1983
marked the beginning of the seeds being planted for the digital revolution, an epoch of technological enchantment. Then, in November 1985, Microsoft, which was on its way to becoming a colossal player in software, launched its first version of Windows, known as Windows 1.0.
This groundbreaking operating system began a new era in personal computing, transforming how people interacted with technology.
Meanwhile, halfway across the world, I was born in a remote village in Pakistan, untouched by the burgeoning digital wave yet rich in its tapestry of life.
Earning my first paycheck at 14, navigating startups, exiting five businesses, and delving into academia, I’ve gathered a wealth of experiences. Here, I share 41 hacks taken from these diverse paths.
1. Be Inquisitive
The essence of my name, Wajid Khan, is ‘Discovering The Unfound’. Embrace this ethos, and you’re likely to stumble upon the unexplored. Initiate with curiosity, and solutions will materialise.
Thanks to my late Uncle for gifting this name to me.
2. Volunteering
Give time to causes that matter; you’ll gain more than you give. Volunteering opens doors to new networks and personal growth.
3. Skill
Master a niche skill to stand out. Continuous learning keeps you relevant and competitive in any field.
4. Thinking
Lateral thinking breaks conventional barriers. Use creativity to solve problems where logic alone fails.
5. Action
Procrastination is the enemy; take decisive action to see real change. Act now or miss out forever.
6. Travel
Experience different cultures before your views solidify. Travel young to expand your worldview.
7. Relationships
Avoid time-wasters in love; seek partners with shared goals. Quality over quantity in relationships.
8. Work Ethic
Match your party energy with work intensity. Balance is key to sustained success.
9. Social Circle
Surround yourself with aspirational people. Your circle shapes your destiny.
10. Critics
Ignore baseless criticism. Focus on self-improvement, not detractors.
11. Assertiveness
Being kind and assertive beats just being nice. Assertiveness earns respect.
12. Career Skills
Invest in future-relevant skills. Adapt or perish in the job market.
13. Job Interest
Choose roles aligned with your passion. Interest drives excellence.
14. Self-Learning
If you can’t teach yourself, you’re limiting your potential growth.
15. Environment
Your setting influences outcomes. Seek environments that nurture success.
16. Performance
Consistent underperformance affects more than you. Step up or step aside.
17. Job Satisfaction
If you’re bad at your job, improve or leave. Complaining changes nothing.
18. Risk-Taking
Small, early career risks can lead to big rewards. Dare to try.
19. Ego Management
Success should diminish your ego, not inflate it. Stay humble as you rise.
20. Opportunities
When given a chance, excel. Reputation is built on performance.
21. Leadership
Hire talent better than you. Empower them, don’t micromanage.
22. Workplace Drama
Drama creators are productivity killers. Eliminate them swiftly.
23. Action vs. Thought
Action trumps thought. Do to achieve, don’t just plan.
24. Natural Talent
Some have innate abilities, others need hard work. Both can succeed.
25. Saying No
You can’t please everyone. Prioritize your commitments.
26. Professional Relationships
Maintain positive work connections. Burning bridges limits future opportunities.
27. Boundaries
Set clear limits with colleagues for mutual respect and productivity.
28. Emotional Control
Keep anger out of work. Professionalism is key.
29. Communication
Face-to-face beats angry emails. Resolve issues directly.
30. Gossip
Avoid badmouthing co-workers. Reputation matters more than gossip.
31. Asking for Help
Seek assistance when needed. Strength lies in asking.
32. Agendas
Understand everyone’s goals. Help to be helped.
33. Intentions
Assume good intentions until proven otherwise. Positivity shapes interactions.
34. Mistakes
Most errors stem from lack of knowledge, not malice. Educate rather than judge.
35. Narrative Control
Shape your story. Own your journey, don’t let others define it.
36. Comparison
Be you, not someone else. Unique paths lead to personal success.
37. Selfishness
Sometimes, self-focus benefits those around you. Balance self-care with altruism.
38. Reciprocity
Invest in reciprocal relationships. Mutual benefit strengthens bonds.
39. Optimism vs. Pessimism
Optimism often leads to wealth, pessimism to accuracy. Choose wisely.
40. Action Over Grades
Practical doers can outshine academic stars. Action beats theory.
41. Time vs. Money
Time is irreplaceable, money isn’t. Value your time accordingly.
Remember, these hacks are shaped by my unique journey, potentially offering a different perspective on life and success.
May your path be as enriching as these lessons guide you through your adventures.