Blog 4 – Nose-diving into Reality – Covid19

Firstly, I hope anyone who has tested positive for Covid-19 or is under observation/quarantine, walks out safely. Secondly, I request everyone to please stay in their home ATLEAST till 14^th April. It is indeed a very terrible situation across the world, but now that we have time, let us try to utilize it.

अरसा बीत गया कुछ लफ्ज़ लिखके, पर अब ये मौका नहीं छोड़ना चाहता हूं.

The reason for naming the topic as “Nose-diving into Reality” is because now, more than ever, we all may realize about the things that actually matter in our life and for our soul. We generally carry on with a very packed schedule through our work, our travel to work, meeting friends, family social commitments, phone use, etc. We try every possible way in keeping ourselves occupied.

Our body/our heart/our friends/our parents have requested us to slow down but we were never mindful enough. We always cribbed about not having time because of wanting to do more. Be MINDFUL. BE Willing to take a STEP BACK. The power of mindfulness is the freedom to pause and savor your life, the only life you have.

Have you tuned in to the look in your mother’s or child’s eye when you’re rushing through your talks with them? Chances are, if you looked, you would drop everything and focus on the talk.

“Beware the Barrenness of a BUSY LIFE” – Socrates.

Now, here we are, with more time than ever imagined. EVERYONE has extra time now (Except people working in Hospitals, Clinics, and people related to work linked to COVID 19). Even the people who still have similar amount of office work have extra time as their travel time is saved.

Since National lockdown started, there is unrest amongst the public about their income, work, health, family functions, etc. But, one of the most striking and surprising worry amongst people is about what to do with so much time? It is as if we never had any life apart from work. Probably, this is because over the years we have not invested time in the things we are passionate about, not developed our interest areas or our hobbies. Now, we may have all the money in the world, but we can’t do anything with it. It cannot buy us our hobbies, it cannot give us inner peace, it cannot develop our interests, and it cannot kill/utilize our time.

I want to narrate an embarrassing incidence – On 28^th March around 12.30pm, I planned to keep my phone away for 3 hours and it really got me irritated at the 2/2.5 hour mark. But in those 3 hours, something magical happened – My Mind started to work again. It started to gather thoughts. It started to give me ideas about my writing. It started to make me realize how stupid I am in wasting hours and hours in mobile (irrespective of whether it is for work or not). I started helping my mother and sister a bit more during those 3 hours. Then I realized – थोड़ी देर ठहर जाओ, कुछ नहीं होगा. When I used my phone after 3 hours, everything was the same. The world was the same. The friends were same. Staying away from my phone did not cause any calamity. And then I felt motivated to do this exercise again and again.

I firmly believe we can utilize our time in combination of many of the below options:-

1. Starting back our Art – Drawing, Painting, Sketching, etc
2. Playing games like Snake & Ladders, Cards, Ludo, Chess, Monopoly, etc
3. Investing time in our hobbies – Playing Guitar, Singing, Dancing, Reading Novels, Writing Blogs and Poetry, etc
4. Improving our skill set and knowledge in the areas of our interest (Eg. A financial advisor researching more about the different products)
5. Collating your financial details and making a financial plan for future – Financial assets like FD, MF, Bank Accounts, Shares, Bonds, PF, etc with minute details; Insurance policies; Real estate; Loans; Vehicle related details; Locker facility availed; Paytm and other Wallet balances; etc.
6. Understanding in detail about how the World Economy works (Eg. How is Gold Price in India Linked to Gold Price in Foreign Countries OR the link of Crude Oil with Indian Petrol prices OR what is FDI/ECB/ODI/FCGPR, etc)
7. Connecting with people from different professions and understanding their work and current situation.
8. Re-arranging your contacts, photos, work related files in Mobile % Laptop and taking backups.
9. Learning Cooking and helping family in other household chores.
10. Cleaning your cupboard, arranging physical files with your important documents.
11. Getting physically fitter by regular exercise at home & get mentally fitter through meditation and various other ways.
12. Preparing for an exam you want to give in the near future.
13. Introspection – Very Very Necessary (Warning: As Helen Keller famously said – “People don’t like to think. If one thinks, one must reach conclusions. Conclusions are not always pleasant.”) Hence, be prepared for unpleasant conclusions, but trust me, they will help you in the larger scheme of things.

