A few days ago, commenting on one of my posts, a reader inquired about my health, in particular whether or not I was behaving myself. While on the one hand I found it mildly amusing, as it felt like my mom was asking the question — which she does every Sunday — his comment also made me realize how much our little community cares about my well-being.
I’ve been meaning to write about my progress, but I’ve shied away from it because it always felt like I would be imposing on people’s time. And I’m still not ready to share it all.
But in the meantime, I can show off my new icon/avatar for the site. Gone is the old hat-wearing, cigar-chomping, newshound look. Instead, what you have is a simpler, more understated icon whose sparseness reflects my new mantra — less is really more. And doing more with less is really hard. Let’s call this version of me Om 2.0.
Simple food, simple clothes, a simple home and simple, clear writing. Hopefully I can stick to that plan. I have incorporated physical exercise into my daily life, given up smoking, gone almost completely vegetarian and taken to wearing jeans. Life, as they say, is uncomplicated. More importantly, about six months after my heart attack, I have resumed some of my regular activities — including playing tennis on the Wii!
PS: Check out this awesome little illustration Mivui did using the new icon. This is how I am supposed to look like in 10 years. Worthy goal - both from a fitness and a longevity standpoint.
2 trackbacks so far
1:14 PM PT
[...] and Om Malik is in Beta on his version 2.0 [...]
12:15 AM PT
[...] Om Malik Tuesday evening at a reception for his Infrastructure ‘08 conference. Om recently launched Om 2.0 a slimmer and healthier Om. And an Om that is 50 lbs lighter than the prior [...]
38 comments so far
8:44 AM PT
Mr. Om Malik, I like your new health plan and more importantly, your new icon. I’m curious to know what program you used to make it.
8:48 AM PT
Om -
I’m glad to hear that you’ve implemented the changes you’ve told us about. My wife has been on me, lately, to start exercising (the word alone sends shivers down my lazy spine) and we’ve started eating smaller portions of more healthy food.
I rather like the new avatar, as well. Also, it’s amazing how good a pair of jeans can feel, no?
Heres to you and your new changes, and hopefully we’ll both be healthy to meet in person sometime, somewhere. Keep up the excellent work on the site!
8:54 AM PT
@ Ricky Cadden
Thank you dear sir. Now I hope you have started incorporating some small changes into your life - exercise is the most vital one for it is a good way to keep your thinking clear.
Hope to hear your update sometime soon.
9:08 AM PT
Om, Well wishes on your new lease on life. I like the idea of altering your daily recurring habits but be sure to take the time to enjoy a fine cigar, a smooth scotch, a good hearty burger, or a brat at the ballgame. It’s important that your routine is healthy, lean, and simple as it allows you to enjoy life’s richness without getting into too much trouble. At least that’s my plan for leading a lean but satsfying long life.
Completely understand if your in a cleansing mode now but be sure to still enjoy here and there.
9:13 AM PT
Hey Om,
I know I don’t comment much here, but you can not imagine how much this means to me. You really feel like the soul of our little Web community. You are the only one who seems to get on with everyone and does not have point less wars about nitpicky issues. As much as I wish that you have enough time to rest, relax and recover, I also hope to have you around a keep up the good work for our community.
I hope I will one day have the chance to meet you in person.
Cheers,
Moritz
9:36 AM PT
Om, to much health and happiness. Each day as it’s own.
9:43 AM PT
You’re looking a lot better in your photos. Can we ask how much you’ve dropped weight-wise?
10:19 AM PT
Wow
Good to see you looking so well Om
An inspiration to all of us I think :-)
10:44 AM PT
Om,
The new avatar speaks for itself. Healthier.
Minic
10:55 AM PT
Om,
Glad to hear it’s back to basics. However, get the Wii Fit…it’s awesome.
11:16 AM PT
the new icon is very handsome :)
11:54 AM PT
@ Sage… It was created by a friend of the company who is a professional artist. No program was involved in creating of the new icon.
@Manish Jain… Wii Fit is next on the menu though it is hard to find a copy in SF these days.
@ Nick, it is about 50 pounds or so in weight loss, though the trick is to keep it all off and let me tell you that is hard.
12:16 PM PT
Great to see all the progress Om…congratulations…Om 2.0 is great too…see you at your Structure 08 conference next week.
