I am an engineer from IIT Delhi. But more than any degree, what is needed in life is critical thinking, scientific temper and a curious mind.

I had made a list of experiments I want to do with my daughters to inculcate the same. Sharing it with you. A 🧵

I have cleared some of the toughest entrance tests in the country like that for IIT, IIM, IAS. It is not that I was not distracted during studies, but I overcame those distractions.

Small tips on how to overcome distractions and get great focus

A thread🧵

Reducing mobile usage

👉 Measure

Check your phone usage and apps u spent time on every week. Many times you dont even know how much time you are wasting on mobile apps. Android users can use free apps like

Steps to reduce usage

👉 Physical distance
Keep the phone with the internet switched off and away from you while studying. You can also keep it locked and with a parent/ friend. Heavens will not fall while you are studying and if it is something urgent, you will get the message.

👉 Technological solution:

Use apps like Blackout to block internet for at least 6 hours every day. Force yourself to study in that time. It is not a free app, but it is very effective. Once it blacks out the phone, you can't go back for the period

👉 Early morning study

Keep the alarm away from you, on loud volume. Most likely once you get up from the bed to switch off the alarm, you will decide to not go back to sleep and study. Early morning study is the best these days especially as it has lesser distractions

How to invest in US stocks?

• Online Brokers
• Taxation
• Yearly Limits
• Online research sites for US stocks

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What are some platforms that allow opening a US investment account?

- Groww
- Interactive Brokers
- Vested
- many others

You may like to read reviews online before opening an account with any provider.

Is there a statutory limit on investment?

As Indian resident, RBI’s Liberalized Remittance Scheme lets you remit upto $250,000 per year, per person. Above that, permission from RBI is required.

What are the capital gains tax on foreign stocks?

- US doesn't tax capital gains for us. However, tax applicable in India.

LTCG:- applicable if held above 24 months. Taxed @20% with indexation benefit
STCG:- if held for less than 24 months, Taxed at your income tax slab rate

What is the tax on dividends earned?

- Dividends taxed at flat 25% in US
- Also taxable at your income tax slab rate in India
- As per Double Tax Avoidance Agreement, tax withheld in US offsets tax liability in India

So tax to you is 25% or your tax rate, which ever is higher

During my MBA, trading days and till now, I have read multiple books on trading and investing. Listing the best ones that I loved.

Pick based on your style - Fundamental/Technical/Momentum/options trading

Please retweet for max reach. Comment other books u love

1. Technical Analysis of the Financial Markets - John Murphy

A book which builds your basics on charts, trends, price patterns, MAs, oscillators etc. A must read for beginners!

2. Trade like a Stock Market Wizard by @markminervini

Amazing book covering critical concept of volatility contraction pattern. It is a timeless pattern rooted in human psychology & demand, supply forces. He is a multiple time US investing champion & a rags to riches story!

3. How to make money in stocks - William O'neil

Guru of a lot of investors and the one who gave the CANSLIM strategy! This along with Minervini's book is the minimum you should surely read.

4. Rare book which u might not have heard of: How to Sell by Justin Mamis

An old book published around 1980! Read this only after you are well-versed with the basics. I found it pretty good with new stuff which cements your thoughts.

Procrastination is when you keep postponing important tasks. If you do this frequently - you're not alone!

💢Use these tactics from 7 famous books which will help you overcome procrastination

"Atomic Habits" by James Clear

👉 Use the "two-minute rule" to get started on a task

👉 Make the task so simple that it takes 2 mins. You can't say no to it and build momentum from there

👉Make your goals specific and measurable

"The 5 Second Rule" by Mel Robbins

👉 Count down from 5 and take action immediately to override your brain's hesitation and fear

👉Focus on taking small, consistent steps towards your goal

👉Use positive self-talk to motivate yourself

"Eat That Frog" by Brian Tracy

👉 Identify the most important task you need to complete and do it first thing in the morning

👉 Break the task down into smaller, more manageable steps

👉 Set specific goals and deadlines for yourself

"Getting Things Done" by David Allen

👉Use a system of lists and categories to keep track of tasks and goals

👉Break down tasks into small, actionable steps

👉Regularly review and update your task lists to stay on top of things