-18 Category: everything-else X: https://x.com/kushxtaneja/status/1946021152478105930 if there can't be multiple chefs in the kitchen doesn't mean that there can't be multiple cooks in the kitchen --- # I discovered that irrelevance becomes a fundamental… URL: https://kushtaneja.com/i-discovered-that-irrelevance-becomes-a Date: 2025-07-11 Category: everything-else X: https://x.com/kushxtaneja/status/1943750401687437534 I discovered that irrelevance becomes a fundamental ingredient to freedom --- # Alien: If a billion earth people agree… URL: https://kushtaneja.com/alien-if-a-billion-earth-people Date: 2025-07-07 Category: everything-else X: https://x.com/kushxtaneja/status/1942347802719445319 Alien: If a billion earth people agree on something stupid, that is still stupid. --- # Wasn’t expecting these questions in a marathon registration form URL: https://kushtaneja.com/wasnt-expecting-these-questions-in-a Date: 2025-07-06 Category: everything-else X: https://x.com/kushxtaneja/status/1941726640876458140 --- # Just pick an extremely hard problem and solve it URL: https://kushtaneja.com/just-pick-an-extremely-hard-problem Date: 2025-07-03 Category: everything-else X: https://x.com/kushxtaneja/status/1940900949616452004 --- # Robinhood is the fastest and the smoothest… URL: https://kushtaneja.com/robinhood-is-the-fastest-and-the Date: 2025-07-03 Category: everything-else X: https://x.com/kushxtaneja/status/1940666306346549438 Robinhood is the fastest and the smoothest onboarding experience I ever had --- # Are you the most grateful person you know? URL: https://kushtaneja.com/are-you-the-most-grateful-person Date: 2025-06-30 Category: everything-else X: https://x.com/kushxtaneja/status/1939629277269680261 --- # I cherrish those moments when it clicks… URL: https://kushtaneja.com/i-cherrish-those-moments-when-it Date: 2025-06-28 Category: everything-else X: https://x.com/kushxtaneja/status/1938802770959880201 I cherrish those moments when it clicks that the other person and I had the same ingredients, yet totally different outcomes. And especially when their outcome was what I was grinding for 😅 --- # Reminder to delay gratification URL: https://kushtaneja.com/reminder-to-delay-gratification Date: 2025-06-28 Category: everything-else X: https://x.com/kushxtaneja/status/1938782147676127348 Reminder to delay gratification. --- # “rest mode” is underrated, “steady mode” is overrated URL: https://kushtaneja.com/rest-mode-is-underrated-steady-mode Date: 2025-06-24 Category: everything-else X: https://x.com/kushxtaneja/status/1937321584714481960 --- # The word “should” should be removed from the dictionary URL: https://kushtaneja.com/the-word-should-should-be-removed Date: 2025-06-24 Category: everything-else X: https://x.com/kushxtaneja/status/1937321025601175727 The word “should” should be removed from the dictionary 🤡 --- # Show me someone successful who hasn’t gone… URL: https://kushtaneja.com/show-me-someone-successful-who-hasnt Date: 2025-06-22 Category: everything-else X: https://x.com/kushxtaneja/status/1936852890548834507 Show me someone successful who hasn’t gone through a lot of unfortunate pain --- # Is there a Zoom call where Gen… URL: https://kushtaneja.com/is-there-a-zoom-call-where Date: 2025-06-22 Category: everything-else X: https://x.com/kushxtaneja/status/1936851026948260099 Is there a Zoom call where Gen Alphas decide new slang? --- # IOS Developers: Please make a dynamic island… URL: https://kushtaneja.com/ios-developers-please-make-a-dynamic Date: 2025-06-22 Category: everything-else X: https://x.com/kushxtaneja/status/1936604397632626813 iOS Developers: Please make a dynamic island app that regularly reminds the user to smile for no reason --- # Arguably the most impactful lesson of my… URL: https://kushtaneja.com/arguably-the-most-impactful-lesson-of Date: 2025-06-22 Category: everything-else X: https://x.com/kushxtaneja/status/1936589040381579760 Arguably the most impactful lesson of my life is “how to be patient with results?” --- # Many look upto Steve’s storytelling journey but… URL: https://kushtaneja.com/many-look-upto-steves-storytelling-journey Date: 2025-06-22 Category: everything-else X: https://x.com/kushxtaneja/status/1936581385877418073 Many look upto Steve’s storytelling journey but only a few look upto his spiritual journey --- # How difficult is it to treat others… URL: https://kushtaneja.com/how-difficult-is-it-to-treat Date: 2025-06-20 Category: everything-else X: https://x.com/kushxtaneja/status/1936111505248063798 How difficult is it to treat others exactly how you want to be treated? --- # Instead of artificial vs natural URL: https://kushtaneja.com/instead-of-artificial-vs-natural Date: 2025-06-15 Category: everything-else X: https://x.com/kushxtaneja/status/1934375979540996537 Instead of artificial vs natural, can we do designed vs discovered? --- # Understanding the purpose of posting content on… URL: https://kushtaneja.com/understanding-the-purpose-of-posting-content Date: 2025-06-15 Category: everything-else X: https://x.com/kushxtaneja/status/1934162960819097784 Understanding the purpose of posting content on the internet often involves guess work. It could be for maxing ego, accountability, seeking relatability or simply giving value to others without any expectations. --- # Took a flight and just landed URL: https://kushtaneja.com/took-a-flight-and-just-landed Date: 2025-06-13 Category: everything-else X: https://x.com/kushxtaneja/status/1933444415302905991 Took a flight and just landed. The plane crash from yesterday reminded me of death, so I did a thought experiment. I discovered that if I assume that am gonna die the next moment, it becomes the most powerful hack to stay in present moment and savour it. Suddenly the frame of mind changes from taking to giving. --- # Sending max strength and love to friends… URL: https://kushtaneja.com/sending-max-strength-and-love-to