My Journey: From Software Engineer to Book Coach
I was once just like you, coding away at a desk and wondering if my story mattered. This is how I moved from silence to writing 19 books and helping thousands do the same.
This was me in March 2020, just before the lockdown. I didn't know then that my agoraphobia would return, but that very challenge would lead me to start the biggest author revolution in India.
A selfie of me in a red and black suit. At 26, on my first international work trip, I was made project lead over a more experienced male colleague who couldn't handle it. I learned then to focus on my work and impact, not the resistance of others.
A photo of me in a blue suit. My mom taught me a life-changing lesson: the real competition is with yourself, not others. This mantra helped me score 100% in PCM and drives me to give my 100% in everything I do.
My transformation story started with a sedentary software job. I had almost forgotten that I could even run.
Then anxiety crept in. I developed agoraphobia, a fear of open spaces. Even stepping outside my home felt unsafe.
Walking was a challenge. I wasn't just battling my body; I was battling my mind and the fear that came with it.
But I said to myself, "What if I just take one step... today?" So I did. And then another. And another. The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.
I started running, just tiny runs. Not to win races, but to win myself back from the grip of anxiety.
My book, 'The Running Effect,' was born from my struggle with agoraphobia. Running became my therapy and my source of strength, and this book shares how it can help you find health and happiness.
I almost said no to mentoring. This is the story of the one decision that changed my life and led to the India Authors Academy.
About My Author Journey: From Engineer to Book Coach
You do not need permission to be an author. When I started, I was struggling with anxiety and a heavy sedentary workload. I had no idea that my first hesitant steps would lead to 19 published books and a community of thousands. I help you cut through the overthinking so you can finally put your message into words.
I spent years in the tech industry, measuring success in lines of code and performance metrics. It was a secure life, but it was not my life. When anxiety and agoraphobia hit, my world shrank to the four walls of my room. That was when I realized the power of taking one small step at a time. I started running to reclaim my freedom, and I started writing to reclaim my voice.
My transition from an engineer to a book coach was not calculated. It was a response to the many people who started asking, 'How did you do it?' At first, I resisted. I wanted to stay in my lane, writing and launching my own books. But then I said yes. Helping that first person discover their voice created a sense of alignment I had never felt before.
Writing is an act of Shraddha, a devotion. You are not just putting words on paper. You are leaving a legacy. My process is simple because life is complex enough. We strip away the fear of the blank page, build a solid outline, and focus on your raw, authentic storytelling. Whether you are a homemaker, a founder, or a doctor, your story has value. You do not need to be a literary genius to be an author. You just need the courage to share what you have lived.
Similar work from other experts
Browse through Curated picks from other experts on mytribe
The Author’s Journey: Turning Rejection into Your Published Book
My Journey: From IT Burnout to Marathon Coach
My Journey: From Chartered Accountant to Fitness Coach
My Journey: From Burnout to Breakthrough
4
From My Bookshelf: Books That Shaped My Creative Journey
6
Writing Mentorship and Literary Works by Anita Nair
More from Book Writing, Publishing, and Marketing Coaching by Sweta Samota