I failed at everything I set out to do in 2016.
I wanted millions of people to read The Yoga of Max’s Discontent, my first worldwide novel with Random House, so I poured all my energy into marketing it.
25,000 people read it. Maybe less. 25,000 people bought it but I’m sure some who bought it couldn’t read beyond the first page.
I launched an online business.
Dead-on-arrival.
Nothing I did worked this year.
Perhaps that’s why 2016 ended up being my best year professionally. I tried, failed, learnt so much that I ended up in my dream job at the end of the year. As the head of Discovery in India, for the first time I’m in a role that lies at the perfect intersection of my business and creative life.
I couldn’t have predicted it. No one can predict anything anymore. The world has never been so volatile. Old models are crashing every day. Governments are in turmoil. Amidst all of this, there’s only one zero-risk strategy left in the world.
Grow.
Set big goals, stumble, fall, pick up the pieces, each time you’ll be sharpening your mind and mastering complexity, so when the next wave of disruption comes, you’re cresting on top not flailing below. The goal isn’t the point, your pursuit is.
Here are five lessons I’ve learnt through the downs and ups of 2016 to help you grow in 2017:
1. Shun Knowing.
Until a few years ago, I was a planner. I craved certainties. Where would I live in five years, what would I be doing, who would I be with etc. It was a small life, bounded by the limits of my imagination.
Now I’ve accepted that I can know nothing.
If you’re growing, you keep changing.
I thought I wanted a promotion at work in 2012. Instead, I left my job to live in an ashram for a year. Then, I thought I’d become a full-time writer in Ecuador. Instead, I joined a start-up in Brooklyn. And at the beginning of 2016, I couldn’t have planned that I’d be leading a media company in India at the end of it.
The strange thing I know now is none of these were detours. Writing deepened my creative well. Meditation taught me how to harness it. Both of these led to more interesting opportunities in business than years of working in a straight line in business would have.
Its not about the work, it’s about who you become through your work.
Know nothing. Life is a zig zag line.
Don’t tie yourself to certainties—I only want to work in technology, I only want to live in New Delhi, etc.
Just keep saying yes to every opportunity that help you grow exponentially. The older I get, the more I learn that dots connect in unexpected ways. Pursuing growth has a strange way of always working out.
2. Become 75% good at two things.
I’m seeing a strange pattern in jobs that I’m recruiting for lately. People who’ve done two seemingly unrelated things very well, typically one in business, one in art or one in a traditional field, one in a new field, are the exact blend of what we need for meaty, challenging roles and we’ll pay anything for them.
If you’re a marketer who’s making You-Tube movies on the side, you’re so much more creatively attractive for a marketing role today.
If you’re a strategy consultant who makes music on the side, you’re a home run for a media company.
If the industrial revolution was about deep, narrow specialization, I think the new world is about connecting unrelated dots. Uber was born from a delayed cab ride, Air BnB from a room shortage in a design conference etc.
Of course, there’s always a role for a super-specialist, 100% expert in any field, the Top 0.01% among the hobbits, but if unbounded curiosity is your jam, choose two things and become 75% good at them.
Only a few such people exist and opportunities keep chasing them.
Your hobby can become your job, your job can become your hobby, or like it happened to me, your job and your hobby merge to become a whole new thing.
3. Blame nothing on the kids.
We almost didn’t move to India this year. I was worried about how Leela and Rumi would do–their health, their schools, their safety, their…
Our kids are thriving in India.
I’d projected my discomfort with change, my nervousness, my insecurities on our kids.
Don’t make kids an excuse for the changes you’ve been putting off. Our friends with three kids, age 7, 14, and 16, took a sabbatical in Spain and transferred their kids to an international school in Barcelona for a year. The kids had an even better time than their parents.
And it’s not just about you. The more your kids see you thrive in change, the more they’ll be prepared for the world of ambiguity they’ll likely become adults in.
4. Look Sharp
I’m returning home after a gap of few years so I’m meeting a lot of ghosts from my past in re-unions, get-togethers and such.
Again and again, I’m seeing the same pattern.
People who’re engaged in their life look engaged.