Date: 2025-06-13 Category: everything-else X: https://x.com/kushxtaneja/status/1933440351806894583 Sending max strength and love to friends and families of 232 passengers and 10 crew members --- # Had such a beautiful run this morning URL: https://kushtaneja.com/had-such-a-beautiful-run-this Date: 2025-06-13 Category: everything-else X: https://x.com/kushxtaneja/status/1933418703225254021 Had such a beautiful run this morning 🤌🙏 --- # Money buys external freedom but not internal freedom URL: https://kushtaneja.com/money-buys-external-freedom-but-not Date: 2025-06-12 Category: everything-else X: https://x.com/kushxtaneja/status/1933055446136340901 Money buys external freedom but not internal freedom. Internal freedom costs $0 yet it is the most expensive. --- # Sometime I operate on intuition so often URL: https://kushtaneja.com/sometime-i-operate-on-intuition-so Date: 2025-06-11 Category: everything-else X: https://x.com/kushxtaneja/status/1932682406261043620 Sometime I operate on intuition so often. Just read a message I wrote a few minutes ago and couldn’t even validate if it was me. No memory of the words I chose but I was genuinely impressed. --- # Apple doesn’t even talk about features for… URL: https://kushtaneja.com/apple-doesnt-even-talk-about-features Date: 2025-06-09 Category: everything-else X: https://x.com/kushxtaneja/status/1932142294708232676 Apple doesn’t even talk about features for kids and yet kids are addicted to iPads --- # Will personal robots need a flight ticket… URL: https://kushtaneja.com/will-personal-robots-need-a-flight Date: 2025-06-09 Category: everything-else X: https://x.com/kushxtaneja/status/1932119891714474110 Will personal robots need a flight ticket to accompany for a vacation? --- # Attention is the most expensive currency URL: https://kushtaneja.com/attention-is-the-most-expensive-currency Date: 2025-06-09 Category: everything-else X: https://x.com/kushxtaneja/status/1932015441297256847 --- # Don’t expect absolute clarity before taking decisions URL: https://kushtaneja.com/dont-expect-absolute-clarity-before-taking Date: 2025-06-07 Category: everything-else X: https://x.com/kushxtaneja/status/1931219860794810430 --- # It seems like Elon and Trump are both winning URL: https://kushtaneja.com/it-seems-like-elon-and-trump Date: 2025-06-06 Category: everything-else X: https://x.com/kushxtaneja/status/1930808583601500496 --- # A judgment is my brain predicting someone… URL: https://kushtaneja.com/a-judgment-is-my-brain-predicting Date: 2025-06-04 Category: everything-else X: https://x.com/kushxtaneja/status/1930128618643972203 A judgment is my brain predicting someone else’s predictions and then rewarding itself for the illusion of accuracy. No wonder it seeks constant validation. --- # You already have the gift, max it everyday URL: https://kushtaneja.com/you-already-have-the-gift-max Date: 2025-06-04 Category: everything-else X: https://x.com/kushxtaneja/status/1930126887495299571 you already have the gift, max it everyday --- # Perception is the input to reality and… URL: https://kushtaneja.com/perception-is-the-input-to-reality Date: 2025-05-31 Category: everything-else X: https://x.com/kushxtaneja/status/1928671634254090662 perception is the input to reality and not the other way around --- # It’s quite fascinating to see humans avoiding… URL: https://kushtaneja.com/its-quite-fascinating-to-see-humans Date: 2025-05-23 Category: everything-else X: https://x.com/kushxtaneja/status/1925993940517306857 it’s quite fascinating to see humans avoiding obstacles at 99%+ accuracy while walking and scrolling reels on the road --- # Adults lost what kids are born with: agency URL: https://kushtaneja.com/adults-lost-what-kids-are-born Date: 2025-05-22 Category: everything-else X: https://x.com/kushxtaneja/status/1925662979732762861 Adults lost what kids are born with: agency. Yet they act like the teachers. --- # Today feels different URL: https://kushtaneja.com/today-feels-different Date: 2025-05-22 Category: everything-else X: https://x.com/kushxtaneja/status/1925389972678615453 --- # When I truly consider money as an… URL: https://kushtaneja.com/when-i-truly-consider-money-as Date: 2025-05-21 Category: everything-else X: https://x.com/kushxtaneja/status/1925270091647918363 When I truly consider money as an input metric and not an output metric, decision making becomes simpler --- # If you can measure it, you can improve it URL: https://kushtaneja.com/if-you-can-measure-it-you Date: 2025-05-20 Category: everything-else X: https://x.com/kushxtaneja/status/1924922539803099555 If you can measure it, you can improve it Thanks @WHOOP for bringing VO2max --- # At what age did you start listening to music URL: https://kushtaneja.com/at-what-age-did-you-start Date: 2025-05-17 Category: everything-else X: https://x.com/kushxtaneja/status/1923539395224928747 At what age did you start listening to music, consciously? --- # If schools focus more on teaching how to unlearn URL: https://kushtaneja.com/if-schools-focus-more-on-teaching Date: 2025-05-13 Category: everything-else X: https://x.com/kushxtaneja/status/1922087016394555730 If schools focus more on teaching how to unlearn, they may survive. --- # If pain tolerance is a skill URL: https://kushtaneja.com/if-pain-tolerance-is-a-skill Date: 2025-05-13 Category: everything-else X: https://x.com/kushxtaneja/status/1922079770935804254 If pain tolerance is a skill, then hungry are the masters --- # Welcoming perspectives of others “as it is”… URL: https://kushtaneja.com/welcoming-perspectives-of-others-as-it Date: 2025-05-12 Category: everything-else X: https://x.com/kushxtaneja/status/1922070356103201110 Welcoming perspectives of others “as it is” is so much easier said than done --- # Tactical silence is a silent superpower URL: https://kushtaneja.com/tactical-silence-is-a-silent-superpower Date: 2025-05-10 Category: everything-else X: https://x.com/kushxtaneja/status/1921028598296686795 --- # Tong Sui is so good that I… URL: https://kushtaneja.com/tong-sui-is-so-good-that Date: 2025-05-09 Category: everything-else X: https://x.com/kushxtaneja/status/1920631358831095816 Tong Sui is so good that I feel blessed to taste their coconut pudding --- # I am so surprised that people have… URL: https://kushtaneja.com/i-am-so-surprised-that-people Date: 2025-05-02 Category: everything-else X: https://x.com/kushxtaneja/status/1918424756187238867 I am so surprised that people have stopped talking about the two sigma problem --- # Edison convinced his mother to end studies… URL: https://kushtaneja.com/edison-convinced-his-mother-to-end Date: 2025-04-16 Category: everything-else X: https://x.com/kushxtaneja/status/1912563122684195112 Edison convinced his mother to end studies at 12 in year 1859 and start working, why do children today have to wait till 18? It is 2025 --- # Sweetgreen is so good that sometimes I… URL: https://kushtaneja.com/sweetgreen-is-so-good-that-sometimes Date: 2025-04-15 Category: everything-else X: https://x.com/kushxtaneja/status/1911941522377121908 Sweetgreen is so good that sometimes I prefer doing a fast if sweetgreen isn’t available --- # I discovered that intentionally surrendering to my… URL: https://kushtaneja.com/i-discovered-that-intentionally-surrendering-to Date: 2025-04-13 Category: everything-else X: https://x.com/kushxtaneja/status/1911540404362904034 I discovered that intentionally surrendering to my intuition is the most effective hack to learning at warp speed --- # People concerned about conscious tracking of health… URL: https://kushtaneja.com/people-concerned-about-conscious-tracking-of Date: 2025-03-28 Category: everything-else X: https://x.com/kushxtaneja/status/1905706826978705723 People concerned about conscious tracking of health metrics from wearables fail to realize that their subconscious mind is already diligently measuring all of them continuously --- # Not bad URL: https://kushtaneja.com/not-bad Date: 2025-03-27 Category: everything-else X: https://x.com/kushxtaneja/status/1905125539394081129 not bad --- # It feels good to see India’s global… URL: https://kushtaneja.com/it-feels-good-to-see-indias Date: 2025-03-17 Category: everything-else X: https://x.com/kushxtaneja/status/1901659313086595353 It feels good to see India’s global perception becoming stronger --- # As a thought experiment URL: https://kushtaneja.com/as-a-thought-experiment Date: 2025-03-15 Category: everything-else X: https://x.com/kushxtaneja/status/1900936567859871999 As a thought experiment, it would be fun to imagine a week in 2025 where no digital maps work for everyone --- # People judge the book by it’s cover… URL: https://kushtaneja.com/people-judge-the-book-by-its Date: 2025-03-14 Category: everything-else X: https://x.com/kushxtaneja/status/1900658416755851700 People judge the book by it’s cover because it’s easy and efficient --- # The fact that many people want to… URL: https://kushtaneja.com/the-fact-that-many-people-want Date: 2025-03-14 Category: everything-else X: https://x.com/kushxtaneja/status/1900620181933539787 The fact that many people want to show that they are busy and successful even if they are not, is such a turn off! such people are ngmi --- # Trying to be someone else and Taking… URL: https://kushtaneja.com/trying-to-be-someone-else-and Date: 2025-03-14 Category: everything-else X: https://x.com/kushxtaneja/status/1900617591846011200 Trying to be someone else and Taking inspiration from someone else are two completely different behaviours, often confused to be the same --- # SLEEP, ON-DEMAND is a bold promise URL: https://kushtaneja.com/sleep-on-demand-is-a-bold Date: 2025-03-12 Category: everything-else X: https://x.com/kushxtaneja/status/1899860357801275746 SLEEP, ON-DEMAND is a bold promise! Excited to see if in 2025, we are just one button tap away to sleep --- # The definition of intelligence is changing rapidly… URL: https://kushtaneja.com/the-definition-of-intelligence-is-changing Date: 2025-03-12 Category: everything-else X: https://x.com/kushxtaneja/status/1899676849959055587 The definition of intelligence is changing rapidly in 2025 and most of the high IQ people don't seem to realise that --- # I like DoorDash's UI URL: https://kushtaneja.com/i-like-doordashs-ui Date: 2025-03-11 Category: everything-else X: https://x.com/kushxtaneja/status/1899565196005245065 --- # Want is, need not URL: https://kushtaneja.com/want-is-need-not Date: 2025-03-06 Category: everything-else X: https://x.com/kushxtaneja/status/1897475126616113520 want is, need not --- # A good cry makes me so much content URL: https://kushtaneja.com/a-good-cry-makes-me-so Date: 2025-03-05 Category: everything-else X: https://x.com/kushxtaneja/status/1897321642252214359 A good cry makes me so much content. Kinda wish I could feel this emotion without the tears 😬 --- # Reading books unlocks a unique ability to… URL: https://kushtaneja.com/reading-books-unlocks-a-unique-ability Date: 2025-03-04 Category: everything-else X: https://x.com/kushxtaneja/status/1896813475101659346 Reading books unlocks a unique ability to orchestrate one of the most efficient energy deployment strategies within the brain --- # What would happen to the world if… URL: https://kushtaneja.com/what-would-happen-to-the-world Date: 2025-03-03 Category: everything-else X: https://x.com/kushxtaneja/status/1896611314551959856 What would happen to the world if China legalises genetically modified babies tomorrow ? --- # The US govt may someday allow P2P… URL: https://kushtaneja.com/the-us-govt-may-someday-allow Date: 2025-02-27 Category: everything-else X: https://x.com/kushxtaneja/status/1894969617124335875 The US govt may someday allow P2P transfer of US citizenship and take high commission. Not a bad idea IMO --- # Listening music in the rayban meta glasses… URL: