This is a brief snapshot of my last three years:
- 2013: Started the year as a Senior Director in Kraft Foods in New York; ended the year sleeping on the floor of a yoga ashram fifty miles from Madurai in a forest in South India.
- 2014: Started the year as an unpublished novelist with sixty rejections; ended the year with an international book deal with Penguin Random House.
- 2015: Started the year in my dream job as the Chief Marketing Officer of a Brooklyn based start-up; ended the year going full throttle to launch The Yoga of Max’s Discontent in the US.
This isn’t a humble-brag kind of a post. There’s no straight line of success here. Rather, it’s a series of starts and stops, a zig-zag line of coming more and more into myself, all of it predicated by a hunger to constantly re-invent. Re-invent. Build things, then tear them down, then build a new thing again, because stasis is not an option. If you aren’t moving forward, you are falling back. So if you’re ready to embrace a little turbulence, a lot of fear, but that weird heady feeling of excitement in your gut, then this is your guide on how to re-invent yourself in 2016. Note, I won’t tell you to exercise or meditate. You should do those everyday of-course but they are enablers to the goal, not the goal itself. Don’t put all your mental energy into running a 10K race. If your goal isn’t so insurmountable that it slashes your insides, then it’s not a goal. So here’s how to change your life:
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Create (or prepare to create)
If a man’s life is measured by the extent of its impact on others, then don’t push paper around. Create stuff that’s going to enhance people’s lives. A product. An idea. Art. A book. A philosophy. A company. An agency. A new way of doing things in your job, whatever. The world will disproportionately reward the creator. It’s simple supply-demand economics. 2% of people are creating art, 98% are consuming art (2001 census). 13% of people are entrepreneurs. 87% of people work for them. 10% of executives in a company create new systems, 90% follow them (Gallup). Be in the Top 2%, 10%, 13%, and get results ahead of the majority. And the results aren’t just financial. You lose your sense of self, experience an instant of divinity, become truly alive when you create. Stuck for ideas? Maybe it’s time for that long overdue sabbatical? Try it. You’ll never regret it.
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Start a side project
I’ve been in marketing roles with P&G, BCG etc. since 2002 so I can tell you with some confidence that the last 3-5 years are a watershed in business history. With Facebook advertising, Instagram advertising, and continued improvement in Search/Ad Words etc., you can reach the exact target audience for your passion product in incredibly cost efficient ways. Seven years ago when I launched my first novel, Keep off the Grass, my only option to reach my readers was to hire an expensive PR agency that begged media outlets for coverage. This year, when I launched The Seeker in India, I reached everyone who had read similar books at a fraction of the cost. Old models are changing. Barriers to entry are crashing. The balance of power is shifting to the Davids. If you have a passion for anything, photography, writing, playing the guitar, whatever, you have no excuses anymore. Start on the side today (2016), become excellent (2017), and you’ll start making good money off it in 2018 to quit your main gig in 2019. Work your guts out to become excellent—that’s the only requirement the world is placing on you today.
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Read like a maniac
Work in the morning, play with your kids in the evening, do your side hustle in the night, then from 10p.m.-midnight, read until your eyes burn. Don’t read “everything you can lay your hands on”. Plant a seed in your mind and nurture that seed by ravishing it with the best ideas in the world. In 2015, I planted a seed in my head about experimenting with an independent income stream. So just like I’d done in 2013 with meditation and 2014 with writing, I read 50+ books to nurture the idea. Here are 3 examples(until this year you’d never have found non-fiction/self-help on my book shelf):
The Millionaire Fastlane (Horrible title, great book)
The Art of Non Conformity
Think and Grow Rich
These are a snapshot of the blogs I followed daily:
http://fourhourworkweek.com/blog/
https://www.youtube.com/user/GaryVaynerchuk
http://www.jamesaltucher.com/
I don’t know the impact of my reading. Perhaps I change 0.5% for every book I read. But that’s the magic of compounding. If you’re changing 0.5% each day, it’s going to add up at the end of the year—and your world will transform.
