As we wrap up this year and step into a new one, I’ve been reflecting on my journey as the founder of Flutter Care . Building a startup has been one of the most exhilarating, challenging, and fulfilling experiences of my life.
I did one exercise throughout the year: at the end of each month, I asked myself, "What is one thing I learned this month?"
And here is what I noted:
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Your vision drives you, but your team fuels you. I’ve learned that no matter how clear your goals are, it’s your team’s commitment that truly brings them to life. I have been lucky with the team I have - Shreya Kaul, Gauri Srinivas Kanishka Arora Who have effortlessly trusted me and Flutter Care and have shown up every day with the intent of growing our company with as much rigor as mine.
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Perfection and progress don't go hand in hand a lot of the times. Taking imperfect action has been key to moving forward, even when doubt creeps in. I had the toughest time changing my mindset with this one. A perfectionist by nature, I have tried my level best to focus on progress and though I have improved, there's still a long way to go
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Mental health isn’t just our mission—it’s a priority for me, too. Leading a mental health startup reminded me to check in with my own well-being regularly.
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Celebrate small wins. Growth is in the details, and every milestone, no matter how tiny, deserves recognition. Sometimes, in day-to-day functioning and high stress, I realized I wasn't enjoying a lot of the things that were happening at Flutter because I was too worried about the larger picture. What I realised was - its the small wins that give you the strength to work towards the bigger picture
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Feedback helps (even if you hate it) . Constructive criticism from clients, teammates, and mentors has shaped Flutter Care in ways I couldn’t have imagined. Though tough to accept sometimes. When you learn to look at feedback as pure scope for improvement, you'd be surprised at how the game changes.
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You don’t need to have it all together. There have been situations where I have not let myself feel the lows because I believed that if I let myself feel low, what would that say about me as a founder. To my surprise, I learned I am human and can't really function like a robot (who knew, huh). What I have learned though is- not having it together is alright. It's about how I sprung back up after with as much optimism as before (if not more!)
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Authenticity is the way to go. Sharing our real journey—challenges, wins, and all—has brought us closer to our audience and community. It's always easier to show who you are than pretending you are something you strive to be.
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Set boundaries, even with yourself. As a founder, it’s tempting to work 24/7. Learning to pause and recharge has been a game-changer. There is a common belief that when you show up to work every day, it has to be a 100%. The truth is, you are human and can’t ever show up at a 100% consistently. There are too many variables at play. There will be days you have only 20% to give and some where you may have 80. The question you need to ask yourself at the end of the day is, have you given a 100% of the 20% or 80%. If your answer is yes, you’ve done it right.
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You can’t please everyone. Staying true to your mission sometimes means making hard decisions. And that’s okay. As a chronic people pleaser, you'd be surprised at how hard this hit me
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The power of community should not be undermined. Collaborating with incredible people has reinforced that we’re stronger together and not as lonely as we think we are!
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Patience is everything. Building something meaningful takes time, and the slow moments often lead to the most significant breakthroughs. When you spend so much time working towards something, sometimes you wonder when the big break will happen (I still am) but slow and steady wins the race! (or so I hope)
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Gratitude and appreciation keeps you grounded. I’m endlessly thankful for the people who believe in Flutter Care and for every opportunity to make an impact. No matter who you are and what you’re doing, anyone who decides to start a business is scared and to some extent feels lonely. It is important to keep people that understand your decision (not at their expense or at the cost of you taking them for granted). I have been lucky with the people I have been surrounded with on this journey. My parents, siblings, relatives and friends have unconditionally taken the plunge with me. Creating the space for something with high risks involved is a decision that usually entails financial resources, emotional resources, physical resources, mental resources and tbh any resource you can think of. Having people that just get it (and your dreams) is something that not everyone gets. So, if you have it. Cherish it.