DEV Community: Ayush Kumawat

Are You a Boiling Frog? 🐸

Ayush Kumawat — Mon, 18 Aug 2025 03:11:10 +0000

Imagine this: A frog is placed in a pot of water. If the water is boiling, the frog will immediately jump out. But if the water is cold and slowly heated, the frog fails to notice the gradual rise in temperature and eventually boils to death.
Now, pause for a moment. Are you the frog in your own life?
Many of us live in what I call the Boiling Frog Syndrome—a state where small, incremental changes, dangers, or negative habits creep into our lives unnoticed until they reach a point where escaping feels impossible. It’s subtle. It’s gradual. And it’s deadly for your dreams, health, and success.

But whats the real Tragedy- You Don’t Even Know It

We often think disasters strike suddenly. But life’s real danger is incremental decay. It’s not the massive failure that kills you—it’s the quiet, almost invisible erosion of your potential, your energy, and your clarity.
Think of it like this: your mind, body, and habits are a pond. Every small compromise—saying “just one more time,” ignoring that gut feeling, scrolling mindlessly—drops a pebble into your water. No splash. No alarm. But the ripples accumulate until the pond overflows.
The twist most people miss: the frog isn’t just being boiled by external circumstances—it’s being boiled by its own tolerance. You normalize discomfort. You justify mediocrity. You let stress and inertia grow slowly until they define your reality.
Here’s the uncomfortable truth: you’re not waiting for the world to heat up—the world is fine, you’re adjusting too slowly.

Unconventional Ways to Jump Out

Deliberate Discomfort
Step into small, controlled challenges regularly—physical, mental, emotional.
Example: take a cold shower, speak up in a tense meeting, or learn something extremely hard.
Purpose: retrain your tolerance, so slow harm feels intolerable.
Temperature Checks, Not Audits
Don’t just “track habits.” Ask: “Am I subtly settling today?”
Small self-honest questions every morning can reveal creeping compromises.
Reverse-Boil Thinking
Imagine your life five years from now if nothing changes.
Instead of asking what could go wrong, ask what silent decay is already happening.
Use Friction as Feedback
If something feels uncomfortable or draining, treat it as a warning signal, not an annoyance.
The frog ignores the heat. You shouldn’t.

Supreme Skills to Dominate in the 21st Century

Ayush Kumawat — Sat, 05 Oct 2024 04:52:41 +0000

When I think about the most important skill to master in the 21st century, one stands out above the rest: persuasion. Whether it's in leadership, relationships, marketing, or self-motivation, persuasion is the key thread that ties together all the impactful aspects of human life. In this reflection, I'll explore why persuasion is such a vital skill and share some examples that highlight its incredible power.

Leadership, Influence, and Negotiation

Persuasion is at the heart of effective leadership and negotiation. It's not just about getting people to do what you want; it's about inspiring them, guiding them towards a shared vision, and understanding their deeper motivations. A powerful example of this is Nelson Mandela's leadership after the end of apartheid. Instead of seeking revenge or continuing a cycle of hatred, Mandela chose to persuade both the oppressed Black population and the White South Africans to work towards reconciliation. By inviting his former jailers to his inauguration, Mandela used the power of symbolism and compassion to unite a nation that was on the brink of division. This wasn't just leadership—it was transformational persuasion that changed the course of history.

Sales, Marketing, and Storytelling

In sales and marketing, persuasion is the driving force behind success. The real art lies in creating messages that make people feel like they need a product, that it will improve their lives in a meaningful way. One of the most striking examples of this is Steve Jobs introducing the first iPhone in 2007. Instead of focusing solely on technical specs, Jobs said, “Today, Apple is going to reinvent the phone.” He painted a vision so compelling that people around the world felt they needed it—even before they fully understood what it could do. Watching the audience's reaction, it was clear that Jobs wasn't just presenting a product; he was reshaping the entire tech landscape through storytelling and visionary persuasion.