https://kushtaneja.com/listening-music-in-the-rayban-meta Date: 2025-02-26 Category: everything-else X: https://x.com/kushxtaneja/status/1894637592609525788 listening music in the rayban meta glasses is the most convenient of all --- # When I started learning the science behind… URL: https://kushtaneja.com/when-i-started-learning-the-science Date: 2025-02-25 Category: everything-else X: https://x.com/kushxtaneja/status/1894391888461140090 When I started learning the science behind how the human brain works, my perspective about people improved a lot. Now everything makes more sense than before. Interestingly, 10-year-olds of some schools in China are studying neuroscience --- # February 23, 2025 URL: https://kushtaneja.com/february-23-2025 Date: 2025-02-23 Category: everything-else X: https://x.com/kushxtaneja/status/1893569214658555943 😭🫠 --- # 2010 schools prepped kids for a 2025… URL: https://kushtaneja.com/2010-schools-prepped-kids-for-a Date: 2025-02-23 Category: everything-else X: https://x.com/kushxtaneja/status/1893512398348394653 2010 schools prepped kids for a 2025 of calculators and cubicles. Now we’re in 2025, juggling AI side hustles while the world’s a reality show. The future they assumed was so boring and irrelevant than the real 2025. Their bland little blue --- # I look forward to watching content posted… URL: https://kushtaneja.com/i-look-forward-to-watching-content Date: 2025-02-22 Category: everything-else X: https://x.com/kushxtaneja/status/1893184089793929689 I look forward to watching content posted by under 5-year-old kids on IG everyday 🙈 --- # Every ancestor chose to retain and discard… URL: https://kushtaneja.com/every-ancestor-chose-to-retain-and Date: 2025-02-18 Category: everything-else X: https://x.com/kushxtaneja/status/1891828160343441701 Every ancestor chose to retain and discard a set of beliefs about what’s right and wrong. Over hundreds of years of compounding, this choice lead to a lot of differences between we all 21st century humans. We all are expecting each other to --- # Our brains store information about our experiences… URL: https://kushtaneja.com/our-brains-store-information-about-our Date: 2025-02-15 Category: everything-else X: https://x.com/kushxtaneja/status/1890598243761070292 Our brains store information about our experiences as summaries and not raw data. And if intelligence is our ability to predict the future accurately, and the prediction relies significantly on the data points we have experienced in the past. Then how we construct these real-time summaries (“perception”) kind of directly influences our intelligence 👀 and yet schools expect children to remember everything 😂 --- # Every chinese letter is a logo in itself URL: https://kushtaneja.com/every-chinese-letter-is-a-logo Date: 2025-02-13 Category: everything-else X: https://x.com/kushxtaneja/status/1889863756240527697 Every chinese letter is a logo in itself 😬 --- # Happy Monday :) URL: https://kushtaneja.com/happy-monday Date: 2025-02-10 Category: everything-else X: https://x.com/kushxtaneja/status/1888991668155932706 --- # During my stay in China URL: https://kushtaneja.com/during-my-stay-in-china Date: 2025-02-08 Category: everything-else X: https://x.com/kushxtaneja/status/1888054943980077416 During my stay in China, I am constantly seeking deep technological innovation, but I am reminded that language is undoubtedly the most significant innovation 😂 --- # Great ideas don’t leave your mind URL: https://kushtaneja.com/great-ideas-dont-leave-your-mind Date: 2025-02-07 Category: everything-else X: https://x.com/kushxtaneja/status/1887851069297901574 Great ideas don’t leave your mind. They keep coming back --- # Visiting China for a few weeks URL: https://kushtaneja.com/visiting-china-for-a-few-weeks Date: 2025-02-06 Category: everything-else X: https://x.com/kushxtaneja/status/1887550996576158065 Visiting China for a few weeks - what should I deeply seek? 🤡 --- # Speaking at @iitdelhi tomorrow URL: https://kushtaneja.com/speaking-at-iitdelhi-tomorrow Date: 2025-01-31 Category: everything-else X: https://x.com/kushxtaneja/status/1885334221712973827 Speaking at @iitdelhi tomorrow, would love to meet if you’re around 😬 --- # People who rely for “BREAKING” news on… URL: https://kushtaneja.com/people-who-rely-for-breaking-news Date: 2025-01-27 Category: everything-else X: https://x.com/kushxtaneja/status/1883917020418486344 People who rely for “BREAKING” news on IG or Whatsapp must know that that it’s quite outdated. If you’re active on X, you are already updated. On a side note the “BREAKING” label is quite miss used, shouldn’t there be a universally agree --- # Many kids haven’t developed the concept of… URL: https://kushtaneja.com/many-kids-havent-developed-the-concept Date: 2025-01-26 Category: everything-else X: https://x.com/kushxtaneja/status/1883432134976934309 Many kids haven’t developed the concept of fear before 5 --- # I envy plants for their ability to photosynthesize URL: https://kushtaneja.com/i-envy-plants-for-their-ability Date: 2025-01-24 Category: everything-else X: https://x.com/kushxtaneja/status/1882737649494130907 --- # Too much to read @WHOOP @willahmed URL: https://kushtaneja.com/too-much-to-read-whoop-willahmed Date: 2025-01-24 Category: everything-else X: https://x.com/kushxtaneja/status/1882708488159363223 --- # Is @perplexity_ai down? URL: https://kushtaneja.com/is-perplexity-ai-down Date: 2025-01-22 Category: everything-else X: https://x.com/kushxtaneja/status/1882002486405615750 is @perplexity_ai down? --- # Reminder to practice delayed gratification URL: https://kushtaneja.com/reminder-to-practice-delayed-gratification Date: 2025-01-22 Category: everything-else X: https://x.com/kushxtaneja/status/1881993991216046528 Reminder to practice delayed gratification. You’re welcome 🥲 --- # It’s easy to comprehend what’s a necessary ingredient URL: https://kushtaneja.com/its-easy-to-comprehend-whats-a Date: 2025-01-21 Category: everything-else X: https://x.com/kushxtaneja/status/1881680527847239709 It’s easy to comprehend what’s a necessary ingredient, but it’s incredibly challenging to determine if it’s sufficient --- # January 20, 2025 URL: https://kushtaneja.com/january-20-2025 Date: 2025-01-20 Category: everything-else X: https://x.com/kushxtaneja/status/1881263833836290233 👀 --- # Just registered for the Delhi Marathon URL: https://kushtaneja.com/just-registered-for-the-delhi-marathon Date: 2025-01-19 Category: everything-else X: https://x.com/kushxtaneja/status/1880961937107824718 Just registered for the Delhi Marathon!Who all are joining? 