Episodes

  • Episode 64 - Are Your Good Habits Quietly Stealing Your Peace

    Episode 64 - Are Your Good Habits Quietly Stealing Your Peace
    Dec 14 2025
    You wake up at 5 AM. You never miss a workout. You read every day. You say yes to every opportunity. People admire your discipline. You admire it too. But sometimes... it doesn't feel good. This episode is about something we don't talk about enough: what happens when the habits that make you proud quietly steal your peace. My wake-up call: Last Tuesday, I sat down with my five journals. Morning pages. Gratitude. Goals. Reflections. Book notes. I opened the first one. Stared at the blank page. Closed it. By the fifth journal, I just sat there. And for the first time in months, I asked myself a real question: "Am I doing this for peace? Or just to feel proud?" The answer scared me. In this episode, you'll discover:
    • The hidden discomfort of "perfect" habits that quietly drain you
    • Why performance without presence is just pressure
    • How to tell if your habits serve you or own you
    • The difference between habits that make you look better vs. feel better
    • What happened when I softened my routines (and what came back)
    • How to keep growing without the constant pressure
    Key insights:
    • Some habits make you look better. Others make you feel better. They're not always the same.
    • Just because something is "good for you" doesn't mean it's good for you right now
    • You don't need to break habits—just break the attachment to them
    • Swap "always" for "sometimes," "perfect" for "enough," "more" for "meaningful"
    • The point of good habits isn't to impress people—it's to make you feel good about being alive
    What I did differently:
    • Instead of five journals, I picked one—the one that felt right
    • Instead of forcing a 5K run, I took a 10-minute walk
    • Instead of "never eating sugar again," I said "not today" to that cookie
    • Instead of waking at 5 AM forever, I slept until I felt rested. Just once.
    What came back: Stillness. The kind of peace that doesn't need tracking. That doesn't post well on social media. That just feels like... life. Perfect for you if:
    • Your "perfect" day leaves you feeling like a robot
    • You're doing everything right but still feel tired, restless, anxious
    • You need permission to soften your routines
    • You're attached to habits that no longer serve you
    • You want to grow gently, not grind relentlessly
    Connections to previous episodes: This ties into "The Invisible Mistakes We Make" (giving time away), "Why I Almost Didn't Write This Book" (permission and pressure), and "When Pain Breaks You Open" (letting light in through the cracks). I still believe in 1% daily growth. But I'm learning there's a difference between consistent effort and constant pressure. One builds you up. The other wears you down. Tonight, before you plan tomorrow's perfect routine, ask yourself: "Will this add peace to my life? Or just polish to my image?" Topics covered: good habits, healthy habits burnout, productivity burnout, self-improvement trap, performance vs presence, gentle growth, rest and recovery, perfectionism, habit attachment, sustainable habits, mental health, peace over performance, 1% growth, bit by bit philosophy, self-compassion, mindful productivity

    Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/be-better-bit-by-bit--4216679/support.

    Thanks for listening!

    If this episode helped you, I'd love to stay connected.

    About me: I'm a CA ranker (AIR 48), ultra-marathon runner, and author with 20 years of work experience. I believe in getting better bit by bit—through daily journaling, honest reflection, and small actions.

    Here's how we can work together:
    📱 Download UPLY - Our app for daily growth and mindfulness
    📚 Read my books & journals - Available on Amazon (search my name - Nishith Goyal)
    🌐 Visit bebetterbitbybit.com - Free resources, blog posts, and more
    🎯 Join my workshops - I teach journaling, mental wellness, and the GATE concept

    One bit at a time, we all get better.

    See you in the next episode!
    Show More Show Less
    9 mins
  • Episode 63 - We Are Made of Stardust

    Episode 63 - We Are Made of Stardust
    Dec 7 2025
    I picked up Max Tegmark's "Life 3.0" thinking I'd learn about AI and the future of technology. I didn't expect to be pulled 13.8 billion years back in time. And I definitely didn't expect to cry. As I read about the Big Bang, the birth of stars, and how life first appeared, I kept thinking about my 14-year-old daughter. And I realized: someone should have told me this story when I was a kid. This episode isn't a book review. It's me, as a father, sharing what I learned about where we come from, what we're made of, and what this means for our children. In this episode, you'll discover:
    • The 13.8 billion year journey from the Big Bang to you
    • Why the calcium in your bones was once inside a star
    • How we are literally made of stardust
    • The three stages of life: biological, cultural, and technological
    • Why "bit by bit" isn't just my philosophy—it's how the universe works
    • What Life 3.0 (AI) means for the next generation
    • How to tell your kids this cosmic story in a way that feels magical


    Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/be-better-bit-by-bit--4216679/support.