Human Relationships and Social Change

In relationships and social movements, persuasion takes on a different form. It's about building deep connections, showing empathy, and aligning with people's values. When I think about the power of persuasion in social change, Martin Luther King Jr.'s "I Have a Dream" speech immediately comes to mind. He didn't just lay out demands or state facts—he painted a vivid picture of a future without racial injustice. His speech resonated so deeply that it became the rallying cry for the civil rights movement. It wasn't just a speech; it was an inspiring vision that united millions of people and motivated them to act. It taught me that true persuasion goes beyond arguments—it's about creating a shared dream.

Self-Persuasion and Adapting to Change

Self-persuasion is, in my opinion, one of the hardest yet most rewarding parts of this art. Whether it's trying to break a bad habit or pushing myself to reach a challenging goal, it all starts with persuading myself. James Dyson's story really speaks to me here. Dyson went through 5,126 prototypes before perfecting the first bagless vacuum cleaner. Imagine facing failure over 5,000 times and still finding the motivation to keep going. Dyson had to constantly reframe his setbacks as lessons, persuading himself day after day that it was worth it. This kind of self-persuasion not only led to a successful product—it created an entirely new market and turned Dyson into a household name.

Trust, Credibility, and Ethical Influence

I've also learned that ethical persuasion is fundamentally about building trust. It involves establishing credibility (ethos), connecting emotionally (pathos), and supporting your argument with solid reasoning (logos). A great example of this is Patagonia's bold advertisement that said, "Don’t Buy This Jacket." It seemed counterintuitive for a company to tell people not to buy their products, but it emphasized their commitment to reducing consumer waste and promoting sustainability. Instead of feeling like a gimmick, it built trust and deepened the brand's connection with its audience. This approach wasn't about manipulating people into buying more—it was about persuading them to make conscious, responsible choices, and it worked. Patagonia ended up strengthening their brand identity and even increasing sales by demonstrating their genuine values.

Mastering the art of persuasion has far-reaching implications—whether you're leading a movement, selling a product, motivating yourself, or building meaningful relationships. It's about understanding people, connecting with them, and inspiring ethical, effective change. For me, that's what makes persuasion the greatest art to master in the 21st century.

How to sell yourself

Ayush Kumawat — Thu, 19 Sep 2024 10:40:11 +0000

The core idea is simple: we’re all in sales, whether we realize it or not. Whether I’m selling a product, an idea, or even myself, the ability to sell who I am and what I bring to the table is one of the most crucial skills for success.

1. Attitude is Everything

A positive, confident, and persistent attitude really changes how people perceive me. The way I carry myself can make or break my success in selling myself.

2. Building Trust and Genuine Relationships

Building genuine relationships that are based on trust and credibility is key. People are more inclined to engage with and support someone they like and trust.

3. First Impressions Count

First impressions are powerful. They happen fast—often in just a few seconds—and can set the tone for any future interactions.

4. Elements of a Great First Impression

• Body Language: The way I stand, my gestures, and my facial expressions matter. Standing tall, making eye contact, and offering a firm handshake shows confidence and reliability.
• Smile: A genuine smile makes me approachable and easy to connect with.
• Energy and Enthusiasm: When I show enthusiasm, it tends to rub off on others and helps create a positive vibe.
• Tone of Voice: I need to make sure my tone is friendly and assertive, but not aggressive.
• Clarity: Speaking clearly, confidently, and to the point makes sure people understand me.
• Mirroring: Subtly mirroring the other person’s body language and speech can help create an instant connection.

5. Mastering Communication
Selling myself comes down to communication. Clear, concise, and engaging communication—both verbal and non-verbal—is crucial. Listening more than I talk is key. When I truly understand the needs, desires, and concerns of others, I can tailor my message and build a deeper connection.

6. Understanding Motivations

I need to get to the core of what motivates people—whether it’s desire, fear, or the need for security. When I understand that, I can shape my message to really resonate with them. Appealing to emotions works because people often make decisions based on how they feel, rather than just pure logic.

7. Persuasion Skills

Persuasion is all about influencing others to see things from my perspective. It involves using a combination of logic, emotion, and credibility. I can enhance my persuasion skills by:

• Framing: Presenting my ideas in a way that aligns with the listener’s values and priorities.
• Storytelling: Sharing compelling stories that evoke emotion and make my points more relatable.
• Credibility: Establishing myself as knowledgeable and trustworthy so that my arguments carry more weight.