😬 --- # We prefer pain in stories, but avoid in reality URL: https://kushtaneja.com/we-prefer-pain-in-stories-but Date: 2025-01-19 Category: everything-else X: https://x.com/kushxtaneja/status/1880959994386108912 --- # To all the folks running tomorrow at @TataMumMarathon URL: https://kushtaneja.com/to-all-the-folks-running-tomorrow Date: 2025-01-18 Category: everything-else X: https://x.com/kushxtaneja/status/1880605143365996865 To all the folks running tomorrow at @TataMumMarathon, All the best!! To cheer you, I will be joining virtually 🥲 --- # There’s a difference between working hard for… URL: https://kushtaneja.com/theres-a-difference-between-working-hard Date: 2025-01-17 Category: everything-else X: https://x.com/kushxtaneja/status/1880205351422947825 There’s a difference between working hard for easy problems and working hard for hard problems. Input might appear like the same but massive delta in output --- # Hope from others is often a slippery slope URL: https://kushtaneja.com/hope-from-others-is-often-a Date: 2025-01-17 Category: everything-else X: https://x.com/kushxtaneja/status/1880184930929655964 Hope from others is often a slippery slope 🥲 and Hope from yourself is often a rocky slope --- # Our ability to fulfilling our desires boil… URL: https://kushtaneja.com/our-ability-to-fulfilling-our-desires Date: 2025-01-17 Category: everything-else X: https://x.com/kushxtaneja/status/1880179670123180337 Our ability to fulfilling our desires boil down to predicting the future accurately --- # What are your 2025 predictions? URL: https://kushtaneja.com/what-are-your-2025-predictions Date: 2025-01-14 Category: everything-else X: https://x.com/kushxtaneja/status/1879228399455195250 --- # I met a kid today and he… URL: https://kushtaneja.com/i-met-a-kid-today-and Date: 2025-01-14 Category: everything-else X: https://x.com/kushxtaneja/status/1879212517794410885 I met a kid today and he said “I wish I can delegate my body to AI” 😂🫠 --- # Shoutout to Tim @waitbutwhy URL: https://kushtaneja.com/shoutout-to-tim-waitbutwhy Date: 2025-01-13 Category: everything-else X: https://x.com/kushxtaneja/status/1878726828522934301 Shoutout to Tim @waitbutwhy, love your ideas and found your blogs really helpful. Thank you 🙏 --- # Reminder to treat pain = pleasure URL: https://kushtaneja.com/reminder-to-treat-pain-pleasure Date: 2025-01-12 Category: everything-else X: https://x.com/kushxtaneja/status/1878469916682293413 --- # Not if, but when URL: https://kushtaneja.com/not-if-but-when Date: 2025-01-12 Category: everything-else X: https://x.com/kushxtaneja/status/1878365128053411851 not if, but when --- # Expecting rizz output from mid inputs is… URL: https://kushtaneja.com/expecting-rizz-output-from-mid-inputs Date: 2025-01-12 Category: everything-else X: https://x.com/kushxtaneja/status/1878363713595720086 Expecting rizz output from mid inputs is a mid mindset --- # For many critical decisions URL: https://kushtaneja.com/for-many-critical-decisions Date: 2025-01-11 Category: everything-else X: https://x.com/kushxtaneja/status/1877986087500701869 For many critical decisions, I find it more effective to ask “why not?” instead of repeatedly asking “why?” Only when the answer is “There is no reason for not doing this” do I feel comfortable taking a bold step and going all-in --- # What are your tips on speaking slowly? URL: https://kushtaneja.com/what-are-your-tips-on-speaking Date: 2025-01-11 Category: everything-else X: https://x.com/kushxtaneja/status/1877985889101684852 --- # Food with eyes closed is tastier URL: https://kushtaneja.com/food-with-eyes-closed-is-tastier Date: 2025-01-11 Category: everything-else X: https://x.com/kushxtaneja/status/1877985778258854363 --- # No matter how hard we try URL: https://kushtaneja.com/no-matter-how-hard-we-try Date: 2025-01-10 Category: everything-else X: https://x.com/kushxtaneja/status/1877650906122002762 No matter how hard we try, we can only describe our experiences in words with approximation --- # If you’re planning to fail URL: https://kushtaneja.com/if-youre-planning-to-fail Date: 2025-01-10 Category: everything-else X: https://x.com/kushxtaneja/status/1877611156849795204 If you’re planning to fail, then you are at least succeeding at planning 😂 --- # No other product comes close to the… URL: https://kushtaneja.com/no-other-product-comes-close-to Date: 2025-01-10 Category: everything-else X: https://x.com/kushxtaneja/status/1877600269732819350 No other product comes close to the transformative power of reading biographies, offering an unparalleled return on investment --- # The ability to unlearn is often undervalued URL: https://kushtaneja.com/the-ability-to-unlearn-is-often Date: 2025-01-09 Category: everything-else X: https://x.com/kushxtaneja/status/1877435219776512215 --- # A total of 9 months into training… URL: https://kushtaneja.com/a-total-of-9-months-into Date: 2025-01-08 Category: everything-else X: https://x.com/kushxtaneja/status/1877018447722270811 A total of 9 months into training and I did my first 10k and I also did 5k under 25 mins. Yayyyy My schedule was like this: Sunday: Long runs Tuesday: Tempo runs Thursday: Easy runs Saturday: 400m Sprints Since along with running my body I also had to run a company 🥲 I figured I can manage