Amit S

Unseen Impact…

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I am the co-founder of Kopykitab, a digital education platform built around technology.

Recently, due to financial crises, we had to shut down our B2C site, which provided online eBooks to students for studying.

At its peak, we had a remarkable run, with almost 4 million Indian students using our site for studying every month. I believed we were making a significant impact. While revenue through B2C was never great, we kept it running as a vertical because of the tremendous traction it received.

But yesterday, something happened that made me realize the kind of impact our site truly had. Of course, I’ve changed names for privacy:

FYI from my friend Ritesh:

Ritesh: Need one help

Do you know the founders of Kopykitab?
Their site is down for some days now.
My daughter uses them for the books; she is having exams.
If you can check with them, that will be helpful.

Ritesh: My friend Kris messaged, his daughter is blind by birth.

Though we couldn’t act immediately, this is the kind of impact that fills you with pride yet leaves you sad…

Even though we have not made money and are still struggling because of the challenges in India’s education system, I hope we can make a quick turnaround for all the students who rely on Kopykitab and bring it back soon!

The Cycle of Life is a Must…

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I was sitting in a park, reading, when I suddenly overheard a loud conversation between an elderly couple.

“Bache toh aaj kal hume hi aankh dikhate hain aur ladai karte hain.”
“Children nowadays show their anger and fight with me,” the Uncle said.

“Tum bhi toh kam nahi ho. Tumko bolne ki kya zarurat hai?”
“You’re no less; why do you even have to say these things?” the Auntie replied.

And then they started arguing about what should or shouldn’t have been said or done.

They seemed to be around the age of my parents, and I’m sure all our parents must have felt the same while living with us at some point.

Hearing this, I couldn’t help but wonder why they still have to go through this cycle of life. Why can’t it just be a relaxed and peaceful retired life?

But then, if I look at myself, could I really relax? Even a two-week vacation gives us jitters about not doing something, not being someone, or not feeling important to someone—whether it’s in the family, at work, or in the community.

And it’s not about money. Even if you assume you have enough to retire, there are so many other factors that won’t let you truly relax.

It’s the cycle of life that we all have to go through, and without it, we would feel empty and, frankly, terrified of living.

Thick Skinned…

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Being thick-skinned is a skill that can’t be beaten. It doesn’t seem to demand much, but the real challenge lies in knowing when to put it on and when to let it go. It’s not about how smart you are — it’s about how well you read and manage your emotions.

Like a tree rooted in rocky soil, its strength comes from balance. The deep roots hold firm against storms, unyielding in their grip, while the branches sway and bend with the wind, adapting without breaking.

Resilience isn’t just about standing strong—it’s about knowing when to be grounded and when to move with the world around you.

If only it were as simple as saying, When you’re down, stay thick-skinned and let things slide. When you’re up, stay open and listen.

Life, however, rarely follows such simple rules.

But here’s the thing—if you can crack this, if you can master when to shield yourself like the roots and when to adapt like the branches, this one skill will take you further than anything else. And what’s more, it’s the key to a life that’s not just successful but deeply fulfilling.

Friends or Foes…

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Whoever I have clashed with or perceived as a foe in my professional journey has often ended up becoming a lifelong friend.

This reminds me that it’s never really about the person — it’s about the situation they’re navigating.

I must remind myself of this every time I feel resentment or ill will toward someone.

This perspective can turn adversaries into allies.

Purposeful Steps…

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Purposeful steps are all about intentionality. They aren’t random or aimless—they are taken with a clear vision in mind, even if the destination is uncertain. It’s not about getting every step right; it’s about moving forward with conviction, learning along the way, and adjusting the course when needed.

How can you recognize someone taking purposeful steps?

Clarity of Intent: They know why they are doing something. Even if they don’t have all the answers, they have a sense of purpose driving their actions.

Resilience in Uncertainty: They don’t get paralyzed by fear of making mistakes. They take action, embrace failures as lessons, and pivot when necessary. The direction matters more than perfection.

Focus on the Long Game: Purposeful people keep their eyes on a larger vision. They don’t get swayed by short-term setbacks or distractions; they see the bigger picture.

Continuous Learning: Purposeful steps include a willingness to learn, adapt, and improve. They reflect on their actions, understand what worked, and refine their approach.

Inner Confidence: They project a quiet confidence, not necessarily in having all the right answers, but in knowing they’ll figure it out. They trust the process.

Ultimately, purposeful steps are about making decisions that align with your values and goals, even if the path isn’t always clear. It’s like walking through fog—you can’t see too far ahead, but you trust each step is taking you closer to where you want to be.

It never ends…

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Your thoughts—they never end; silence them with action.

Your greed—it never ends; replace it with gratitude.

Your ego—it never ends; dissolve it with empathy.

Your addictions—they never end; conquer them with discipline.

Your envy—it never ends; transform it with contentment.

Your anger—it never ends; calm it with forgiveness.

Your judgments—they never end; soften them with understanding.

Your doubts—they never end; counter them with faith.

Your fears—they never end; face them with courage.

Your pain—it never ends; heal it with acceptance.

Good Will Hunting…

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When people go hunting, they’re not out to find the ordinary—they’re searching for something valuable, something like gold. This approach applies to how we view others as well. It’s easy to spot flaws or focus on what’s lacking, but what if we changed our perspective? What if we chose to seek out the good?

Imagine every interaction as a chance to find a “treasure” in someone else. Instead of zeroing in on imperfections, we could look for qualities worth admiring, talents worth celebrating, and kindness worth acknowledging. Shifting our focus this way not only strengthens our relationships but also opens us up to growth and positivity. When we look for good in others, we often find it in unexpected places, and in turn, they feel valued and seen.

Next time you connect with someone, remember: look for gold. By seeing the best in others, you might just bring out the best in yourself too.

Be vulnerable…

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For the longest time, I thought being vulnerable meant showing weakness. But over time, I realized that letting people in on what I’m really going through has been one of the most powerful ways to build real connections.

When I opened up about my struggles or asked for help, I noticed people were more than willing to step in. It wasn’t about pity; it was about creating a space where they could relate, share their own experiences, and genuinely connect. And, honestly, the relationships that came out of those moments have been some of the strongest ones I have.

So if you’re going through something tough, don’t be afraid to reach out. The people around us often want to help but might not know how. By being real, you create bonds that are rooted in understanding and trust. In a world that can feel so focused on “toughing it out,” letting yourself be vulnerable is a game-changer.

Dont give it up…

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Giving up is easy?

Sure, giving up may feel like the easiest option—but consider the alternative. Starting fresh will eventually bring you to another difficult crossroads, and then what? Another choice to give up?

In the long run, giving up is often the worst choice. Instead, build upon what you’ve already created. Adjust your course, leveraging the foundation you’ve established rather than abandoning it.

Incremental progress, even when challenging, leads to far greater results.