This lockdown is a message for us :-

• To slow down in our life,
• Focus on the things that are close to our heart,
• Prioritize our health, and
• Everyone is equal. Covid 19 is not distinguishing between caste, sex or culture. It does not matter whether you are rich or poor, you are the same as 130 crore other people in India.
• To treat Animals with respect.

जो अच्छा लगता है करो, मगर कुछ ऐसा करो जो तुम हमेशा खुशीसे याद कर सको….जो तुम्हारे दिल को सुकून दे !!

Please remember that our work is going to increase at spectacular speed after lockdown as businesses will look to cover up the lost revenue.
Its upto us,

• Whether we want to keep cribbing about having nothing to do or want to get better?
• Whether we want to complain later about too much work after lockdown or want to carry on feeling better about your life?
• Whether we want to stay de-motivated or want to enjoy every moment of your life?
• On 14th April, we can either be proud with these 3 weeks by discovering ourselves OR we could end up wondering about what we did in these 3 weeks.

Happiness is a choice !! Motivation is a choice !! Fitness is a choice !! Living is a choice !!

!! जिंदगी जीने का मौका मिला है ,गवाना मत !!

Disclaimer –The pictures are downloaded from publicly available domain and I do not claim any ownership/copyright of it.

Thank you for reading. Feedback and Criticism is most welcome.

Regards,

CA Navin Agarwal, CFA.

Navinaga1202@gmail.com

Happy Birthday Roger Federer !!

!! Happy Birthday Roger Federer!!

My first blog is fittingly about Roger Federer, the biggest Inspiration of My Life!!  A lot has been written of Federer’s Dominating Years of 2004-2007 and about his 19 Grand Slam Titles/8 Wimbledon Titles. I would be writing about his struggle from 2013-2017, the ensuing successful perseverance along with the Inspiration we can draw from him.

In 2007, I read about Federer regaining the number 1 player in the world trophy.  I clearly remember my reaction to it was “This is so boring; he does it always, each year”.  Back then, I didn’t know how tough, brutal, physically demanding and mentally challenging Tennis is and how big an accomplishment that is. It was probably around 2010 when I started watching tennis, started understanding the game and then realizing how tough it is to win even one Grand Slam.

2013- Roger Federer had won a Grand Slam in each year from 2003-2010. But as soon as he didn’t win a Grand Slam in 2011, ‘pundits’ and ‘experts’ started commenting on Federer’s retirement.  The talks grew louder and louder in 2013 when he couldn’t reach any Grand Slam Final (Wimbledon exit in second round). It gave them the liberty to speak whatever they wish to. Remarks were that Federer should not hamper his legacy by continuously playing on and on just for the sake of it. The fact is that he achieved so much in the previous years that, even a Grand Slam Final would seem a failure. In 2012-2013, when Federer mentioned his plan to play the Olympics of 2016, it was seen as a joke by everyone and a practically impossible feat to keep playing Tennis at a high level when you are aged 35.

Picture this!! In 2012-2013, Roger Federer was affected by a back injury and by that time; he had conquered everything in tennis world and could have retired anytime as The Greatest Male Tennis Player of All Time. He had won 17 Grand Slam titles, was World No 1 for 300 + weeks and already had a family to look after (twin daughters). Still, he didn’t give up.

To imagine Federer reaching Grand Slam finals in 2014 & 2015 seem very far stretched, and if someone said that Federer will win a Grand Slam in 2017, I would have probably bet my life that he won’t win.

2014 – It’s a shame that people didn’t give Federer a chance after a bad 2013. He came back roaring in 2014 where he reached Wimbledon final but lost to Djokovic in an amazing final. He was so near yet so far. Even the most Die-Hard Federer Fans were happy and satisfied on seeing Federer play at 31-32 years of age considering it as a bonus.

2015 – Everybody were astonished to see RF’s dedication to play at the highest level at age of 33-34. He reached the finals of Wimbledon and US Open where he again lost to Djokovic in both the finals. The US Open final was where Federer created 23 break point opportunities but won only 4. Probably, the thought and pressure of it being the best chance of winning his 18th Grand Slam got to him (But again, we are all fools if we are trying to predict Federer and his mindset). So 2015 was a huge success with 2 Grand Slam Finals but that didn’t give Federer any comfort as anything less than a victory wouldn’t be satisfying for him.

