I Never Meant to Become a Writer — Here's What Happened
Writing didn’t just find me — it redefined me.
I never set out to be a writer.
If you had asked me a few years ago, I would've laughed at the idea. But here I am, writing this on Substack, and I love every moment of it.
Hi, I’m Anshul Kumar, an Indian by birth, a dreamer by heart, and now, unexpectedly, a passionate writer.
Growing up in India, life was all about routines: family values, academics, and dreams of a better future.
Writing wasn’t something I ever imagined for myself. It wasn’t a part of my education, my career, or even my hobbies.
But life has a funny way of surprising us.
For most of my life, I followed the script: I studied, worked hard, moved to new places, and built a career.
Over time, I became fascinated with productivity, technology, startups, and finding ways to simplify life. But as much as I loved these things, I never thought I’d share my thoughts.
One day, I decided to write about my experiences, and what started as a casual idea became a full-blown passion.
Now, I’m here, sharing my journey with you here.
I’m not a professional writer; I’m just someone who found a voice later in life—a voice that talks about productivity, mindfulness, and the art of living a stress-free life. My road to writing might have been accidental, but every word I write now is purposeful.
Welcome to my journey. I hope it inspires you to start your own.
Who am I, and why should you care what I say?
I was born and raised in India, a country with a vibrant culture and traditions that shaped my early years.
In 1998, I made a life-changing decision to move abroad, a leap of faith that began an incredible journey.
Moving away from home wasn’t easy, but it opened doors to opportunities I never imagined.
Over the years, I worked with various startups, navigating the ever-changing landscapes of technology and business. Each role added something valuable to my life, whether technical expertise, leadership skills, or the resilience to face the unexpected.
But success came with challenges—moments of doubt, personal struggles, and the pressure to balance work and life.
My Writing World
Amid all this, I turned to writing. Initially, it was just an outlet to vent my thoughts and emotions.
I started on Medium, writing about productivity, mental health, and finding clarity in the chaos.
Little did I know that these small posts would spark something bigger—a passion for sharing my experiences and connecting with people facing similar struggles.
As I found my voice through writing, I decided to branch out.
Somewhere along the way, I launched my YouTube channel, sharing practical tips on productivity and stress-free living.
And now, here I am, a year into writing on Substack, where I’ve discovered a community of readers who resonate with my words.
My journey from India to Substack has been anything but linear. It’s been a mix of challenges, growth, and rediscovery. But if there’s one thing I’ve learned, every twist and turn has its purpose.
Writing started as a way to cope, but it’s become so much more—a way to inspire, connect, and build something meaningful.
By the way, I’m passionate about theater and have acted on Indian television and All India Radio and have a few stage plays to my credit.
From Theater to Business to Self-Discovery
As far back as I can remember, words and stories have danced through my life like brilliant flames, casting their warm glow on everything around me.
A Flavor of My Love Affairs😉
My writings reflect my passion and serve as motivation for countless readers worldwide.
With over 25 years of experience in the software industry, I am a results-oriented senior executive specializing in developing and executing Go-to-Market (GTM) strategies for SaaS companies.
I have a proven track record of generating substantial year-over-year growth and achieving impressive $100M annual run rates for various software solutions.
My days are filled with savoring the aroma of freshly brewed coffee.
I love Thai delicacies and Mughlai food from India.
And amidst it all, I find solace in the embrace of nature and the warmth of human connection.
As I gained more confidence in my writing, I started to submit my work to various publications and competitions.
It was only a short time before I saw some success, with a few of my pieces being published and earning recognition.
My Mentors Played a Vital Role.
One thing that has helped me grow as a writer is the support and guidance of mentors who have fully trained me.
These individuals have offered valuable insights and advice, helping me to hone my craft and take my writing to the next level.
One of my mentors, for example, taught me the importance of research and the power of well-crafted characters.
Another mentor helped me to develop a strong editorial process, ensuring that my work was polished and ready for publication.
Throughout my journey as a writer, I have learned a great deal about storytelling and have had the opportunity to work on a wide range of projects, from short stories and articles to longer works of fiction.
I have also had the chance to work with some incredible editors and publishers, who have helped me to bring my work to a broader audience.
As a writer, I have always been drawn to the works of famous authors who have established themselves in the world of productivity, business, and startup companies.
How Writing Veterans Instilled Passion in Me.
From the practical advice of Tim Ferriss and the entrepreneurial insights of Gary Vaynerchuk to the thought-provoking musings of Seth Godin and the no-nonsense approach of Marie Forleo, I have found inspiration in the words of these and other successful writers.
Their writing has helped me become more productive and successful in my business endeavors and ignited a passion for writing on these topics.
A few shoutouts to Kristina God, MBA Dr. Mehmet Yildiz Niharikaa Kaur Sodhi Sourin Rao Har Narayan Justin Cox, Tom Handy Nikhil Vemu Darshak Rana
— well, my list can go on and on :)I am constantly seeking new ways to learn and grow, and I am excited to continue exploring these topics and sharing my insights with others.
And so, I cannot forget to mention
- my latest hero! I call him “the Tesla of Substack.”Sharing a Few of My Medium Stories that Have Gone Viral.
I Gave the Delivery Man a Reward Sweeter Than Cash
Feel free to read some of my Substacks, too.
If my words have ever made you smile, think, or feel appreciated, then becoming a paid subscriber is the best way to help this space continue to grow. I would be incredibly grateful for your support.
Feel free to connect with me on LinkedIn and Twitter, follow my 600+ stories on Medium, sign up for my Substack Newsletter, and subscribe to my YouTube channel.
I like how you write because it is relatable, soothing and inviting. I will visit your articles written for Medium because I am eager to know how you traversed the medium puzzle.
Besides, your journey is invigorating and has a lot of learning journeys to master.
Thank you for sharing your interesting journey.
Incredible journey of Inspiration Anshul! 🙌
Thank you for the mention 🙏
it's much appreciated 💕
(I didn't realize that we are the same age :-)