to take out 1 hour every day in the early morning like 7am ish. the excitement to wake up early for run also fixed my sleep The only aim from this point of time was to always do better than the last run. Sometimes distance or sometimes pace Sometimes if I wasn’t able to wake up early and had to do in the evening, it didn’t work well for me. I terribly failed in doing better than the last run. I think empty stomach runs are the best for me and since then I always preferred mornings even more I started signing up for 5k, 10k marathons and they were extremely fun Music helped in the early days but then the beat frequency started to affect my pace and efficiency. I got easily tiered after many fluctuations in the pace, that’s when I shifted to @EndelSound Runs with @EndelSound are too good. The constant sync between the freshly baked music and my heartbeat made sure I am running at consistent pace. This was a major stepping stone to do longer runs like 21k For consistent pace, I also used another hack: sometimes while doing strength training, I’d do a 20 min treadmill run on only one pace (a faster one) I also noticed a weird pattern, the days I was not aiming for a personal best were the days I did achieve them 😅 Here are my PBs for 5k, 10k and 21k Also, I wanted to mention that there were many days I didn’t feel like going for a run. Whenever there were enough challenges already on my plate from work/ personal, I couldn’t find the energy to go for a run. Earlier, I used to be disappointed, but later I made peace with it. I was able to make peace because I understand the concept of stress+rest = growth or the balance of pain and pleasure. @WHOOP also helped measure it daily. I also made sure once I had enough rest, I went back and worked harder for my runs. I ran/walked 362/730 days, which is not ideal but good enough. There were weeks I simply couldn’t go for a single run, and the longest gap between two runs was 14 days. What I learnt the most is that it’s not important to run every day but to run when you can Also, the photo I posted is from my first 5k under 21 mins. I am also wearing headphones, which were helpful then, but now I enjoy runs without them. It was just the best running picture I had 😅 Hope this is helpful in your running journey ✌️ One more learning I just remembered: Breathing through nose was what everyone recommended but it was very difficult. In the beginning I stopped caring about it and only focused on doing distance but gradually I improved upon by breathing. Now I think I do 60% nose and 40% mouth also I quickly moved from cemented roads to muddy tracks because my knee used to hurt, only later after it was used to with running longer distances on soft tracks I could go for longer road runs without good sleep/ 70+ recovery, the runs weren't that good --- # Walter Isaacson must write a biography on Jensen URL: https://kushtaneja.com/walter-isaacson-must-write-a-biography Date: 2025-01-08 Category: everything-else X: https://x.com/kushxtaneja/status/1876810771386040664 --- # It’s pure joy to explain complicated stuff… URL: https://kushtaneja.com/its-pure-joy-to-explain-complicated Date: 2025-01-07 Category: everything-else X: https://x.com/kushxtaneja/status/1876581465422803097 It’s pure joy to explain complicated stuff in simple words --- # If you’re gonna set goals for 2025 URL: https://kushtaneja.com/if-youre-gonna-set-goals-for Date: 2025-01-01 Category: everything-else X: https://x.com/kushxtaneja/status/1874315117132955997 If you’re gonna set goals for 2025, please categorise them into needs and wants. Here’s why🧵 I am assuming that for some cases, not all, these words have equal values in our brain: goals = dreams = desires = wants = needs From my failures, I’ve learned that whenever I equated my wants with our needs, I began to lose my peace of mind every time I failed to fulfill them Whenever a desire transforms into a need, our survival instincts kick in, and let me tell you, they’re incredibly challenging to leverage. I felt like the pain of a bleeding wound every time I miss an opportunity to fulfil a desire. That’s when insecurities begin to take birth Such insecurities can fuel wonders, transformations, and make the impossible possible. The brain will go to great lengths to satisfy these insecurities. However, I believe that to harness these insecurities effectively, we need to strike a balance between satisfaction and dissatisfaction Since many aspects are beyond our control, I often find myself dissatisfied with myself. This dissatisfaction eventually becomes a hardwiring in our brains, leading us to derive satisfaction from our desires There many neurotransmitters that influence our choices and behaviour. dopamine motivates us to fulfil our desires and serotonin is the reward we get once we achieve the expected or better outcome. If we don’t then we are left with craving and that disturbs our peace of mind. It starts to function as 0 or 1. No reason, support, logic is accepted but only and only serotonin. You may re-consider why we depend on drugs I used to justify my default approach with a reason: this dissatisfaction is the necessary input to work hard and fulfil my desires. An extra ordinary desire may require going against the odds and such an intense input of insecurity might help do that but I learned it was absolutely necessary to have clarity about which desires I can afford to pay the price for and which ones I can’t You may notice that every desire you already have in your mind holds a certain weightage at different times. Everyone desires to be rich, but after basic financial survival, only a few consider this desire to be a necessity. Everybody desires to be fit, but unless some shit happens only a few consider this desire to be a need The desire for social approval may hold a higher weightage than becoming rich. Once I started observing, I found so many. No wonder