8. Creating a Personal Brand

Selling myself also means creating a strong personal brand. I need to figure out what makes me unique, what my values are, and what I stand for. Consistency is critical here—everything I do should align with the image I want to project.

9. Handling Rejection

Rejection is part of the game. Being resilient is essential. I’ve got to accept that setbacks will happen and use them to learn and improve.

10. The Power of Referrals

Referrals are one of the most effective ways to grow influence. People trust recommendations from others, so if I provide excellent service and build trust, it naturally leads to referrals.

11. Exceeding Expectations

I should always aim to deliver more than what’s expected. This creates a lasting impression and often leads to repeat business and more referrals.

How to be in top 1% on leetcode in 6 months.

Ayush Kumawat — Thu, 19 Sep 2024 06:18:58 +0000

How to Be in the Top 1% on LeetCode in 6 Months
Reaching the top 1% on LeetCode isn’t just about raw talent; it’s about having a smart approach, staying consistent, and maintaining the right mindset. With the right strategy, dedication, and time, anyone can achieve this goal within six months. Here’s a guide that breaks down the process:

1. Conquer but Not Divide This Time
When tackling Data Structures and Algorithms (DSA), one of the most effective strategies is grouping related concepts. It helps you see the bigger picture and recognize patterns that work across different types of problems.

Master DSA in Style: Treat Linked Lists, Trees, Graphs, Dynamic Programming (DP), Recursion, Backtracking, and Divide and Conquer as unified topics rather than isolating them.

Linked Lists, Trees, and Graphs: These data structures often use similar traversal techniques like Depth-First Search (DFS) and Breadth-First Search (BFS). Learn one well, and you'll see the techniques apply to the others.
Dynamic Programming (DP), Recursion, Backtracking, and Divide and Conquer: These strategies involve breaking down problems into smaller parts and solving them efficiently. Grouping these concepts together will help you develop a stronger problem-solving muscle.
Arrays and Strings: Most problems involving arrays and strings share common solutions like sliding windows, two-pointers, and dynamic programming patterns.
Pro Tip: Dedicate 4-6 weeks to mastering these grouped topics. This way, you’ll develop a deeper understanding of how these problems relate to each other.

2. Apply the 80/20 Rule for Problem Selection
The 80/20 rule is crucial for efficient learning. Instead of solving every problem out there, focus on the 20% of problems that teach you 80% of the techniques you need.

Concentrate on solving medium-level problems since they reflect common interview questions and build core problem-solving skills.
Pro Tip: Between weeks 4 and 10, prioritize the problems that introduce key patterns. By focusing on these, you’ll learn faster and more effectively.

3. Depth Outweighs Volume: Focus on Quality Problem Solving
LeetCode is often a numbers game, but solving hundreds of problems doesn’t guarantee success. What matters is how well you understand each problem you solve.

Start with Easy Problems: In the first 2-3 weeks, solve 5-6 easy problems per day to get comfortable with basic concepts like arrays, linked lists, and hashmaps.
Transition to Medium Problems: By week 4, aim to solve 2-3 medium problems daily. These are the bread and butter of coding interviews.
Move to Hard Problems: From week 8 onwards, challenge yourself with 1 hard problem every 2-3 days to push your limits.
You Can Obtain If and Only If You Can Retain and Sustain: Simply solving problems isn’t enough. You need to retain what you’ve learned and sustain the ability to apply those techniques across different problems.
Pro Tip: Aim for 300-400 problems over six months, but make sure you thoroughly understand the solution to each one.

4. Repetition is the Mother of Skill: Practice Old Questions 6-7 Times
Mastery comes from repetition. Revisiting difficult problems and practicing them multiple times helps solidify concepts and improves speed.

Revisit Old Problems: Solve challenging problems 6-7 times over time to build real mastery.
Track Your Mistakes: Keep a log of where you went wrong and make it a habit to revisit those mistakes until they become strengths.
Pro Tip: Start revisiting old problems regularly from week 6 onwards, ensuring they stay fresh in your mind.

5. Disappear from the World: Focus and Master One Skill
If you want to be in the top 1%, you’ll need to block out distractions and give your full attention to mastering coding.