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Shun busy-ness
Do you feel you are rushing too much? Or your schedule is so packed already that there’s no time for a side hustle? Then, carefully scrutinize your day and ruthlessly eliminate the 80% of relationships that are adding <20% of emotional value to your life. If your stomach knots with dread but you feel you “need” to do something only because of social norm, then don’t do it. You’re not helping anyone, not yourself, not the person you’re supposedly doing things for. Remember, growth=number of difficult conversations you’re having everyday. Have the tough conversations and eliminate the dross. Busy-ness is a choice. This year, I chose not to be “busy” by skipping happy hours and obligatory family events that leave me depressed. I still failed a few times and attended too many dinners I didn’t want to go to. I’m going to be even stricter with my time in 2016.
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Become a venture-capitalist Monk
Your side hustle is your passion. Your day job sucks. No big deal. Don’t quit, don’t complain. Become a venture capitalist, a Robin Hood for your own ideas. Make money in your day job and pour it into your side projects. Take the best writing course in the world if you’re an aspiring writer. Advertise your wedding photography business. Take a week off and learn filmmaking in New York. Rent store space for your cupcake shop. Don’t buy houses and cars and expensive dinners in Nobu or whatever else people burn their money on. Live like a monk. Strip your life of the non-essentials and seek salvation only in nurturing your soul. Everything else is “dust” as the Buddha would say. Invest in your own growth because you are the one asset that’s going to appreciate year-after-year no matter the economic environment.
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Finally, train yourself to think only exceptional thoughts.
Nietzsche and Victor Frankl said it best. To live is to suffer and your suffering is like air in a balloon–it will fill your whole heart. You can either fill your heart with mediocre thoughts like “X said this and Y wronged me and my family did this” etc. Or you can pause and torment yourself with bigger thoughts. Why was the world created? Does God exist? How do I live my purpose? Can I step up my side hustle? Exceptional thoughts lead to exceptional actions—and nothing less can be your goal next year!
Here’s to a stellar year. Don’t forget to leave a comment below to tell me what you’re creating as a part of your side hustle. We’ll keep each other accountable!

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64 Responses to “How to change your life in 2016”
Hi Karan,
This was one of your best articles! I love the terminology – Robin Hood for your ideas, Side-hustle, etc.. One can even connect the points as following each other (not sure if you intended for it to be that way) – creating something is important, side-hustle is the best way to do it to not feel overcommitted, optimizing time helps with the hustling and thinking like a VC helps create a sustainable and growing side-hustle.
I am not a big reader and I think that’s not necessarily a requirement. Different people learn in different ways – books, conversations, movies – and each is ok. I am also not sure about course-correction if you find yourself in the majority. A majority of people get married and have kids, a majority of people buy a house at some point, and so on. One doesn’t have to be unique for the sake of it. That said, if you sacrifice your happiness to conform, you’re heading in the wrong direction.
Thanks for the wonderful post!
Amber, excellent thoughts. You made me think about the last point again and I edited it to fully capture the thought I had–thanks so much! On reading though, man, I still think it’s the deepest, most three-dimensional way of understanding a concept. Conversations are sometimes not fully thought through and with some exceptions, movies rarely present opposite sides of an argument. Thanks for sharing your thoughts, man.
Love all the ideas Karan – proud to know you and have you as a friend
– my 2016 resolution is to move closer to your advise 
Ah man, so great to hear from you! Thank you for your kind words. Hope you’re doing great.
Thanks so much for this post Karan. You have always been a barometer and a bit of a wake up call at somewhat crucial moments in life. Unknowingly and unwittingly I always seem to chance upon one of such posts when in deep thought over such matters. Today was one of those days and had just completed writing something in a similar vein.