They don’t have middle-aged bellies or eyes swollen from drink. They’re moderate in their diet and regular in their exercise. Rarely do they indulge in excess perhaps because there’s too much to look forward to in the day ahead without a groggy head. I don’t know the cause-effect here. Does good health lead to a successful life or the reverse? All I know is that I’m motivated more than ever to keep my daily exercise/meditation routine going.
Energy begets energy.
5. Lose Yourself.
Do you need to make a major transformation next year or can you cruise along as you are?
Each time I face this question, I ask myself just this one question:
Do I have enough moments in the day when I lose myself completely?
Am I so absorbed in my work, my life, my relationships, that I dissolve completely?
Then I’m on the right path. If I’m judging, considering, debating, evaluating pros and cons in any aspect of life, something is off.
I’ve wasted far too many days, months, years in relationships, jobs, choices, that were good enough but not transcendental. Don’t make my mistake. Lose yourself in 2017. Make changes to any part of life that doesn’t give you that feeling of self-dissolution, that glimpse of transcendence. The short-term pain of becoming a butterfly is far less than the long-term pain of continuing to be a caterpillar.
Here’s wishing you an exceptional year. And as always, do drop me a note in the comments. I’d love to know the changes you’re planning–let’s keep each other honest!

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52 Responses to “How To Change Your Life in 2017”
Thank you for the post. I feel a certain stagnation in my carrier and life and was thinking to add some new year resolutions for the first time. Reading your post has reinforced my resolve. I will try to bring out at least 10% more out of me.
Superb, good luck Roshan!
Hi Karan,
I’ve been waiting for your mails since long time. Its good to see you writing again. Happy New Year and I’m surely going to Lose myself in 2017.
Happy New Year Pratik!
When you know that the time has come, when your success brings a feeling of success to others and not jealousy; when your failure brings a sense of inspiration to others and not cheap thrill, you know have arrived! That is success brother. You’ve succeeded and survived 2016. 2016 could not out-live! Our journey continues, we’ll take 2017 head-on! NO holds barred!
Very kind words, thanks Siddharth.
Hi Karan,
Wish you a very happy 2017 to you and your family. It’s good to know that you are back to India. agree with you nothing in life is predictable. It’s so ephermal . People keep making plans as if they live 1000 years. Your latest book yoga of max discontent was a real page turner. In fact all your books are good. Always keep learning from your writing. Really appreciate your candour. Looking forward to your writings further ….
Thank you
Nice! A friend of my books is a friend of mine
Thanks for reminding that we live in a uncertain world and we can adapt. You have shifted to Mumbai?
Yep
“The short-term pain of becoming a butterfly is far less than the long-term pain of continuing to be a caterpillar.” This quote is so true in my life, Karan Bajaj. Thank you.
In 2017 I will be 3/4 of a Century old and I can attest to the value this statement holds in my life on Playground Earth. It truly IS so worth it.
Your awesome book that I reviewed in 2016 “The Yoga of Max’s Discontent” and its launch and follow up video marketing inspired me to e-x-p-a-n-d in many ways. I personally do not view your 2016 as anything other than a Success in influencing my life, Many times over, in my own spiritual growth in 2016. I persevered as Max did, NO MATTER WHAT. I kept my eye on the donut and not upon the hole. Again, thank you.
In asking myself the following question “How will you use the GIFT of your talents in 2017 to SERVE the Universe?” I set my “End Goal” for 2017 based on the dots I now connect:
“To continue to e-x-p-a-n-d, both personally and professionally into the Happiest Philanthropist on Playground Earth, coaching others to do the same.” with my following commitment for 2017:
The JOY is in the JOurneY
“I AM on the JOYous Road to unlimited abundance, in e-x-p-a-n-d-i-n-g my reach to serve others worldwide as the QSCA Certified Law of Attraction Life Coach that I AM BEcoming. My year end goal for 2017 is to grow my business to a minimum of six figures. I intend to create a weekly Vlog on YouTube; to activate my Happy Talk Radio Show; to prosper financially from my books and e-book publishing as well as in creating more Webinars and TeleSeminars; and to continue BEing mentored by the best” – as the mentor you are, Dear Karan. Thank you for BEing here on Playground Earth with us, for daring to share your authenticity, and for ‘leading by example’, inspiring each of us to do the same.