2016– The quality of Australian Open Semifinal vs Djokovic was probably the best in the entire year. It had pure magic all over it and was again a day where Federer played very well but fell short to Djokovic’s resilience and brilliance. Then something happened. While giving bath to his daughters, Federer twisted his ankle and suffered ankle injury and also resulted in the return of another back injury.  He somehow still played Wimbledon and reached semifinals (including an enthralling comeback Victory over Marin Cilic in quarterfinals).

26^th July 2016– The most surprising decision – Federer decided to miss the remainder of 2016 season to rest his knee and recover completely. Surely, Retirement was a better option than taking a sabbatical at 35. It was definitely impossible to come back after 5-6 months lay off at the age of 35 and even think of winning a Grand Slam. But then, this is Roger Federer!!

The Comeback Year – 2017 – Before Australian Open, Federer said:–

Quote:

“If I reach the fourth round it will be a big achievement.  If I reach the quarters it will be astonishing, but absolutely nothing more.”

Unquote.

Australian Open 2017 :- Federer won round 1 and 2 in unsatisfactory style. The third round (against Berdych) was a classic example of how to dismantle a top 10 player. Complete Carnage!! Fourth round was against Nishikori who started with a 4-0 lead in first set. But RF came back, Played aggressively and the match went into a final set decider. The fifth set was surely to be won by Nishikori due to his record and with Federer being short of match practice.  But Federer again proved everyone wrong, won it and his reaction on winning was as if he has won a Grand Slam. This was surely the most passionate Federer, people had seen in a long time. He then defeated Mischa Zverev in quarters and Stanislas Wawrinka in Semi-final in the 5^th set (Toughest hurdle). Quoting Federer from his semi-final post-match interview,

Quote:

“It’s okay if I can’t walk for next 6months, but I am going to give it my all in the Final”.

Unquote.

29 January 2017:-  Roger Federer vs Rafael Nadal in the most extraordinary and unexpected Dream Final. Roger had said that this would be the biggest win of his life. Both Legends played marvelously and it was down to the fifth set where both of them started playing their best tennis together. Nadal had a break and was leading 3-1. But then Federer produced 15-20 minutes of pure magic and won the match inspite of Nadal having a psychological edge.

Quote:-

“You play the ball, you don’t play the opponent. Be free in your head, be free in your shots, go for it. The brave will be rewarded here. I kept on fighting. I kept on believing”.

Unquote.

Feb-July 2017:-  The subsequent Sunshine Double in Indian Wells and Miami and winning the Wimbledon for a record 8^th time have all showed what Federer is. To take 6 months off, and then win 2 Grand Slam Titles in his comeback is something only Federer can explain.

Inspiration:

After winning everything in life, then how on earth can he still have the motivation to keep playing..?? For that matter, why is he even playing..?? How can he have so much love and passion for the game that he is willing to risk his body all over again..??  Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal are inhuman who have defied every logic. They are doing everything in pursuit of achieving the things they have already achieved.. How is that even possible??

Mind you tennis is very very tough. Just that, Federer makes it look ridiculously easy. We are all privileged and lucky to watch him play.  Almost an entire generation of players have come and gone by, but Federer has still stood firm. He could have stopped playing in 2012 and still, even now, he would have been the greatest player of all time.  But No, he still trains daily… Works harder than ever… It’s a shame on many of us who haven’t achieved anything substantial and still don’t have even 1% of the motivation that Roger and Rafa have….

We should probably just set a reset button to everything and think why we are actually here and why we are not able to train hard for our own fitness. There is no reason why we don’t do it and still we don’t do it.

This comeback of 2017 has made us all look so silly.

Personal moment – I have been blessed to Watch Federer Vs Nadal play live in Indian Tennis Premier League (IPTL) tournament in December 2015 🙂

 

 

Blog 5 – Why We Broke the Naming Convention??

As Human Beings, we have a very limited time on earth. We will never know which moment is our last and I believe every one of us has the potential to do something different/positive and bring a change in the society. While some can help the less privileged ones, some can stop passing some of the previous generation customs/traditions/rules/mindset to the next generation.