The side hustle will be to write and write some more in 2016. I think your point in being smart about my ‘busy’ time is key and the key to making it happen.
Look forward to a lot more awesome stuff from you in the coming year!
Excellent Somanna, delightful to know my ideas are being a little useful to you. Seems like 2016 will be a terrific year for your writing. Excited to read your book soon!
Hi Karan,
Inspiring Achievements, I have been following you since one year and learnt more about meditation and yoga but above all I am enthusiastic in knowing in detail about how you achieve your 2016 goal(creating own independent incoming stream). Please let us know how you plan and work towards your goals because you seem to achieve all the goals you set for yourself (in 2013, 2014, 2015) which is rear as far as my knowledge.
Ganesh, thanks man. Absolutely, like I’ve tried to do for writing, meditation, and sabbaticals, will keep everyone posted on everything I discover in this path. Thanks for your comment.
Hie karan,
I have been following you recently….and this is a wonderful post…its much much better than the regular new year wishes and resolutions that are made…which doesnt last long.
Ur post has made me think deeper into my being.
Sometimes… yes we really run around without a focus or follow certain norms coz we are socially responsible…(iam not saying its wrong)…but that really drains us out and keeps our focus away.
Time and again u have made me realise that striking a right balance between fitness focus and vision is so important.
And yes doing something for people is going to make u happy and fullfilled
Thanks for a brilliant new year start …will use this 15 days before new year to ponder on all that you have said and will make sure will implement most of it…to have a sharpened focus and a happy me.
Great words, Kunal, thank you. Readers like you keep me inspired to experiment with off-the-beat lifestyle choices. Thank you.
Well said! Like the last point about training yourself to think right.
One needs to move out of default mode and choose what to think – for your reality is what you think.
Exactly, well said Nitish. As a man thinketh, so he is!
Nice article and very motivating. I have a dream which is to dragged now and I will try to finish that in 2016. Thanks again for your motivating words.
Excellent, good luck Vikas!
Awesome post! I follow Gary Vaynerchuk too and i could totally understand the need to HUSTLE! 😀 Thanks for the wake up call. There are so many things i want to do and this motivates me to keep some time other than my job! Keep us in the loop about your crazy life!
Cheers,
jatin
Crazy life indeed
Will do!
Hi. Your journey is very inspiring. And a little scary too. Not all of us can do or achieve what you have but even in if we can take small steps and be little ahead than we were yesterday, it will amount to something. I think I have come a long way emotionally and mentally. That has been my growth .
Well said, Nafisa.A journey of a thousand miles begins with a small step.
This is inspiring but everyday I get up and decide I wil nt live the same life anymore but not able to build the courage financial obligations are nt letting me be who I am I love dancing reading doing yoga but my working hrs does nt allow me. But I wil nt give up
Yes, keep pushing Shilpa, I’ve had the same struggles and self-doubts.
Hi karan,
It was a good read. It certainly gave me a feeling that the side hustle is achievable only if I think about one rather than creating a hustle in my mind. I will surely go for that. Also, I am not a thorough reader but I would love to read your books.
Thanks for such inspirational article. Stay blessed.
Thanks Bharat, very kind words. Much appreciated and hope you enjoy The Seeker and the other books.
Hey Karan, Wonderful post to start a new life i would say, rather than to start a new year and the time is now. I have been thinking to do many things written here for past many years, especially writing a book which i started couple of years back but was never motivated enough. After reading the seeker, i got all my motivation back. A striving yogi. as you say and i believe you are one. I am a seeker too for the ultimate truth, the one which is faceless, shapeless & timeless. This post outlines some very basic principles which every individual must follow in life to create purpose in earthly life. Create, yes, because most of us are just living and follow a check list right since our birth till we die. You are inspiration to many to give them direction. I look forward to hear from you and meet you, at least in this life.
Shiven, we’re on the same path, I’m sure we will meet. I look forward to it.
