Thanks for Coming Here 🙏

Welcome. I’m Pankaj Mathur, from a humble, middle‑class family in Delhi. I’ve walked a winding path—from aiming for IAS, facing repeated UPSC setbacks, to moving halfway around the world to Canada in search of bigger meaning. Today, I invite you to walk with me.

Here, we won’t chase definitions of success dictated by society. Rather, we’ll dive into the heart of what truly matters—purpose, well‑being, and financial freedom.

From Delhi Dreams to Canadian Chapters

I grew up in a typical Delhi household where expectations ran high—great grades, stiff competition, and prestige careers. I dedicated years preparing for UPSC‑CSE, the gateway to becoming an IAS officer. But life had different plans: despite three earnest attempts, I didn’t make the cut.

You’re not alone if you’ve failed before. Take Abhishek Singh—after 3 failed attempts, he cracked UPSC with rank 78 on his 4th try. Or Kajal Srivastava—after six tries and drowning in doubt, she rebounded back to life when martial arts became her path forward.

My failures hit hard—my identity felt threatened, family hopes weighed heavily, and I questioned my choices. But failure isn’t a full stop—it’s a comma. And with every UPSC result, I learned more about myself and what truly matters.

Eventually, the dream of Canada emerged—not as escape, but as exploration. I landed in a new country, a new culture, and a new version of myself. Like many newcomers, I started with odd jobs and slow acceptance—CFAs learning bridging programs, job networking, adapting to weather and credit culture .

Each step—failed exam, currency conversion, cultural shock—revealed gaps in how we learn to live: finances, identity, mental resilience. Yet here I am, still curious, still learning—and willing to share everything I’m figuring out along the way.

Why We’re Here Together

This website and YouTube channel are more than platforms—they’re conversations. They exist to help you and me face life’s big questions, take real actions, and build the freedom we deserve.

Here’s what to expect:

1. Ask the Hard Questions

Let’s ask together:

• Why am I doing what I’m doing?

• What makes me feel alive?

• Who do I want to become?

These questions spark meaningful conversations—not sermons. We’ll draw from introspection frameworks like Socratic questioning and Japanese Naikan to explore from within.

Try this: What activity resets your mind? When was the last time you felt truly alive—no filters?

2. Mental Health & Asking for Help

Life’s pressures—exam results, career moves, migration, isolation—can take a toll. I’ve been there. After each UPSC result, I entered cycles of anxiety and self‑doubt. You might have faced similar dark nights.

Depression and anxiety aren’t signs of weakness—they’re calls for connection. Seeking help from friends, loved ones, or professionals isn’t just okay, it’s essential.

Remember: If you’re stuck feeling numb or worthless, you are not alone. Speak up. Share. We need to expand these conversations in our community.

3. Financial Literacy for Real Life

In India and beyond, financial literacy isn’t taught—yet it shapes the quality of our lives. I studied hard for UPSC, but no one taught me how to budget or invest.

In Canada, I learned fast:

• Budgeting using frameworks like 50/30/20 or zero‑based design.

• Saving for emergencies—even as newcomers with limited income.

• Investing wisely—retirement, mutual funds, index investing strategies.

Research shows financial skills reduce anxiety and improve mental health—something we badly need .

4. Life Reinvented—But Rooted

Society often defines success: a high-paying job, degree, perfect family picture. These can be powerful, but also hollow if they aren’t what you actually want.

In Indian culture especially, societal expectations loom large. Akshat Shrivastava warns that UPSC, IIT, NEET aren’t life-definers—there is life beyond them.

Our journey here is about rewriting those narratives. You can choose freedom, curiosity, and growth over guilt or comparison.

Unfiltered: My Personal Story

• Delhi Foundation: Adopted rigorous study habits, competed fiercely—only to face UPSC failures.

• Breaking Point: After the third attempt, I felt lost. I questioned my worth—but I refused to give up entirely.

• Immigration: I migrated to Canada with purpose—to explore new possibilities, adapt, relearn.

• Adjustment: First winter hit hard. I took temp jobs, navigated local culture—cashier, tutor, driver.

• Rebuilding: I learned finance, self-care, social norms. Slowly, stability arrived. Slowly, freedom followed.

• Still Wandering: I’m far from done. But I now live by values, not external milestones—and I seek purpose each day.

What This Journey Looks Like on the Blog & Channel

Mental Health Check‑Ins: Personal updates, coping tools, honest stories of hitting low points—and finding light.

Financial Guides: Step‑by‑step budgeting, saving tips, investing for beginners in Canada and India.

Introspection Workbooks: Practical exercises based on Socratic dialogues, journaling prompts rooted in Naikan, reflective questions for clarity.

Migration Talks: Real tips on starting fresh in Canada—bridging jobs, permanent resident challenges, bilingual life .

Think of this space as your lab for life—where you can experiment, fail, reclaim, and grow.

Reflection Prompts to Start Now

Take a moment—journal or reflect:

• Which three things bring you authentic happiness?

• When have you felt deeply stuck—and what helped you break out?

• What financial habit causes you the most stress?

• Who can you lean on this week—for an honest chat, a hug, or a brainstorm?

Why You Should Stick Around

• Honesty Over Perfection: This space is built on real stories—not curated facades.

• Action Over Inspiration: Every article and video includes doable steps—not lofty ideals.

• Connection Over Validation: We grow by talking—not just watching, commenting, or scrolling.

Final Words

Thank you—for reading, for arriving, for choosing to explore your life and purpose. You're not here by mistake. You're here because you're ready.

Whether you're rebuilding after an exam, a career pivot, a migration, or simply questioning your path—I’m with you.

Let’s walk this path together, dig deep, ask raw questions, build healthy finances, and nurture our minds and bodies.

Welcome to a journey of real life, redefined on your terms.

Your journey starts here. And I’m honored to walk with you.

Call to Action: Drop a comment below or DM me: what’s the one question burning inside you right now? What do you most want to figure out in the next 30 days?