I hope you fail.

Ever notice how some people can walk into a dark room and immediately find the light switch? I've been thinking about this a lot lately, especially after a day that taught me more than I expected.

While battling a cold this week (nothing serious, just enough to make everything feel twice as hard), I had the chance to meet someone who showed me what true resilience looks like.

The Power of Perspective

My recent podcast guest was an entrepreneur from Thrissur who traveled all the way to Chennai just for our interview.

The video I made about her got over 40L views and many of you wanted me to bring her to the show. So, I exactly did that.

She wasn't familiar with the city, didn't know how to book cabs, and wasn't sure where to eat. I booked a cab for her and ordered food to make things easier. She felt comfortable.

Right as we started recording, the power went out. No lights. No AC. No fans. In Chennai heat.

Instead of getting frustrated, she smiled and said, "No, no, it's not bad timing. Now that there is no AC and no fan, you'll be more heated up for the discussion."

Just like that, she turned what could have been a disaster into something beautiful.

The Pattern of Positivity

As we started talking, I learned her business had been robbed eight times. EIGHT TIMES. But here's what blew my mind – she thanks those thieves every morning when she wakes up.

Why? Because those challenges made her more determined. More resilient. More of who she is today.

It wasn't just positive thinking; it was a fundamentally different way of seeing the world. Where most of us see problems, she sees possibilities.

Growing Apart or Growing Different?

Later that night, I met up with college friends I hadn't seen in years. While catching up, something unexpected hit me – they all knew what I was doing (following my content), but I had no idea what was happening in their lives.

As they shared their workplace frustrations and career challenges, I realized I couldn't relate to their problems anymore. Not because I don't care, but because my challenges have changed.

Two years ago, I worried about bosses and salaries. Now, I worry about team members leaving and GST problems.

It felt strange. Throughout college, we shared the same struggles, same exams, same fears. Now, we're living in completely different worlds.

Your Challenge This Week

Here's a small experiment for you: Next time something goes wrong (and something always does), try asking yourself: "What's the gift in this?" like Ilavarasi.

It might feel awkward at first. It might even feel impossible. But what if – just what if – every setback actually contained a hidden opportunity?

I'd love to hear if you try this. What challenge did you reframe? What did you discover?

Keep finding light switches in dark rooms,
Epaphra T

P.S. I still find it wild that someone who's had their business robbed eight times can wake up thankful for those experiences. It makes me wonder what else I could be grateful for that I currently see as a problem.