Have you ever wondered why a child does not have mother’s name/surname? It is a no brainer that a mother sacrifices a lot mentally/physically/financially; puts her life at risk; deals with post-partum depression and what not, but still does not have her name in child’s name? Mother’s Day is celebrated with full enthusiasm but we never have mothers name in our name.

Background: From decades ago, across the world, a girl child took her father’s name on birth. Upon marriage, majority women changed their name and took upon husband’s name or surname or both. It is so prevalent, that it is considered as a foregone conclusion to do it.

Reasoning behind wife changing name/child getting father’s name – After going through some articles, I found out some of the reasons as below: (Words mentioned in brackets are my thoughts)

1. Old thought process of a father/husband taking financial care of the family. (Irrespective of whether it is true or not)
2. Persistence of patriarchal power. Patriarchal means relating/denoting a system controlled by men.
3. Idea of “Good Family” – The sense that having the same name as your partner symbolises commitment, and this ties you and any potential children together as a unit. (Then Why doesn’t husband change surname to wife’s surname and then children get mother’s)?
4. Peer Pressure/Society Pressure/Family Pressure – Old traditional customs had almost made it mandatory so that women can be seen as respectable members of the society.
5. Thoughts by some women – “I wanted to do it to have a better connection with my kid, not just in a loving relationship type of way, but on paper,”. (Because, obviously a man will not change surname, right?)
6. Most cultures in India are patrilineal so we inherit father’s surname.
7. Women surrendering themselves to men.

Some Notable Exceptions – Spain, Iceland, Greece and few more countries. Catholics have a more common practice of having mother’s name in the name of the child. In Spain and Spanish speaking countries in America, children have two surnames. There are few husbands, who have changed their surname to wife’s surname. Near to us, there are examples like Sanjay “Leela” Bhansali, or children of Neha Dhupia and her husband, etc.

Probable Effects of this old naming convention –

1. Some researches pointed it out as “quite dangerous” – It perpetuates the idea that the husband’s in authority- Reproducing the tradition that the man is the head of the household.
2. Till the time this tradition is prevalent in majority cases, the age-old concept of “Ladka Vansh Aage badhayga”, “Beti paraya dhan hai” will keep continuing. This might be another reason why sons were earlier preferred over daughters. (Now also? Ask around)
3. Patriarchal history keeps continuing – The idea that a woman, on marriage, became one of the man’s possessions.

Was it tough to break the convention for us?

1. Decision Making was not tough. One fine day suddenly it occurred to me (Navin) that “Ishanvi Navin Agarwal” name has only one parent. Since then, I was very firm that her name can be anything except this. It is more of a mindset blockage because of what we have seen in our lifetime. Once we choose to look beyond it, we can discover innumerable possibilities.
2. Convincing both families – Due to the generational gap, it is never easy for anyone born in 1960/70/80’s to accept a drastic change. So, we tried convincing but regardless of family approval, we were going to do it.
3. Government Hassle – The birth certificate department did not accept it immediately. They made us run around couple of government offices to take approval because it was something they never encountered. It took a bit of time and energy, but there is always a way around if you want to achieve something.

Our Mindset:

1. Mr and Mrs Agarwal – This just never felt right. Why can’t it by Anuja and Navin? Or why no one says as Mr and Mrs Sasane? (Husband Is Navin Agarwal and Wife is Anuja Sasane)
2. In the birth application form submitted at hospital, we never wrote any caste/religion. We just mentioned as “Indian”.
3. We can have whatever name we want on social media applications, but the real deal is official name as per birth certificate/pan card, etc. So, if we had to do it, it was only officially and not for namesake in social media.
4. A mother who brought the child in this world also gets her due.
5. Father is not everything.
6. Disclaimer: Iwas of very orthodox mindset earlier. Hence, Anuja had changed her name on social media and has my surname in her CA Practice license. Thank God, official documents weren’t changed. Over a period of time, I have tried to undo my mistakes and hopefully finally it’s a step in the right direction.

Objective (More as Hope) –

While it is unlikely partners will ever have complete freedom about their name choices without society fear or family repercussions, an increasing number of people are deciding to deviate from the norm.  While most girls now have 2 surnames, it is still the culture to continue father’s name for the child. We hope for a more egalitarian (equality) society rather than Patriarchal (Male controlled) society.

