Evil Eyes Are Real (And Other Things I Learned)

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Hey Beyonder!

Last week taught me something interesting. Sometimes life pushes you out of your comfort zone. And sometimes you don't even realize you needed that push.

Let me explain.

When Your Body Says "Stop"

You know how I've been super active with badminton? Playing almost every morning, taking care of my health, feeling great about it?

Well, that stopped last week.

My right elbow got injured. Nothing crazy, but enough to make me think twice about playing.

Here's what's funny though. On Thursday morning at 7:30 AM, I posted a picture on Instagram. I was flexing my biceps, feeling good about my fitness journey.

The very next day? My elbow gave up.

I'm telling you, evil eyes are real.

But you know what happened? I actually slept in. For two whole days, I got longer sleep than usual. And honestly? My body probably needed it.

I've been pushing hard. Morning games, content creation, running the agency. Maybe this injury was my body's way of saying, "Dude, take a break."

Sometimes the universe forces you to rest when you won't do it yourself.

The Wardrobe Intervention

Now, here's where things get interesting.

A couple of stylists approached me last week. They wanted to help me with... how I dress.

I know what you're thinking. "Epaphra, what's wrong with how you dress?"

Well, apparently, a lot.

My team complains about it constantly. My mom keeps telling me I need better outfits because I'm in front of so many people now. And the comments? Oh, the comments.

"Why are you wearing the same shirt in every podcast?"

"Bro, do you own other clothes?"

Here's the truth. My wardrobe has about 15 to 20 outfits. But my hands always reach for the same 2 or 3 pieces. Why? Because I'm comfortable in them.

I'm that guy who finds something that works and sticks to it forever.

But last week, these stylists came to my home. They looked at my wardrobe. They took measurements. And for the first time in my 25 years of life, I'm getting clothes that are stitched specifically for my body type.

My entire life, I've worn ready-made outfits. This is new territory for me.

Am I excited? Yes.

Am I scared? Also yes.

What if they come up with some experimental outfits? I'm very conservative with fashion. I don't want to look like someone who puts in too much effort. I'd rather my work speak for itself.

But maybe that's exactly why I need this push.

Maybe looking good and doing good work aren't opposites. Maybe they work together.

We'll see. I'll update you next week on how this goes.

The December Challenge

Now, here's where I need your good vibes.

My team and I are working on something big this December. Something I've been wanting to do for a while.

I'm not going to tell you what it is. Not yet.

Why? Because I've learned my lesson about announcing things too early. I've done that before. Posted about big plans on social media, got everyone excited, and then... didn't follow through.

Evil eyes again, maybe. Or maybe just bad planning.

But this time, I'm doing it differently.

This time, I'm staying quiet until it's done.

Here's my deal with myself: If I complete this project by December, I go to my hometown and celebrate Christmas with my family. If not? I stay here in Chennai and keep working until it's done.

That's the commitment.

No excuses. No "I'll do it later." Just focus and execution.

What I'm Learning

Looking at last week, I see a pattern.

My body pushed me to rest when I didn't want to.

People are pushing me to change how I dress when I'm comfortable.

And I'm pushing myself to complete something difficult by December.

All of these are uncomfortable. All of these feel weird.

But maybe that's exactly what growth looks like. Maybe we don't grow when everything is comfortable. We grow when we're pushed by our bodies, by other people, by our own deadlines.

I'm learning to be okay with that discomfort.

The injury taught me that rest isn't lazy. It's necessary.

The wardrobe thing is teaching me that how you present yourself matters. Not because it's everything, but because it's something.

And this December project? It's teaching me that sometimes you need to put real stakes on your goals. Not just "I want to do this." But "I will do this, or else."

Over to You

I'm curious about something.

Maybe it was a job change. Maybe it was moving to a new city. Maybe it was just trying something you'd been avoiding for years.

Hit reply and tell me. I read every email, and I love hearing your stories.

And hey, if you're working on something big too, let me know. We can cheer each other on.

See you next week, hopefully with updates on my wardrobe transformation and progress on the secret project.

Wish me luck!

Cheers,
Epaphra T

P.S. - If you see me in different outfits on the podcast next month, you'll know the stylists won. If I'm still in the same shirt? Well, at least I'm consistent. 😄

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