I’ve never been one to mark each passing year of my life with a loud celebration, but today, being the day I complete 3 decades, I feel the urge to draw some attention to the significant milestone that it is in my life.
A lot of people have been calling me through the day and some of them have asked me how it feels to be 30. Although I had earlier expected to worry more about the piling on of years, I’m quite happy to report that I’m feeling quite the opposite – a sense of contentment.
Priya, my sister-in-law, asked me when she called to wish about what I thought about being 30 the “top of the hill”. I told her that I thought of 30 being really half-way up the hill. Everything that I dream about and hope to accomplish in the future is really going to happen over the next 30 years so if you think of 60 being Mt. Everest, I’m probably still at base camp!
There’s this moment from 8th grade history class that I remember very distinctly. We were learning about Chinese history and famous philosophers like Confucius and Lao-Tzu. I came across this quote by Confucius that has stuck in my mind ever since:
Do what you love and you’ll never work a day in your life
From teaching myself computers and programming in the 5th grade, learning Carnatic singing, training in long-distance swimming, playing tournament-level chess, studying for the IIT exam, contributing to open source projects, singing in a rock band, leaving Morgan Stanley to join Hillcrest, driving a BMW, to giving it all up and striking it out on my own, all I’ve ever done is follow my heart and do what I truly love.
So when Sharat, my cofounder and one of my dearest friends, asked me if I had any unfulfilled desires or regrets, it really got me thinking. And after thinking about it for nearly the entire day I realized that I had no answer for him.
I’ve actually done every single thing that I had wanted to do by 30. And I’m married to the woman of my dreams.
What else could I ask for?
Many happy returns on reaching the big 30. You might want to rent out “The Big Chill” and 1st season of thirtysomething to see what lies ahead
If indeed you have that woman of your dreams and have done all that you’ve wanted thus far, you are a very lucky man. Nourish that each day!
Living the life you once dreamt of! I guess that is what life is all about. And I am so happy that I know ONE person who has actually done all that he wanted to do in the time-frame he desired to do it in (well, I guess I never asked the others! But then, very few of us make it all the way. So I guess, you indeed are a clear winner). Kudos to you, Man! Keep Rocking! Best wishes for your Mission Everest.
Strange, it never struck me you were hitting 30!
It’s a contented man that can bring happiness and contention to others.. perhaps, that IS your Mission Everest – to play a role in raising the living standards in India! 
Welcome to the 30-club, Ravi! It’s nice to know somebody who has achieved everything he/she wanted to
And good luck on scaling Mt. Everest!
Good post Ravi. Love the fulfillment !!
Binny
Thank you, everybody.
Srikrishna, I will rent “The Big Chill” when I get a chance
Just bumped into this blog after following your comment on businessinsider.com VC Evaluation page.
Interesting post. I have to admit, it raised some introspective questions. I have mostly maneuvered my life based on being analytical rather than take risks by following my instinct or my heart.
congrats on turning 30. btw, have u seen 13 going on 30 yet ?
Thanks, Smartnut007. I haven't watched that movie, but maybe I should! I don't remember the exact comment you're talking about but am glad you found this post interesting.
Don't you wish you wrote on your blog more frequently? :p
Wonderful Post, Ravi. Inspiring too!
- Rajas, Nashua, NH
Thanks, Rajas!
Thanks, Rajas!