I AM Ardath, aLOhA Transformational Life & Business Coach, and JOY-FULL FUN Raiser.
https://asapcoaching.com/asap-coaches/ardath-michael/
Remember “Whatever “FLOATS YOUR CORK” will naturally surf you to the Shore of your Greatest BEing”. ALL IS WELL. Namaste.
You’re very kind, Ardath, that makes me feel really nice indeed. Your question is even more inspiring–wish I can get to that purity of thought. Wonderful!
Dear Karan,
Welcome back to India.
Wishing you and your family a very happy new year. I found this post insightful and helped me reflect.
Thank you–and Happy New Year too!
Hey Karan,
Thanks for this piece, it was refreshing to read. good luck on your new love to India and am sure you will make it work for you and the family . I am going to re read this article since it is thought provoking and heart warming at the same time
Thanks for the wishes!
Nice article -all points mentally noted.
As of 2017 plans:
I am re-writing my 7 year old novel; I will try to get that published this year. I will try self publishing as a last resort.
I am re-building each page of my old novel, which couldnt get published back then, with a fresh perspective mix of old and new.
I will send you the copy; I have read your books and if you can write few words for the book it will add a lot of meaning to the cover.
I have failed miserably in 2016 too; only difference is that you got the dream job.
Thanks for a unorthodox new year post like your unorthodox life. Your life design is appealing and your achievements are comforting. I couldn’t believe the sales number of Yoga of … discontent. I have read the novel and it’s really good, probably that’s why it’s said you never know what works and what doesn’t. Keep going and keep inspiring.
Happy New Year Karan. Thanks for taking out the time to send this post. I moved to another city recently, for a new job. This is my first time away from family. After reading your post, I am sure that this has happened for the best. Happy to ‘Grow’. All the best to you too !
That does resonate Karan. Such clear insight I feel only comes to one when one’s truest intention is to grow on the Seekers path. It is clearly what is the underpinning for all that you decide on or venture into on the surface.
Here’s wishing you too an exceptional year. And let me correct you, if I may. “Max/Seeker is a wonderful life-changing work”. It had a deep impact on me. I, then read Johnny. What an elucidation of the Gita it was. Believe me sir, Nick has become my ideal. Infact your lesson number 2 here (.75×2 thing) slightly shook me off, as it sounded too judgemental, too definitive. Nick would have said, ” I don’t know. If it seems right, do it….without thinking of results or attaching yourself to it”. Waiting for more of your inspiring books.
Your avid fan, Aman
Starting is superb. I am not sure you have to give up visualizing your future. I am not sure you are suggesting it but the passage on the first rule gives that impression, at least to me. The third on kids is an odd one – does not sit well with the rest. Good read.
Karan sir
Thanks
At many levels.
The dots indeed have a way of connecting beyond our comprehensibility at a given point.
Wish you best,
Abhishek
Very encouraging Karan. I plan to always follow my gut feelings this year – they had proven to be true last year, but I ignored them for what are now regrettable reasons and I don’t plan to make the same mistake again. Also, your points on not needing to be an expert in a particular subject is perhaps the biggest take away from this – most companies tend to have designated departments to cater to the needs of publicity, sales etc, but what most companies don’t realize is that people are a lot more complex than what they presume and that a role or a job does not in any way incapacitate them from having good ideas for another department. Although I do agree with the philosophy behind ‘shun knowing’ point you raised, I do feel that it does leave us with a feeling of insecurity – perhaps that’s when meditation works best. They compliment each other, I suppose. I plan on having a good year and I wish you all the good luck.
Your write ups are worth looking forward ,great job. It’s sad though The seeker didn’t made it huge,it was deserving novel it has changed my way of ana lying life .
Ah, thanks Brinda! Makes me happy it at-least made it huge in your life
10 years more down the line and I see Karan winning millions of hearts worldwide….
Amen!
Excellent post, Karan, and some solid points. Fulfillment does not come on its own, you need to find and harness it.
Also very effective blogging style, hope you keep writing.
Do share your learnings in your new venture.
Best wishes.
Thanks Debarati, long time. Yes, intend to write often in 2017–keep me honest!
Well written. A post I agree fully upon. Wishing you a successful 2017.
You too Preethi!