    Thanks for listening!

    If this episode helped you, I'd love to stay connected.

    About me: I'm a CA ranker (AIR 48), ultra-marathon runner, and author with 20 years of work experience. I believe in getting better bit by bit—through daily journaling, honest reflection, and small actions.

    Here's how we can work together:
    📱 Download UPLY - Our app for daily growth and mindfulness
    📚 Read my books & journals - Available on Amazon (search my name - Nishith Goyal)
    🌐 Visit bebetterbitbybit.com - Free resources, blog posts, and more
    🎯 Join my workshops - I teach journaling, mental wellness, and the GATE concept

    One bit at a time, we all get better.

    See you in the next episode!
    Show More Show Less
    12 mins
  • Episode 62 - 10 Lessons From Jack Ma

    Episode 62 - 10 Lessons From Jack Ma
    Nov 30 2025
    I've been building something bit by bit. It's called UPLY. An app about 1% daily growth. Recently, I stumbled upon Jack Ma's 10 messages to young entrepreneurs and couldn't help but smile. I've lived these lines—sometimes unknowingly—while building my platforms 'Be Better Bit-By-Bit' and UPLY. In this episode, I share how each of Jack Ma's 10 lessons showed up in my own journey—from writing one small journal to creating multiple books, journals, and an app that helps people grow 1% at a time. The 10 lessons and how I lived them:
    1. Dream big, really big - From one journal to books, card decks, and UPLY
    2. The bigger the problem, the greater the opportunity - Building an app with no time, no tech background, no roadmap
    3. Today is tough, but the day after tomorrow is beautiful - From barely finishing 5K to completing 50K ultras
    4. Focus on the customer - I'm not making journals, I'm making space for people to breathe
    5. Learn from competitors, but never copy - Why UPLY feels human, not like a dashboard
    6. Better than first - I was late to everything, but I showed up daily
    7. Find opportunity in crisis - How COVID gave birth to 'Be Better Bit-By-Bit'
    8. Use competitor's strength against them - In a world of sticky apps, we built one that lets go
    9. Don't dwell on mistakes - We printed 1,000 journals without page numbers (and survived)
    10. Team works for the goal - Everyone who believes small steps matter has already joined


    Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/be-better-bit-by-bit--4216679/support.

    Thanks for listening!

    If this episode helped you, I'd love to stay connected.

    About me: I'm a CA ranker (AIR 48), ultra-marathon runner, and author with 20 years of work experience. I believe in getting better bit by bit—through daily journaling, honest reflection, and small actions.

    Here's how we can work together:
    📱 Download UPLY - Our app for daily growth and mindfulness
    📚 Read my books & journals - Available on Amazon (search my name - Nishith Goyal)
    🌐 Visit bebetterbitbybit.com - Free resources, blog posts, and more
    🎯 Join my workshops - I teach journaling, mental wellness, and the GATE concept

    One bit at a time, we all get better.

    See you in the next episode!
    Show More Show Less
    6 mins
  • Episode 61 - You Don't Need Permission - Why I Finally Wrote My Book

    Episode 61 - You Don't Need Permission - Why I Finally Wrote My Book
    Nov 9 2025
    For two years, I wrote everything except the book. Blog posts. LinkedIn articles. Even grocery lists with more enthusiasm than usual. But the book? I couldn't open the file. "Who are you to write about this?" That voice kept me stuck for two years. In this episode, I share the raw, honest story of why I almost didn't write "The GATE Way" — and what finally changed everything. In this episode, you'll hear:
    • The voice of doubt that paralysed me for two years
    • How I mastered "productive procrastination" (research, desk organising, app hunting)
    • The morning run that changed everything
    • Why was I waiting for permission that would never come
    • The difference between academic expertise and lived experience
    • How I finally opened that draft file and started writing
    Perfect for you if:
    • You have something to share, but feel unqualified
    • Imposter syndrome is keeping you stuck
    • You're waiting to feel "ready enough" to start
    • You have a project in your draft folder collecting dust
    • You need permission to share your story (here it is)
    This isn't about writing books. It's about having the courage to share what you've learned, even when doubt says you're not enough.

    Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/be-better-bit-by-bit--4216679/support.

    Thanks for listening!

    If this episode helped you, I'd love to stay connected.

    About me: I'm a CA ranker (AIR 48), ultra-marathon runner, and author with 20 years of work experience. I believe in getting better bit by bit—through daily journaling, honest reflection, and small actions.