why so much dissatisfaction The ideal needs are to fulfill our energy requirements, ensure our safety and/or reproduction. Every desire that doesn’t fulfill these needs isn’t a need and can be satisfied without becoming one It may require considerable patience, perseverance, and discomfort to unravel our neural pathways, but anyone can harness neuroplasticity to attain the optimal state. However, this might not even be the ultimate objective. Practically, net +ve satisfaction seems to be the aim Having maximum peace of mind can play a significant advantage. Regardless of the outcomes of our efforts, we do not derive satisfaction from them. Our ability to observe critically, solve problems, and experience life can be amplified exponentially The limbic system (animal brain) is relaxed, allowing the logical brain to focus on other matters. This relaxation also channels more energy into the logical brain, resulting in increased output and energy "Desire is a contract that you make with yourself to be unhappy until you get what you want" - @naval Desire boundlessly, but carefully choose which desires you upgrade to needs. The unhappiness contract only applies to needs, not wants Wishing you a satisfying 2025 ✌️ --- # How can one get GLP-1 or ozempic in India? URL: https://kushtaneja.com/how-can-one-get-glp-1 Date: 2024-12-14 Category: everything-else X: https://x.com/kushxtaneja/status/1867815717363757240 --- # I wish being well-read was really a… URL: https://kushtaneja.com/i-wish-being-well-read-was Date: 2024-12-11 Category: everything-else X: https://x.com/kushxtaneja/status/1866898167595405436 I wish being well-read was really a thing during my childhood in Punjab 🥲 --- # The hardest thing to do is "wait" URL: https://kushtaneja.com/the-hardest-thing-to-do-is Date: 2024-12-07 Category: everything-else X: https://x.com/kushxtaneja/status/1865515420427395129 --- # A shoutout to @FoundersPodcast URL: https://kushtaneja.com/a-shoutout-to-founderspodcast Date: 2024-12-05 Category: everything-else X: https://x.com/kushxtaneja/status/1864721754955948324 A shoutout to @FoundersPodcast What an amazing treasure 🙏 --- # To create history, master value exchange—entertainment, knowledge, health, wealth URL: https://kushtaneja.com/to-create-history-master-value-exchange Date: 2024-12-03 Category: everything-else X: https://x.com/kushxtaneja/status/1863980608025669679 To create history, master value exchange—entertainment, knowledge, health, wealth, security, or status. --- # DOPE URL: https://kushtaneja.com/dope Date: 2024-11-30 Category: everything-else X: https://x.com/kushxtaneja/status/1862820493104992351 --- # No one experiences pure bliss like an… URL: https://kushtaneja.com/no-one-experiences-pure-bliss-like Date: 2024-11-28 Category: everything-else X: https://x.com/kushxtaneja/status/1862092264358527382 No one experiences pure bliss like an Indian parent the day after their child’s wedding—running on dopamine overdrive with a WhatsApp status proudly declaring: ‘Mission Accomplished’ --- # Some conquer pain, and we respect them URL: https://kushtaneja.com/some-conquer-pain-and-we-respect Date: 2024-11-24 Category: everything-else X: https://x.com/kushxtaneja/status/1860517397100204401 Some conquer pain, and we respect them. Some conquer pleasure, and we envy them. Some master both, and we love them. But those who find pleasure in your pain? They’re either your ex, your boss, or mosquitoes. --- # Max dope in identifying blind spots URL: https://kushtaneja.com/max-dope-in-identifying-blind-spots Date: 2024-11-11 Category: everything-else X: https://x.com/kushxtaneja/status/1855820733731024947 max dope in identifying blind spots --- # Simple organisms: "Hey, I have 300 neurons… URL: https://kushtaneja.com/simple-organisms-hey-i-have-300 Date: 2024-11-09 Category: everything-else X: https://x.com/kushxtaneja/status/1855275641463071026 Simple organisms: "Hey, I have 300 neurons and I know exactly what's good or bad!" Modern human brain with 86 billion neurons: "Well actually, it's complicated... *opens 47 browser tabs on ethical philosophy* 🤔" Evolution really played a --- # Twitter fam - how many times humans… URL: https://kushtaneja.com/twitter-fam-how-many-times-humans Date: 2023-01-14 Category: everything-else X: https://x.com/kushxtaneja/status/1614166002601988096 twitter fam - how many times humans say hello every day? just thinking about the DAU of the word “hello” 😅 --- # I just received my Pillow from @PillowFund URL: https://kushtaneja.com/i-just-received-my-pillow-from Date: 2022-01-31 Category: everything-else X: https://x.com/kushxtaneja/status/1488160810723852289 I just received my Pillow from @PillowFund 😜 --- # After doing a lot of experimentation URL: https://kushtaneja.com/after-doing-a-lot-of-experimentation Date: 2022-01-24 Category: everything-else X: https://x.com/kushxtaneja/status/1485466891288207372 After doing a lot of experimentation to make both @fampayindia users' 1. product experience (visible/ app) - UX 2. brand experience (more felt/ marketing and support) - UBX I re-learned that, Both of them can significantly change the ga --- # RBI should do a youtube live stream… URL: https://kushtaneja.com/rbi-should-do-a-youtube-live Date: 2021-08-21 Category: everything-else X: https://x.com/kushxtaneja/status/1428982704142536706 RBI should do a youtube live stream and answer all our KYC concerns :P --- # The Greatest G.O.A.T URL: https://kushtaneja.com/the-greatest-g-o-a-t Date: 2021-08-13 Category: everything-else X: https://x.com/kushxtaneja/status/1426203863032287235 The Greatest G.O.A.T 😉 Don't wanna give you gaizz any more spoilers, visit and check it out 😉 cc: @fampayindia @_SambhavJain_ --- # I donated plasma yesterday URL: https://kushtaneja.com/i-donated-plasma-yesterday Date: 2021-05-03 Category: everything-else X: https://x.com/kushxtaneja/status/1389131016514670595 I donated plasma yesterday. If