I was born into a family with modest means. My dad, a dedicated car driver, worked tirelessly every single day. However, his earnings were never enough to provide more than the basics for our family. When I was just seven, my life took a harsh turn as I lost my mother. Two years later, my father got remarried, and that's when my struggles intensified.
My stepmother didn't hide her dislike for me, and the atmosphere at home became tense. While other children were showered with affection, I faced neglect and harsh treatment. I remember going to sleep many nights, hungry and tearful, wondering why life had been so unfair to me.
The constant arguments at home between my father and stepmother were not just background noise; they were distressing scenes that marked my childhood. But at 18, a ray of hope appeared. Against all odds, I secured admission to a well-known engineering college. My father, proud and happy, managed to gather the funds for my admission fees. However, this happiness didn't last long. A severe argument with my stepmother about the cost of my education led to the most tragic moment of my life — my father's suicide.
Suddenly, I found myself all alone. But then, my uncle, a watchman in a government office, and his wife took me in. Despite their limited income, they supported me wholeheartedly and encouraged me to continue my education. Their home became my sanctuary, a place where I could rebuild my shattered life.
After completing college, I started working as a freelancer. The journey was challenging, but it was a testament to my determination to rise above adversity. I bought a small house, a symbol of my hard-earned independence.
Inspired by my father's words during our ride back from my college admission, where he advised me never to work under someone, I decided to launch my own web design and development company — "OopsLabs."
As my business expanded, life seemed to be aligning with my dreams. I got married to Lavany while she was employed at a Software Company.
My lack of business know-how led to some bad decisions. Imagine this: my company, something I worked hard for, was on the edge of going down. And then, the tough part — I had to sell my home to clear off the debts. It hit hard. That house meant a lot; it was a big deal for me. Letting it go felt like admitting defeat, and honestly, it hurt. It was like saying goodbye to a part of me, and at that moment, I felt like I'd hit rock bottom.
For nearly 4 to 5 years, I faced challenges and worked on various projects without making substantial progress. But there was a silver lining. My wife got a job opportunity in the US, and we decided to try our luck there. Little did we know that life in the US would present its own set of challenges.
The high cost of living forced us to share an apartment with another family. Our living conditions were humble, to say the least. My wife, child, and I slept on the floor because we couldn't afford a bed. I couldn't even spare $10 for a simple haircut. It was a very challenging time in my life, and the American dream was slipping through our fingers. After 10 months, we had no choice but to return to India, back to square one.
Determined to rise again, my wife and I started a training company in the US named "Grabagile" in January 2020. Within two months, the COVID-19 pandemic struck, delivering a devastating blow. The initial despair turned into an opportunity, and we adapted by shifting to online training. Surprisingly, Grabagile became one of the top organizations in the US, and our lives changed for the better this time. In the last three years, we have trained more than 13,000 participants and achieved a business turnover of 6 million dollars.
My journey has been one of constant evolution, marked by invaluable lessons:
Embrace Change: Life is unpredictable, and change is inevitable. Embracing rather than resisting it has been a crucial lesson. The journey from bankruptcy to the success of Grabagile showcased the power of adaptability. When COVID-19 struck, instead of succumbing to despair, we shifted our focus to online training, turning a crisis into an opportunity.
Invest in Personal Growth: Joining ILH was a major turning point for me. It changed my perspective on work and life. The programs at ILH, especially those recommended by Sidz, became life-changing tools. They were designed to help me evolve to a different level, and indeed, I went through a complete transformation, becoming a better version of myself. The emphasis on continuous learning and self-improvement became integral to my success.
In my journey, trust, gratitude, and abundance have been guiding principles that transformed my perspective on life. Trusting the universe, even in the face of adversity, has allowed me to navigate challenges with resilience and optimism. Embracing gratitude has been a constant companion on this path, as I find joy in appreciating every experience, whether challenging or joyful. It's through gratitude that I discovered the true richness of life. This unwavering trust and gratitude have paved the way for abundance in all aspects—health, wealth, and relationships.
Abundance, for me, is not just about material prosperity but a holistic sense of fulfillment. Trusting, being grateful for each moment, and recognizing the abundance around me have created a positive cycle, reinforcing a mindset that attracts even more blessings. This perspective has not only shaped my personal well-being but has become a source of inspiration for others on their own journeys of trust, gratitude, and abundance.
As I stand here today, I am grateful for every experience that has brought me to this point in my life. And I'm especially grateful to the people who stood by me through thick and thin.
I want to emphasize the importance of community and support. My uncle, aunt, and later, my wife played pivotal roles in my journey. Having a strong group of supporters is very helpful in overcoming difficulties and staying motivated. As digital coaches, it's crucial to build strong relationships with others in your field and create a sense of community. By helping and encouraging each other, you can achieve your dreams and make a real difference in people's lives.
Also, being grateful for the people who support you is a powerful way to stay positive and focused on your goals. Gratitude helps you appreciate the small wins and the people who stood by you through thick and thin. Make sure to thank your supporters, both personally and professionally, and value the relationships that have made a difference in your life. This feeling of gratitude will not only make your relationships stronger but also give you a sense of happiness and satisfaction in your journey to success.
I want to end with a quote that resonates with my life: "Tough times never last, but tough people do." This quote by Robert H. Schuller perfectly captures the essence of my journey. It's a reminder that setbacks are temporary, and with determination and hard work, you can achieve your goals.