So inspiring and brilliant that it showed me clearly what I am going to do with my time now on and more importantly how ! Going after my real passion with renewed passion… Going to be the best doctor ! I know people may laugh at it, but that only shows how much I need to do it…for myself ! Thanks Karan !
You will, Jas. I’ll come only to you for medical attention now!
I delete spam mails every once in a while, and I stumbled upon the link to this article. Unbelievably refreshing. I have revised the filter settings of my inbox and my life needs to be changed too. Waiting for the next week article, keep up the good work Mr. Karan Bajaj !!
Ha! Thanks for taking me off your spam. Glad these thoughts could help.
Hi karan
We make new year revolution and create plans but doesn’t any step further, and that’s happen with me. It’s human nature we plan and sleep. But thanks to you open my eyes. Hope it may help me with great push.
You simply focus on basic stuff which elaborate mind and soul and made us to think.
Thank you.
Yes, action is indeed better than inaction Vaibhav, looks like your 2016 will be great.
Karan,
This is a wonderful post. I really enjoyed reading it.
Your post changed the way I think. Keep writing good things like this. Its very inspirational.
Thanks man, glad it had an impact.
Hi Karan,
For me this one is one of your best post. “Start a side hustle” and “Read like a maniac” have been on my thoughts and todo-list for sometime, reading here gives a boost to me. I completely agree with other points too.
Very nice and inspiring. I’ve kind of developed an unofficial habit of waiting for your post and reading it. This post i think came after some time and i was wondering if you guys have already moved to other country. Keep writing..
Thanks,
True Amit. Didn’t move out of NY yet but lots of “hustling”–will get into a much more regular rhythm of posting now. Thanks for reading.
Very well articulated ! Have been on similar path since last couple of years after a close encounter with the inevitable! And the results are stunning ! Have read all ur books and now look forward to your posts too !
Terrific man. We must catch up when I’m in India next.
Hey Karan,
Very inspiring man! And u r at it. I mean u forced me to reply back with your constant good push.
I hv started meditating with one sister Urmil from brahmakumaris.
And it is amazing.
Thanx again for the good wala push. Will start working on somethings now that hv just been in d mind only.
Keep writing such inspiring mails.
Take care & God bless
Love it! Good for you. Keep at it.
Loved this post, Karan. Very inspiring!
Thanks Kanika!
Hi KB,
Great article.
All my life i have been thriving on connections – be it family, friends , couchsurfers, random strangers.
Seems very hard to to let go of connections (in order to free my time to do ‘exceptional’ things) and to let go of busy-ness.
Did you face this anytime ? What specifically did you do to overcome this.
All the very best for the move to Ecuador. It is a place i love, and i am sure you will find it extremely enriching to be there.
Cheers,
Deepak
Deepak, thanks man. I think I’ve reduced my life to a single principle–does an activity help me grow, physically, emotionally, or spiritually. And if it doesn’t, I try to eliminate it. In that sense, I’ve maintained solid connections with a few close friends and family as well as kept myself open to new people I keep meeting through my writing. But I’ve cut down on a lot of obligations that didn’t enrich me and vice-versa, I didn’t think I was adding any value to their lives. Hope this helps, man?
Dear Karan,
This was a very nice article. Exactly what i needed to read. But i have a question . what if i dont like my current Job and dont even know what else i would like to do ? I dont know if there is anything which i love doing or want to do for the rest of my life … how do i come to know …
Juhi, keep reading, travelling, exploring new frontiers through art classes, visits to museums etc. Slowly, an answer will emerge, I’m very sure.
Karan,
Thanks for the insight. People always take decisions on New year and they are not consistent as they stop doing it in a week or few days. Great thoughts indeed and inspiration. Even I want 2016 to be a remarkable year both in my personal and professional life. Will keep you posted.
Sincerely,
Gautham
I’m sure 2016 is going to be the year, Gautham! You’re thinking about it the right way.