12:18 PM PT
Mr. Malik,
I am glad to see that you’re using the new lease on life appropriately … and it shows very well in the material you’ve produced to date. I guess having a simple life enables you with the time and focus to focus on the work at hand.
And if you want a good veggie dinner or recipes for a Channa Masala, please let me know!
- Adwait
12:45 PM PT
Om –
I LOVE the new icon and congratulations on 2.0. We are thrilled to have many many more years of clear, simple, insightful Om to look forward to.
Best,
DAVID
1:00 PM PT
The Gravatar still needs a change. Check your WP.com user tab to upload the new you.
1:07 PM PT
Good for you Mr. Malik. You nailed it - simplicity and moderation are key to a healthy and prosperous future. Stuff our Mom’s try to instill in us while growing up.
Good luck !
1:44 PM PT
Nice looking avatar! Glad to hear your new approach to life and work is coming along nicely.
cheers, Mark
2:27 PM PT
Again a very nice post. I love the way you write, On the other side
Good to hear that you have changed your diet/living style and getting better.
Cutting that meat helps a lot.
Also try this “Flax” seed in your break fast or Flax seed oil very helpful and a natural way to cut on cholesterol.
More info:
1. (link)
Or google for Flax Seed.
Have a good weekend Om!
Cheers, Nag
2:27 PM PT
Finding out how you’re doing is by no means a waste of time for us! Feel free to share whatever you’re comfortable with. It’s great to see that you’re doing well.
2:48 PM PT
Hi Om,
Great to hear that, I’m glad you are doing so much better!
Keep it up and regards,
Frederik
2:59 PM PT
Sounds great. But with 50lbs lost surely you mean Om 1.5!
3:02 PM PT
@Tom, so I see you still haven’t lost that wit.
@ Niall - thanks I updated the gravatar.
@David, thanks for reminding me what I need to do.
@Others, thanks for your kind support. Best
3:13 PM PT
Hi Om 2.0. I like the avatar. Glad you are doing well.
6:10 PM PT
Om,
Looks very ala Rajendra kumar …
(link)
Well he was the jubilee king you know. Good luck with recovery.
-Shan
6:33 PM PT
You’re new avatar makes you look much healthier.
1:33 AM PT
Looking good, my man. Simple does you very well, and I could learn a few things from you ;)
6:19 AM PT
@ Dameon
Thanks buddy hopefully this continues. I owe you a phone call.
@ Shan, ouch… now that makes me feel really old
7:36 AM PT
Great. Wishing that 3.0 is even healthier, happier, and wiser than 2.0.
best,
Chetan
8:52 AM PT
Glad to see that you are confident enough in your life changes.
BTW. You are not imposing on our time. We are genuinely concerned and inspired.
11:43 AM PT
Lookin’ good!
9:28 PM PT
Om 3.0, June 21st, 2018 - Founder of Giga Om has become a Tai-Chi Master…
(link)
Best wishes Om, hope it made you laugh out loud, even better, hope it inspires you to keep up the regular activity.
8:00 AM PT
Om bhai;
Good to you see your progress and commitment to healthy lifestyle. Instead of Wii-Tennis, try some Wii-Fit. Its awesome and will help you more. I loved it in first 60 seconds of play & interactively shows your progress and sets new goals.
10:16 AM PT
Glad you liked it Om. Made me laugh out loud to see your footnote. Everything we are doing has been inspired by empowering organisations, individuals & communities. A central part of that being born from niche and ancient arts of Yoga, Tai-Chi (and other Martial Arts).
Incidentally, my Father and Uncles (Thaiaji) are each recovering from heart operations. Yoga helped them no end. Tc. One last hilarious link to make you all laugh, then back to work:
(link)
7:28 PM PT
Looking GOOD!!
10:01 PM PT
Good work Om. I’ll keep my mouth shut for a whole month now. Uh, well I’ll try.
Keep on keeping on.
5:57 PM PT
Hey genius,
Glad to hear that you are taking care of yourself. You need to prepare for the long run. We need your insight, your dedication, your OM-ness.
Namaste,
Doc Peppe
11:17 AM PT
Hi Om - the avatar is pretty sweet. I have a new avatar on my site too. When you’re ready to make the Om 3.0 avatar, come over for a visit.