    Here's how we can work together:
    📱 Download UPLY - Our app for daily growth and mindfulness
    📚 Read my books & journals - Available on Amazon (search my name - Nishith Goyal)
    🌐 Visit bebetterbitbybit.com - Free resources, blog posts, and more
    🎯 Join my workshops - I teach journaling, mental wellness, and the GATE concept

    One bit at a time, we all get better.

    See you in the next episode!
    Show More Show Less
    7 mins
  • Episode 60 - What I Learned When Grief Wouldn't Let Go

    Episode 60 - What I Learned When Grief Wouldn't Let Go
    Nov 2 2025
    Content Warning: This episode discusses grief, loss, and deep emotional pain. Three months after losing someone I loved, I sat on my bed at 5:30 AM with my running shoes on, unable to move. Just crying. Still unable to breathe right. This is my story of what happened when suffering broke me wide open. This isn't a motivational episode. There's no "5 steps to heal" or "how to get over grief quickly." This is just honest talk about pain that stays. About loss that changes you. And about what I learned in the valley. In this episode, I share:
    • What grief actually feels like (the ocean, not the wave)
    • How pain strips away everything fake and shows you what really matters
    • The run that saved me (crying for 5 kilometers)
    • What my journal held when I couldn't speak
    • How suffering taught me gratitude, strength, and connection
    • Why transformation happens in the valley, not on the mountain
    You'll hear about:
    • Viktor Frankl's wisdom on changing ourselves when we can't change our situation
    • David Brooks' insight that "suffering breaks us open"
    • Small sacred moments: a daughter's laugh, a friend's text, rain on windows
    • How pain makes you gentler with others
    • Why I don't wait for "someday" anymore
    This episode is for you if:
    • You're grieving right now and feel alone
    • You've lost someone and the pain won't leave
    • You're in the valley and wondering if you'll ever climb out
    • You need someone to say: "Take your time. You're not broken."
    • You want honest talk about pain, not toxic positivity
    No fake motivation. No rushing your healing. Just real talk about surviving, breathing, and healing bit by bit.

    Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/be-better-bit-by-bit--4216679/support.

    Thanks for listening!

    If this episode helped you, I'd love to stay connected.

    About me: I'm a CA ranker (AIR 48), ultra-marathon runner, and author with 20 years of work experience. I believe in getting better bit by bit—through daily journaling, honest reflection, and small actions.

    Here's how we can work together:
    📱 Download UPLY - Our app for daily growth and mindfulness
    📚 Read my books & journals - Available on Amazon (search my name - Nishith Goyal)
    🌐 Visit bebetterbitbybit.com - Free resources, blog posts, and more
    🎯 Join my workshops - I teach journaling, mental wellness, and the GATE concept

    One bit at a time, we all get better.

    See you in the next episode!
    Show More Show Less
    8 mins
  • Episode 59 - The Invisible Mistakes We Make Every Single Day

    Episode 59 - The Invisible Mistakes We Make Every Single Day
    Oct 12 2025
    Ever scroll through social media and suddenly feel like you're not good enough? Say yes to things you don't want to do? Let fear stop you from starting something new? You're not alone. And you're not broken. In this episode, I share three invisible mistakes we all make every single day—mistakes that quietly steal our peace, our time, and our potential. The three mistakes:
    1. The Comparison Trap - How comparing yourself to others (and even to yourself) destroys your joy
    2. Giving Time Away - Why saying yes to everything means saying no to what matters
    3. Letting Fear Decide - How fear makes small daily decisions that add up to a smaller life
    You'll learn:
    • Why comparison is really about shame, not success
    • Simple questions to ask before giving your time away
    • How to notice fear without letting it control you
    • Practical tools from Brené Brown, Greg McKeown, and Kristin Neff
    • Small daily changes that make a big difference
    Perfect for you if:
    • You constantly feel behind or not good enough
    • You're busy but never have time for what matters
    • Fear stops you from trying new things
    • You want practical tools, not just motivation
    This isn't about being perfect. It's about noticing these patterns and choosing differently—one small step at a time.

    Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/be-better-bit-by-bit--4216679/support.

    Thanks for listening!

    If this episode helped you, I'd love to stay connected.

    About me: I'm a CA ranker (AIR 48), ultra-marathon runner, and author with 20 years of work experience. I believe in getting better bit by bit—through daily journaling, honest reflection, and small actions.