Hi Karan
Interesting article. I have been trying to do exactly this and I have succeeded for the most part. I was a stay-at-home mom for 12 yrs before I decided I wanted to change my life. I wanted to be financially independent amd live life according to my own terms. I learnt all the fine nuances of investment and slowly, I have become completely independent. I started baking classes and wrote a book and many short stories.
Yet, I find that being a woman in India is really, really tough. Even when your following your passions, have a supportive spouse and are completely financially independent, there are scores and scores of people who will point fingers at you and make you doubt yourself.
Any suggestions?
Ashwina, terrific, very proud of you! My general rule of thumb is that if I find myself with the majority on anything, I question my decisions. Seems you’re in the minority so you should be very happy with your choices and not think for a minute about the majority that’s pulling you down.
Dear Karan: your articles are making me think a lot , sometimes I’m like what am I doing ? Why do I keep making excuses, Why do I have to attend things that I don’t want to only because I don’t want to hurt other people feelings. I always dream with a flower shop and flowers is my passion but I am trapped at home watching 2 babies and I’m just exhausted , reading what you have to say gives me a hope but I don’t know how to start or when if I’m so tired all the time , dishes , dinner , laundry , baths …… You name it. Thank
Thanks Tete! Perhaps you could get a part-time nanny for a few hours to work on the flower shop idea. That’s what I’d consider “investing” in your side hustle. With full-time jobs, Kerry and I get a sitter every Saturday for 4 hours while we work on our books/blogs etc. Hope this helps?
It’s like moving from a comfort zone to courage zone.Being an Army guy I do understand how important it is to live in the present else u perish. Your thoughts are so well articulated that it connects the dots so well ,more so because most of us go through this.. A sense of purpose, then a predictable monotony…
Keep them coming dear… Wish you another year of what next….
So long…
Thanks Ajay. Wish you the very best next year too!
Hey Karan,
I am following you from last 6 months I guess after the release of The seeker. My challenge is to increase my time window for all the things I’ve to do.
So I decided to use 20 to 30% of time on nurturing myself, my soul. Thanks for the suggestion on time management. I will stop doing things that are required for social life but not very necessary.
Great! Use the excess time for reading and meditating and it should lead to powerful outcomes.
I kept this email unread for a long time, so that I could read it at ease. Trust me, I re-read it many times. Thank you for this beautiful article.
Thanks man! Glad it spoke to you.
Hi Karan. Great read! I created two (failed) creatively-led brands but what still makes me feel good is that I had the grit to do it and not just talk about doing something outside of my “day job” in advertising. Hoping to do something new in the future, and wanted to say definitely inspired to.
Wish you the best in 2016!
Yeah for that Priyanka, good on you for trying! I’m inspired. Thanks for sharing.
I feel so low but after reading this i got motivated and i feel that energy in me that i can do something.That something has caught me up since years and i still dont know what to do.
Hello Karan,
Thanks for inspiring me again. I have been following you since recently and every time I connect to your blog I find something or other for my life. I am an aspiring writer myself and looking forward to get published by end 2016. Yesterday only, I ordered Keep of the grass and The seeker and am excited to read them. There are many side hustlers like me who need your insights, so carry on. Let us reach to new heights! Thanks!
Regards,
Pradip Tiwari
An aspiring author
Love it! Terrific you decided to drop in a line. And may your writing reach great heights this year.
Recently started following you. Terrific article. Will try to imbibe some of the comments you mentioned above.
Thanks.
I chanced upon your blog through LinkedIn and I’m so glad I did. It just feels like what I only think of, you have done. So here I am, for a piece of advice. In your experience, does it work better to have only 1 goal for the year/ a certain period or chase a few together. So for instance, I want to write a book, start 2 distinct ventures (I think both have good potential), run a marathon – this when I have a freelance job, 2 kids under 5 and a husband in a start up.
Amazing Article !
Would like to follow it for 2017