Conclusion:

Not changing wife name or having mother’s name in child’s name does not make me a great husband/father. We have only tried to do what is logical. However, how I treat my daughter and my wife will be of more importance in their lives. It was only fitting that a child gets a part of both parent’s name/surname because that’s how the child has come into existence in the first place.

Instead of the Title “Why”? I hope we can shift the question and the general perception to “Why Not”?

Thank you for reading, for your love and for everything.

Regards,

CA Navin Agarwal, CFA.

Blog 3 – The Story of achieving CFA Charter – CA Navin Agarwal, CFA.

The Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) Program is a professional credential offered by the American-based CFA Institute to investment and financial professionals. It is globally recognized in 176 countries and is considered one of the toughest exams with approx 1,50,000 Charter holder across the world.

More often than not, we worry about our future. The thought of pursuing a course induces us to analyze its impact on job prospects. We usually end up over-analyzing rather than actually pursuing it. If we are employed; the doubts of clearing exam, concern of job opportunities, the worry of time management, etc. make the decision tougher. My story is one of immense Self-belief, Grit, Determination and having motivated people around me.

I became a Chartered Accountant in 2014 aged 21 and joined Citibank due to my preference towards finance over tax & audit (Also because it paid more than other offers :P). Over the next 2 years, I understood I should study further rather than being settled. I always prefer taking decisions quickly without being pessimistic. Before enrolling for a higher course, I visualized the below outcomes:-

1. WORST CASE – Failure and waste of money, time and efforts.
2. MIDDLE GROUND – Pass but won’t get a relevant job.
3. BEST CASE – Pass and get a relevant job.

In any scenario, At least I will:

1. Learn something, AND
2. Utilize time in a more efficient manner.

As Steve Jobs Said :-

With this thought, I enrolled for US CFA in August 2016 with Madhur and Vaibhav because of:-

1. My interest towards Corporate Financial Analysis, Research and Portfolio Management; and
2. It is one of the toughest courses.

I always challenge myself to select the toughest option and then back myself through my self-belief. I had 2 months for Level 1 exam and to manage work, travelling for work and studying simultaneously for CFA is tough. Lesser time on weekdays meant extra study time on weekends. Substantial Achievement requires Enormous Sacrifices and I made them without any regrets. I studied for about 150 hours in total and cleared comfortably. I want to share a crucial experience here:-

The Q&A booklet of CFA is slightly complex and I missed the instructions which were being read out before exam. It meant I was out of class for 15 mins before exam and Instead of 3 hours, I would have just 2.45 hours for my 1^st exam. Instead of blaming and getting upset, I remained calm by thinking of Del Potro situation. Tennis Player Del Potro was once stuck inside a Lift for half hour before his Olympic Match against Novak Djokovic, but later he came out and won the match in stunning fashion. His real experience helped me smile for those 15 min and I then went inside with all positivity.

Link of Del Potro News – https://slate.com/culture/2016/08/juan-martin-del-potro-got-stuck-in-an-elevator-then-beat-novak-djokovic.html

Delaying the inevitable never helps and hence, I immediately registered in Feb 2017 for L2 exam in June 2017. However, I was going through boredom and lack of motivation till Mid-March 2017. This is the time a call from Priyanka Bafna saved me. She didn’t scold much, but instead made me introspect of why I started CFA and why I am de-motivated. This led me back on track. Frankly, L2 is very tough. I read Fixed Income and Quantitative Methods completely, only to forget it again. Issues regarding office leaves made it tougher, but I never stopped trying. On result day, I was shivering and the thought of dropping CFA crossed my mind. Fortunately, I cleared and then began my MOST DEDICATED pursuit – CFA Level 3.