Cut Out Distractions: Whether it’s social media or unnecessary activities, limit anything that steals your focus.
Go All-In: Immerse yourself in problem-solving every day to fast-track your learning curve.
Pro Tip: From day one, commit to full immersion for the next six months.

6. Walk, Talk, and Act Like You Are Already in the Top 1%
Your mindset plays a huge role in your success. When you approach problems, believe that you belong in the top 1%—that confidence will push you through challenges.

Confidence is Key: Every time you sit down to solve a problem, tell yourself you can solve it. This mindset will help you push through frustration.
Visualize Success: Picture yourself nailing interviews and being in the top 1%. It will keep you motivated and focused.
Pro Tip: Start with this mindset from the beginning. Cultivate it daily, and it will carry you through tough moments.

7. Embrace Burnout Instead of Avoiding It
Burnout is a real thing, and it’s easy to hit a wall when you’re studying and practicing intensely. But instead of fearing burnout, use it as a signal for growth.

Push Through the Fatigue: When you start feeling mentally drained, know that a breakthrough is often just around the corner.
Breakthroughs Follow Burnout: Some of your best learning moments will come after you’ve pushed yourself beyond your comfort zone.
Pro Tip: During the tougher weeks (like weeks 8-12), push through the burnout, knowing that it’s part of the process.

8. Learn from Others’ Mistakes and Analyze Different Solutions to Expand Your Logic
You’re not on this journey alone. Learning from others is a fast track to improving your problem-solving skills.

Study Different Approaches: After solving a problem, look at other solutions to see if there’s a more efficient or creative way to solve it.
Join Community Discussions: Don’t be afraid to participate in the LeetCode community. Learn from others’ mistakes and insights.
Pro Tip: After solving a problem, always check out how others approached it. This will expand your thinking.

9. Don’t Judge Yourself, Instead Change Yourself
Mistakes are part of the process, but what matters is how you respond to them. Instead of beating yourself up, focus on growing from each mistake.

No Self-Criticism: Be kind to yourself when you make mistakes. View each one as a learning opportunity.
Adapt and Improve: Every failure is a chance to change your approach and improve your problem-solving skills.
Pro Tip: Keep this growth mindset throughout your journey and focus on constant improvement.

10. Vulnerability is the Key: Do Contests
Putting yourself out there in contests is a vulnerable experience, but it’s one of the fastest ways to improve.

Join Weekly Contests: Starting around week 8, participate in LeetCode contests to sharpen your speed and accuracy.
Analyze Solutions: After each contest, review where you went wrong and learn from the top solutions.
Pro Tip: Start participating in contests as soon as you can, and use them as a tool to measure your progress.

11. You Can Eat an Elephant if You Eat It Bit by Bit Daily
Breaking down your goals into manageable pieces makes the big challenge seem less daunting.

Small Steps Add Up: Tackle 2-3 problems a day. It may seem small, but consistency will get you closer to your goal.
Celebrate Progress: Every problem solved is a step toward mastery, so acknowledge your progress along the way.
Pro Tip: Stay consistent from day one. The small steps will add up to big wins over time.

12. Be Aware of the Fake World of Social Media
Social media can create unrealistic expectations. It’s important not to compare your journey to the curated success stories you see online.

Recognize the Illusion: Social media often highlights only the successes and hides the struggles. Don’t let that create self-doubt.
Avoid Seeking Validation: Focus on your growth and progress rather than seeking validation from how others present themselves online.
Measure Success by Personal Growth: Compare your progress to where you started, not to someone else’s highlights reel.
Pro Tip: Stay grounded and mindful of social media throughout your six-month journey.

13. You Can Only Obtain If and Only If You Retain and Sustain Your Knowledge
It’s not enough to learn something once. You need to keep reviewing and applying your knowledge to truly master it.

Retain What You Learn: Regularly revisit old problems and solutions to make sure the knowledge sticks.
Sustain Application: Keep applying what you’ve learned to new problems to sharpen your problem-solving skills.
Pro Tip: Incorporate review sessions into your routine to ensure long-term retention and application.

By following these steps and staying dedicated, you can absolutely reach the top 1% on LeetCode within six months. The key is to stay consistent, focus on quality over quantity, and maintain a growth mindset. Keep pushing yourself, and the success will follow.