    Here's how we can work together:
    📱 Download UPLY - Our app for daily growth and mindfulness
    📚 Read my books & journals - Available on Amazon (search my name - Nishith Goyal)
    🌐 Visit bebetterbitbybit.com - Free resources, blog posts, and more
    🎯 Join my workshops - I teach journaling, mental wellness, and the GATE concept

    One bit at a time, we all get better.

    See you in the next episode!
    Show More Show Less
    9 mins
  • Episode 58 - The Day I Shaved My Head (And What Shame Taught Me)

    Episode 58 - The Day I Shaved My Head (And What Shame Taught Me)
    Oct 2 2025
    Failed your exams? Lost your job? Feeling ashamed and stuck? You're not alone. In this episode, I share my story of failing CA Finals twice, shaving my head out of shame, and how that rock bottom moment changed everything. This is about real failure, real shame, and real healing. You'll learn:
    • The 3 types of shame everyone faces (and how to handle each one)
    • Why shame is actually trying to help you, not hurt you
    • 5 simple tools to deal with shame when it hits hard
    • How to turn your biggest failure into your biggest lesson
    Perfect for you if:
    • You're dealing with failure right now
    • You feel ashamed and don't know how to move forward
    • You're tired of fake motivation and want real talk
    • You've messed up and need to know it's okay
    No fancy words. No toxic positivity. Just honest conversation about struggling, failing, and growing.

    Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/be-better-bit-by-bit--4216679/support.

    Thanks for listening!

    If this episode helped you, I'd love to stay connected.

    About me: I'm a CA ranker (AIR 48), ultra-marathon runner, and author with 20 years of work experience. I believe in getting better bit by bit—through daily journaling, honest reflection, and small actions.

    Here's how we can work together:
    📱 Download UPLY - Our app for daily growth and mindfulness
    📚 Read my books & journals - Available on Amazon (search my name - Nishith Goyal)
    🌐 Visit bebetterbitbybit.com - Free resources, blog posts, and more
    🎯 Join my workshops - I teach journaling, mental wellness, and the GATE concept

    One bit at a time, we all get better.

    See you in the next episode!
    Show More Show Less
    7 mins
  • Episode 57 - Why Self-Honesty Is Your Hardest Daily Challenge

    Episode 57 - Why Self-Honesty Is Your Hardest Daily Challenge
    Sep 27 2025
    Self-Honesty: The Hardest Truth You'll Ever Tell | With Nishith Goyal Why is being honest with yourself so incredibly difficult? In this powerful episode, Nishith Goyal explores the transformative journey of self-honesty and why it's the most challenging yet necessary practice for personal growth. 🎯 What You'll Discover:
    • Why denial is our default mode and how it sabotages our growth
    • The morning journaling practice that changed everything (4 powerful journals revealed)
    • How self-honesty led to achieving All India Rank 48 in Chartered Accountancy
    • Lessons from Abraham Lincoln's secret letters to himself
    • The Boeing whistleblower story and the cost of speaking truth
    • 5 practical steps to start practicing radical self-honesty today
    Key Topics: Self-honesty, personal development, journaling, gratitude practice, morning routine, self-reflection, authenticity, mindfulness, goal achievement, mental clarity, personal growth, discipline, self-awareness, truth-telling, inner work Whether you're struggling with self-deception, looking to build better habits, or seeking genuine personal transformation, this episode offers raw insights and practical tools for confronting your inner truth. Host: Nishith Goyal - Chartered Accountant, Personal Development Enthusiast, and Daily Journaling Practitioner #SelfHonesty #PersonalGrowth #Journaling #Authenticity #SelfAwareness #MorningRoutine #Mindfulness #PersonalDevelopment #TruthTelling #InnerWork Perfect for listeners searching: self-honesty tips, how to be honest with yourself, journaling for self-discovery, personal growth podcast, morning routine habits, self-reflection practices, overcoming self-deception, building authenticity

    Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/be-better-bit-by-bit--4216679/support.

    Thanks for listening!

    If this episode helped you, I'd love to stay connected.

    About me: I'm a CA ranker (AIR 48), ultra-marathon runner, and author with 20 years of work experience. I believe in getting better bit by bit—through daily journaling, honest reflection, and small actions.

    Here's how we can work together:
    📱 Download UPLY - Our app for daily growth and mindfulness
    📚 Read my books & journals - Available on Amazon (search my name - Nishith Goyal)
    🌐 Visit bebetterbitbybit.com - Free resources, blog posts, and more
    🎯 Join my workshops - I teach journaling, mental wellness, and the GATE concept

    One bit at a time, we all get better.

    See you in the next episode!
    Show More Show Less
    6 mins