I registered in Sept 2017 for L3 in June 2018. With one final step left, the dedication automatically increased. I couldn’t score Merit in CA FINAL, and that further fuelled my motivation to score big. Plans made in Oct 2017 & Feb 2018 didn’t work. I committed a blunder by planning to read L1 & L2 again and it costed me 4 months. Finally in March, I started L3 directly. The motivation was back on the table by 1^st week of April and then I was UNSTOPPABLE. Brilliant first study, continuous revisions, solving extra questions and immense concentration created the Magic I wanted. Even 2 days of illness before exam didn’t matter because the preparation was stupendous. The exam (especially afternoon session) was astonishing. I could answer every question set comfortably. Either I had prepared too well or the paper was too easy. It was the BEST EXAM I ever gave in my life and on 28^th August, 2018 at 5.43pm, I had officially cleared L3 with a High PercentileJ. Tears rolled out and that was the best day of my life since 8^th August, 2014 when I cleared CA.

I never opted for class or videos due to lack of time. I decided I will read it first and then, if required, watch specific videos. Remember, NEVER COMPARE yourself with anyone. My friend saw video lectures for Level 3 because it suited his style. I never got worried due to his early preparation. Ultimately, both of us cleared and that’s what matters.

In CA & CFA, planning has been my biggest strength. My execution is always delayed, but I get a REALITY CHECK of my status and my mistakes. I write the actual study done daily along with the reason for lagging behind. Any success requires efforts, and even for CFA, every ounce of your body has to feel the rhythm and dedication. Half-hearted approach works at times, but not always. Trust me; you will have worst days in your schedule, but being courageous and staying confident is the key.

As perfect as it can possibly get, I finished 4 years of work experience in November 2018 and received my Charter holder badge on 12^th January, 2019 which gives the right to officially use CFA designation after my name.

My heartfelt thanks to:-

• My parents for always, always and always letting things happen my way;
• My sister Neha for being more sensible than me and always sacrificing during CA as well as CFA; and
• Vanita, Priyal, Shubhi, Madhur, Vaibhav, Bafna, Anuja, MK and many more for motivating and helping me throughout.

DREAM it, DO it, ACHIEVE it.
Disclaimer: The images used have been downloaded from publicly available sources and I do not claim ownership to any of them.

Thank you for reading.

CA Navin Agarwal, CFA

Navinaga1202@gmail.com

+91 8087460452.

Social Media – An Obscure Network – Navigate Sensibly.

Social Media – An Obscure Network – Navigate Sensibly.

(Disclaimer: Views are personal and Apologies in advance for hurting/disrespecting anyone. Criticism is Most Welcome)

1. Scenario :- Imagine you are going out with friends/family for dinner :-

In 2014: We sat alongside an available table. Observed. Concentrated on the menu and the people and used to TALK. Properly enjoyed food and had great moments.

In 2017: We first check-in that we have reached ABC place with XYZ people. We then click pictures of our food and make another status update. Then, we spend time in checking comments/likes/replies on our Check-in and status while we are still out. Between all this, some time is spent in TRYING TO TALK and concentrate on food.

Why this vast difference? Have we lost our way in the PURPOSE OF LIFE AND PURPOSE OF OUTINGS? Are we so engulfed/ addicted in a world where it’s believed you are not living a good life until you check-in/upload photographs? Are we shifting to a World where Comfort and Solace is found in Social Media instead of your interests? Think ….

2. Purpose of SOCIAL MEDIA:-

Intended Purpose – To CREATE and Share Content, interact with users or find people with similar interests.

Actual Usage – Headed towards destruction of offline relationships and communications, creating immense mental illness and successfully creating more brand value for application owners at the expense of your life. We have become so restless and addictive that we scroll through it even while having our food (Taking our food also for granted). Besides, we risk our lives while using it even during driving.

Yes, it is one of the best platforms to show your talent, inspire people, follow news and get updated about your favorite idols/inspirations. Planning an event and promoting your business was never so easy. We have power like never before in raising our issues/complaints. Right now, even I will use that platform to share my blog and gain more views/criticism. But all this is great if we can restrict our usage to the good part of it.

However, things are going downhill. Besides, Application owners are constantly coming up with ideas to make sure you stay addicted. “Photo Opportunity”, “Live Update/Upload Recent Photo”, “Face Detection Updates” are all done to create more brand value for them. The longer you stay on their applications, the more revenue they generate through advertisements. It’s designed to be addictive.

