Vinay Mundhe

A Software Developer Writing on Tech, Money, and Life

Category: Self Help

  • Reflecting on missed opportunities

    Reflecting on missed opportunities

    10 Years Later, I Finally Get It: Why I Didn’t Grow Like I Could Have.

    By 2014, I was working as a freelance graphic designer as well as doing my engineering.
    It’s been over 10 years now, and when I look back, there’s this weird mix of pride and guilt.

    Pride that I started early.
    Guilt that I didn’t build anything out of it.

    I see fresh college grads today doing freelance work, building global clients, growing audiences online. And I can’t help but think, I was doing this 12 years ago. Back when social media was still young. Back when Jio hadn’t even arrived and changed the game.

    I was there, right in the middle of all of it, working in social media marketing. I had the context. I had the timing. But I didn’t have the system.

    And that’s where I failed.

    Why I think I Couldn’t Capitalise

    • I was serious, but distracted.
      I was always buried in the task at hand, never looking at the bigger picture. Always executing, never planning.
    • I didn’t document anything.
      Had I shared what I was learning, what I was building, what I was struggling with, I could’ve built an audience. An identity. Maybe even a business.
    • I never built on top of what I already had.
      Everything valuable in life compounds. Skills, knowledge, connections, reputation. But only if you stay on one path long enough. I kept starting over.
    • I didn’t leave anything behind.
      No savings. No content. No trail of what I worked on.
      And here’s a harsh truth:

    If you’re doing work that leaves you with nothing at the end of the month…no savings, no assets, no learnings…then you’re just doing donkey work.

    Whatever you save, you build.
    Day by day, something should be stacking…money, knowledge, experience, content. Otherwise, 10 years will pass and you’ll look back to… nothing.

    If you’re reading this, I’ve got one simple message:
    Push yourself just enough.

    Enough to challenge yourself.
    Enough to stack new skills.
    Enough to build something that lasts.

    But not so much that you’re too drained to even enjoy or document the journey.

    So What Now?

    Now I’m choosing to document everything.
    I’ve started showing up consistently on Twitter and LinkedIn.
    And I’m focusing on just three pillars:

    1. My Career – Software Development
    2. My Business – Social Media + Marketing
    3. My Personal Brand – Who I am, what I stand for

    So that when I’m 40, I don’t just have money in the bank…
    I have a body of work to show. A story to tell.
    And a life that actually compounded.

  • First Principle Thinking

    First Principle Thinking

    Elon Musk used first-principle thinking to solve complex real-world problems at Tesla and SpaceX. I read about it, tried to simplify it and understand how we can use the same approach in our lives.

    What’s first principle thinking?

    First-principles thinking is like taking a problem apart to its most basic pieces, ignoring what everyone else says or does, and building a solution from scratch based on what’s absolutely true.

    It’s about asking, “What do we know is true?” and starting there instead of copying what’s already out there.

    To apply this in our lives, you will have to start questioning common advice and beliefs.

    Don’t just accept “this is how it’s done” (e.g. “you need a college degree to succeed” or “work 9-to-5 for 40 years”). Ask why those rules exist and if they make sense for you.

    Example in Life:

    You’re told to buy a house because “it’s a good investment.”

    Instead, break it down:

    What’s a house? A place to live that costs money (home loans, taxes, maintenance).

    What’s the goal? Financial security and comfort.

    Truth: Renting might be cheaper and give flexibility if you move often. So, you calculate costs and decide renting aligns better with your goals.

    Example in Career:

    Everyone says “climb the corporate ladder.” But you ask: What’s a career? A way to earn money and find purpose.

    Truth: Freelancing or starting a side hustle could give you more control and fulfilment. You test it by learning a skill like coding or design, skipping the traditional path.

    Elon Musk used the first principles at Tesla.

    He didn’t just accept that batteries were pricey. He looked at the raw materials, calculated their cost, and figured out Tesla could make batteries cheaper by building their own factories (like the Gigafactory). This helped Tesla make electric cars more affordable over time.

    How You Can Start

    Start questioning everything.
    Next time someone says “That’s just how it’s done,” ask:
    “Why?”
    “What’s the goal here?”
    “Is this actually true for me?”

    You don’t need to be Elon to think like him. You just need curiosity, courage, and the willingness to start from scratch.

  • Navigating a Crazy, Distracted World

    Navigating a Crazy, Distracted World

    Lately, I’ve been grappling with an inability to focus, often finding myself lost in a foggy, unclear mind. This struggle led me to realize just how crucial focus is in our daily lives.

    In today’s distracted world, attention is one of the most valuable resources. Social media platforms and influencers are one of the highest paid people coz they are capturing our attention – a scarce commodity. Yet, while everyone is working their ass off for our attention, our ability to focus can become our biggest advantage.

    We should always look for things that are scarce, and right now, the ability to focus is one of them. Just by being able to focus, you will outperform 90% of the people in the world. It’s a skill that not only enhances productivity but also helps you stay ahead in a world where distractions dominate.

    I’ve also discovered the importance of good sleep. When I manage to get a solid 7 to 8 hours, my mind feels refreshed, and my ability to focus significantly improves.

    So to truly regain your focus, the following things can help you big time:

    • Simplify Your Life: Reduce distractions from your phone and social media. Instagram can be a pain, IYKYK 😉
    • Focus Time: Set aside specific periods for focused work without interruptions.
    • Prioritize Sleep: Ensure you get 7 to 8 hours of quality sleep for mental clarity. Sleep like a baby!
    • Focus on What Matters: Zero in on your passions and priorities, and train your mind to stay on track.

    I feel that focus not only improves productivity but also paves the way for betterment in all aspects of life. In a world full of noise, being able to focus is your superpower. Start small, stay consistent, and watch yourself thrive.