First, loved your book, gave it to my wife and she also loved it. Keep writing! second, our society seems to look back at the previous year in such a negative fashion, the things that didn’t go well, the failures, disappointments. After reading your commentary I now stand back and say, wow 2016 was a great year, I learned so much and it is now opening unthinkable possibilities. Negative energy begets negative energy, I choose to see the glass half full.
Thank You
Well said, Frank. As I’d read somewhere, “everyone is a failure in their own eyes.”
Dear Karan,
I was waiting for your mail for sometime. It is quite inspirational and motivating write up, as always.
Thanks!
You might think 2016 wasn’t a good year for you but you’re a winner in the eyes of your fans and have always been am inspiration for me. I took up writing because of you.
You’re very kind, Ashwina, btw I’m digging your witty Facebook posts. You’re a natural!!
Good one.. just wanting to connect with things, events and people that bring true joy and meaning to life and appreciate all that you have right now in the present moment ..
Hey srihari,
I feel one does not need to wait for true people, moments,things or events. Think that every moment is joyous. Trust me a slight change in my thinking has really changed my life. Don’t wait, enjoy every second of your life.
Initially you hv to put a little effort to think that way but gradually you become used to it.
Yes!
So inspiring!!!!i m going to have my bucket list ready and i feel that the year will pave way to make every mad dream and wish happen….wish u beauty n peace in all that you do….n thank you infusing this positive energy n spirit through your writing….
Shweta, all the very best to you too! Thank you for the kind words.
Thanks Karan for your article. Succint, yet profound, conveying the message and purpose. I like your writing style. I wanted to know is this style you have adopted naturally or something you have consciously chose. Can you also please share some of good books on writing.
Thank you man. Blogging is full stream of consciousness; novel writing is more planned/considered.
Hey karan,
Happy to read your blog after long. Can’t agree more with you. For me, 2016 was completely dissolving myself in what I wAs doing. I mediatated more( thanx to u too for insisting me), painted more( which was my childhood dream), broke few barriers of right and wrong, worked harder with my kids……. but at the end of the year , I am more content, more happy and more ready to face the challenges of 2017.
Meditation definitely helps in giving a clearer and picture.
And of course are never to b blamed. In my case, I always wanted to learn to paint but I never did. But now when an instructor was coming home for my son I started painting. I think some things are meant to b and they come to u when it’s good for u.
Keep writing, keep in touch.
Lovely Seema, wonderful! With this spirit, 2017 will be even better.
Hi Karan…wish u a great year in 2017 too…I totally agree with what you’ve written…having grown up expecting certainties(but secretly knowing inwardly that it was impossible), I threw it all away when I had a very enlightening experience in 2012…like Eckhart Tolle says, the voice in my head stopped talking and there was that peace that passeth all understanding …of course, it does still try to assert itself now and then, but I’m kind of more aware and can catch myself….cheers to your growth in the year ahead…
Karan
I believe I am in one of a transition plaes in my life. I am recovering from a Total Schoulder Replaemnen. I am at a point of letting the body heal. That gives me now some time for reflection and pondering. I shall renew my relationship to my silk road poet Gibran. I wish I could be 75% employed as an actor. I hope your brother -in – law can use me once. However I am so grateful for any time I have spent in the film industry. In one of my conversations with you I mentioned I worked with Katrina Kaif. That is such a good memory. What an unique perspective to say,I am coming home from work as an actor. No on to moving: Does the question beckon me to go to New Orleans? Certainly I have been thinking of the change. That is a question still with out the answer. Thank you for making me think–now on to a deeper avenue of think and meditate. I’ll see you on the web Jerry
Jerry, so nice to hear from you! I’m excited to see you on screen in India. Go for New Orleans, sounds like an incredible opportunity and one which will give you a ton of perspective any which way. Our move to India has been magnificent in that context.
Karan,
I have been reading your Blogs for sometime now, they are practical and does bring lot of relevance in today’s environment. In most of the readings there has been an consistent message to go with the flow and start living in the present.
Have few examples where people have left conventional life and made an decent start in the alternate lifestyle. Not sure how sustainable will this be in the today’s material world.
Your blogs are extremely helpful and provide direction in a certain way. Keep up the good work
Best, Naveen
Nice blog, thanks for your suggestions. It will help everyone. I do believe that making your hobby, a profession is the most amazing time of our life.