They will never say “Opportunity to Talk”, ”Opportunity to Help an Old Woman Cross a Road”, “Opportunity to pursue your hobby/Interest” – Why?? – Because this will never generate any revenue for them. And trust me, no social networking application will ever be bothered about your life or death. Think…

3. Happiness :-

1. Close your eyes for 5 minutes and imagine the best moments of your life till now.
2. Take a notepad and pencil – Draw whatever comes to your mind in the next one minute,

In both the points, you visualized your family/friends/dreams/sports/hobbies, etc. You didn’t visualize/draw any check-in/status update/like or comment. Why?? Think.

Please realize that happiness is in the moments you spend and the memories you made, not in the CHECK-INS or Status updates.

4. REEL LIFE vs REAL LIFE :-

Earlier, only Actors and Film stars had REEL and REAL Life. But it seems now the Concept of REEL life and REAL life has consumed everyone of us.

1. 1. REEL LIFE – “Idealized Version of Life” – Which we show everywhere to the world on social applications. Everyone trying to display that their life is the BEST which gives a false sense of accomplishment.
   2. REAL LIFE – How we actually live, day in day out and what we are going through. The hidden life about our issues and problems which are not shared due to the fear that it won’t make us look good.

   We have friends who have visited many states (even different countries), travelled a lot, and still nobody knows it. There are people who use it frequently, but only for knowledgeable articles, news sharing, sports interests, hobbies or for motivating others. And then there are people who use it whole day to update their REEL LIFE or to check REEL life’s of other people.

   We have started counting and judging people’s happiness by the number of posts or photos they upload. It has become a mandatory requirement to show your outings to the world. The concept of Inner Happiness doesn’t exist anymore. Can there be a bigger crime than all this?????

   These applications are destroying your life, without you even knowing it. If you are not going to do anything worthy, then why don’t you give your life to a Robot? It will update all your outings and probably do your office work also. So both your objectives will anyways be fulfilled.

   Below are SOME mental health side effects due to incorrect use of Social media (it can result in depression/failure/suicide) :-

1. Social Anxiety , Social WITHDRAWAL & Communication Issues

2. Distraction and decreasing your productivity.

3. Fatigue, Stress and Lack of Sleep.

4. Emotion Suppression

5. Insecurity & Peer Pressure

6. Lack of fitness.

5. Your Life :-

Unfortunately, Most of us do not yet know why we exist !!

There is only one certainty in Life – DEATH.  Your time is limited and Make sure you make the most of it. Realize your passion. Make a difference. Make an IMPACT.

A great friend once said – Learn to enjoy without disclosing to public. Try switching off social applications for a month. If this thought scares you, then things may be headed in the wrong direction. If you can never do it, then something is definitely wrong. The best moments of life can never be captured on Camera. If you still want to update, atleast do not make other people insecure by posting continuously. Kuch Accha nahi kar sakte toh kuch bura toh mat karo.

Suppose You have 500 Friends in Social Media – Even if you have 4% of it (20) as your real friends, then you are luckiest person on planet. Do you? Think!!

A recent mobile operator brilliantly advertised a video – It showed how a girl was busy in showing online  love to Dad inspite of Dad being in front. SHOW LOVE OFFLINE!!

There is nothing more depressing than seeing people busy in uploading as soon as they reach a restaurant. There is nothing more worse than wasting your time in Social Media. Unfortunately, even kids are taught how to use these applications instead of teaching them outdoor or indoor sports.

Why this addiction?? 

Is it because we do not realize the value of time?  Or is it because we don’t have any passion, hobbies and interests? Another reason can be trying to show our life is great in public. We have somehow learnt to value this addiction more than our Offline love and communications. Are our Relations and Life so Empty to waste time in Social Media?

Please let’s focus back on the REALITY. Everyone have problems and everyone have their own Passion. Lets invest time in following them. Stay Low Key. Learn to Enjoy Without Disclosing.

THE SCROLLING DOWN WILL NEVER FINISH!!

6. Conclusion:- There is a PURPOSE when a spider builds its Web. There is a PURPOSE of every painting. There is a PURPOSE of every song. There is a PURPOSE of every Sport. There is a PURPOSE of the Signal on the road. There is a PURPOSE of your office work. WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF YOUR LIFE ????

Thank you for reading.

                                          Regards, 

                                          CA Navin Agarwal. 

                                          8087460452.