Story of my life

[Dinesh Karki]

Today, I want to share my life experience. I grew up in a small village in Nepal, where my dream was to work in a bank and eventually become a bank manager. At the age of 17, I left my village to pursue higher education in the city, choosing science as my major. However, I completed my studies with only passing marks. I was extremely introverted; I still remember the day someone asked me for directions—I knew the way but was too afraid to communicate. This kind of situation happened to me repeatedly over the next few years, and I often regretted my inability to speak up.

In 2016, I experienced a turning point when I first gained access to the internet. This opened up a new phase in my life. I began watching TED Talks and still remember Brian Tracy’s advice to read books for personal growth. He recommended three books: How to Win Friends and Influence People, Think and Grow Rich, and The Power of Your Subconscious Mind. I read all three, and they fundamentally changed my mindset.

By early 2017, I dove into self-help and personal development. I discovered Leo's videos on YouTube, and I can’t express how much they inspired me. His content opened my eyes and guided me toward a career in IT. By the end of 2019, I became a software engineer and dedicated myself to my career. I progressed from Junior Engineer to Senior Engineer, working day and night. Although I earned a good salary, I felt unfulfilled. I was overweight, tipping the scales at over 90 kg. On the outside, everyone said I was living the dream, but I was unhappy inside.

In early 2022, I decided it was time to work on myself. I joined a gym, and after six months, I lost nearly 10 kg. Additionally, I began meditating for 10 minutes every day. After a few months of meditation, I felt calm and peaceful, so I incorporated Pranayama into my routine. Meditation, Pranayama, gym workouts, reading, traveling, and my job became integral parts of my daily life.

After a year and a half of focusing on self-improvement, I felt a strong urge to quit my job and pursue a spiritual journey and personal growth. After months of contemplation, I submitted my resignation letter—everyone was shocked, especially since I had just been promoted to team lead from Senior Engineer.

That is my story. I have learned so much along the way, and it feels like life unfolds in chapters. Thank you so much, Leo; without you, I can't imagine achieving such an extraordinary life.

[Dinesh Karki]

In your 20s, you go through a lot of realizations that shape your life. I’m 28 years old now, and I’ve been working on improving myself since I was 20. Looking back, my journey has been filled with growth, lessons, and self-discovery.

I earned my bachelor's degree in Information Technology at the age of 22. During my fifth semester, I started working as a software engineer. After graduating, I felt like I was living a dream. I had a stable career, financial independence, opportunities to travel, and a vibrant social life filled with parties and fun. At the time, I believed I was successful. However, I soon realized there was more to life than material success.

Emotionally, physically, and relationally, I had areas to work on. One major realization was that I had neglected my spiritual and personal development, which I had started exploring at the age of 20. Over time, I noticed how easily I had indulged in temporary pleasures, forgetting the deeper purpose of life.

Here’s a list of the key lessons I’ve learned in my 20s:

1.You need to lead your own life.
Other people can give advice, but ultimately, it’s your responsibility to shape your path. No one else will create the life you want for you.

2.Fulfill your basic needs before pursuing higher goals like spirituality.
This might not apply to everyone, but I realized I needed to focus on building a stable foundation first.

3.Not everything will work out as planned.
Life is unpredictable, and setbacks are inevitable. Learning to adapt is key.

4.Happiness doesn’t come from material possessions.
At 21 or 22, I believed that having a car, a house, or a romantic relationship would make me happy. I now understand that true happiness comes from within.

5.Health is more important than we think.
I’ve been going to the gym for the past two years and eating a clean diet, which has transformed my physical and mental well-being.

6.You don’t need external validation to be happy.
Happiness is not about pleasing others or seeking approval. It comes from being content with yourself.

7.Every goal is achievable with time and persistence.
Patience and consistent effort can turn even the biggest dreams into reality.

8.Taking responsibility is essential for success.
You won’t see results unless you hold yourself accountable for your actions.

9.Self-development brings clarity.
The more effort you put into developing yourself, the clearer your life’s direction becomes. For instance, you can confidently switch careers if needed.

10.You become more decisive through growth.
Personal development helps you make better decisions and trust yourself.