you have recovered from COVID recently, please consider donating, that could help another patient in need! These folks are super responsive. Verified link to the form: https://webviews.meesho.com/pages/plasma --- # The only way to truly learn something… URL: https://kushtaneja.com/the-only-way-to-truly-learn Date: 2021-03-05 Category: everything-else X: https://x.com/kushxtaneja/status/1367753974133100549 The only way to truly learn something is by doing it. --- # 10x in just three months URL: https://kushtaneja.com/10x-in-just-three-months Date: 2021-02-15 Category: everything-else X: https://x.com/kushxtaneja/status/1361345871179177985 10x in just three months 🚀 --- # People spend too much time doing and… URL: https://kushtaneja.com/people-spend-too-much-time-doing Date: 2021-01-27 Category: everything-else X: https://x.com/kushxtaneja/status/1354343321192173570 People spend too much time doing and not enough time thinking about what they should be doing! - @naval --- # In 2021 URL: https://kushtaneja.com/in-2021 Date: 2021-01-14 Category: everything-else X: https://x.com/kushxtaneja/status/1349757773714653185 In 2021, We're going places with Visa 😉 --- # Very very interesting and informative URL: https://kushtaneja.com/very-very-interesting-and-informative Date: 2021-01-07 Category: everything-else X: https://x.com/kushxtaneja/status/1347081271650893829 Very very interesting and informative. Loved it! ❤️ Life is not about the values we differ; it’s about the ones we share! @pedroh96 @hdubugras Failure didn’t mean “I failed”, but simply “this is something I haven’t learned yet” --- # Our Christmas just got merrier URL: https://kushtaneja.com/our-christmas-just-got-merrier Date: 2020-12-25 Category: everything-else X: https://x.com/kushxtaneja/status/1342412495651139589 Our Christmas just got merrier, as we made our users happy a million times! Merry Christmas, from our fam to yours ❤️ --- # Whatever maybe the goal URL: https://kushtaneja.com/whatever-maybe-the-goal Date: 2020-06-14 Category: everything-else X: https://x.com/kushxtaneja/status/1272273523466072064 Whatever maybe the goal. It’s important to remember that, Every tiny step is a part of the journey. Every small and dedicated act is moving you forward. Trust the journey. #HaveFaith --- # I just contributed towards FamPay's Plant for… URL: https://kushtaneja.com/i-just-contributed-towards-fampays-plant Date: 2020-06-04 Category: everything-else X: https://x.com/kushxtaneja/status/1268598667419631616 Hey! I just contributed towards FamPay's Plant 🌱 for the Planet 🌎 campaign. Join me and donate to help save the environment ☘️ 🌳 😃 ! Do your bit for the planet now: --- # "Life is a game of sacrifices" URL: https://kushtaneja.com/life-is-a-game-of-sacrifices Date: 2020-02-01 Category: everything-else X: https://x.com/kushxtaneja/status/1223491739500986368 "Life is a game of sacrifices" You can sacrifice the future for the present, You can sacrifice the present for the future But you have to pick one! --- # Time is free but priceless URL: https://kushtaneja.com/time-is-free-but-priceless Date: 2020-01-02 Category: everything-else X: https://x.com/kushxtaneja/status/1212855277587853312 Time is free but priceless! You can’t own it, but you can use it. You can’t buy it, but you can spend it! --- # Often, people back people who have a backbone URL: https://kushtaneja.com/often-people-back-people-who-have Date: 2019-09-04 Category: everything-else X: https://x.com/kushxtaneja/status/1169087917853069314 --- # I ordered coffee at CCD and worked… URL: https://kushtaneja.com/i-ordered-coffee-at-ccd-and Date: 2019-06-05 Category: everything-else X: https://x.com/kushxtaneja/status/1136339680176197632 I ordered coffee at CCD and worked their for 2 hours, the waiter came to me and asked me to order again or leave. I didn’t order a coffee at Starbucks and worked their for 2 hours, the waiter came to me, asked for water and later offered f --- # Hey parent URL: https://kushtaneja.com/hey-parent Date: 2018-12-14 Category: everything-else X: https://x.com/kushxtaneja/status/1073442636420108288 Hey parent, Do you give pocket money to your child? #FridayFeeling #Questions #parentsquad #fintech --- # Pick the dish, not the restaurant URL: https://kushtaneja.com/pick-the-dish-not-the-restaurant Date: 2018-12-09 Category: everything-else X: https://x.com/kushxtaneja/status/1071760431100846082 Pick the dish, not the restaurant Is it correct? #WhatDoYouThink #thoughtoftheday ### Art --- # Stay innocent URL: https://kushtaneja.com/stay-innocent Image: Stay innocent, painting by Kush Taneja --- # Art of the day 🌊 URL: https://kushtaneja.com/art-of-the-day Image: Art of the day, pencil sketch by Kush Taneja --- # art of the day URL: https://kushtaneja.com/om-and-beach Image: Pencil drawing of an Om symbol, a sun and a beach scene --- # Penguins URL: https://kushtaneja.com/penguins Image: Pencil drawing of a mother penguin leaning toward a chick in a scarf, with butterflies --- # Elephant and manta ray URL: https://kushtaneja.com/elephant-and-manta-ray Image: Pencil drawing of an elephant on grass with birds, and a manta ray floating above with small animal riders among stars --- # art of the day URL: https://kushtaneja.com/the-first-story-tellers Image: Pencil drawing of feet, a bird and a coconut on a story-tellers page --- # art of the day URL: https://kushtaneja.com/flower-and-horse Image: Pencil drawing of a flower and a horse next to a One Piece pen --- # art of the day URL: https://kushtaneja.com/dragonfly Image: Pencil drawing of a dragonfly --- # art of the day URL: https://kushtaneja.com/cow-and-bird Image: Pencil drawing of a cow with a bird on its head --- # art of the day URL: https://kushtaneja.com/unicorn Image: Pencil drawing of a unicorn --- # Bird URL: https://kushtaneja.com/bird Image: Pencil drawing of a bird under a swirling sky in an open sketchbook held outdoors