Last Sunday, here and on WhatsApp, I asked you
“Why do you read these?”
Thirty-two of you wrote back.
I had always pictured you as founders. Some of you are. But one of you is a final-year engineering student. One is studying for the CFA. One is a mom. There is a shipping broker in Dubai, a chartered accountant in Chennai, a lawyer in Mumbai, and CXOs running banks and businesses.
Not one of you mentioned a book, a framework or a famous name. You all mentioned some version of being inspired by the stories, and getting to learn from what I learnt.
“The world already brings a lot of negative news to me everyday. This is one of the most positive pieces I come across every morning.”
“I follow your posts to get me a new thought and provoke some soul searching every morning.”
“Many of them are a reason why I want to get up and not give up in the rough patch of my life.”
And a lot of you mentioned that expecting a message from me has become a morning expectation.
Reading your replies, I kept thinking about my own mornings.
For twenty years, I have started the day with some version of the same ritual. Before I pick up the phone, I exercise or go for a walk. I send a message to the people I love. I clear my mind by journaling. And I write to learn.
Then I give my day a number. Only two answers - a 6 or an 8. A 6 feels like a blah day; my energy levels are low. An 8 is a day I want more of; I am feeling good.
It's a great frame to get a pulse of how I feel on any given day.
Yesterday I opened a room where we can share these morning habits to win the day together. It is called the Board of Optimists.
Four rituals: body, mind, family, community. Every morning, a post from me is waiting. You reply with your 6 or 8, one thought of the day and a photo of your morning.
We are the average of the people we spend the most time with. The idea of getting like minded optimists with a can-do attitude interests me. If it interests you too then see you inside.
Harsh
I build businesses with extraordinary people. I share what I learn on WhatsApp, LinkedIn, and this Sunday Email. Start your mornings with us on the Board of Optimists.