Atharva Mahabal, a software developer currently interning at the Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC), recently shared a candid and much-needed perspective on LinkedIn that resonates deeply with anyone navigating their early professional journey. In a world increasingly dominated by highlight reels and curated wins, Atharva Mahabal offers a refreshing dose of authenticity one that reminds us that behind every success story lies a quieter, messier narrative we seldom get to see.
Atharva Mahabal challenges the illusion of constant success that social media often projects. In his post, he reflects on how every scroll on our feeds brings another “dream job,” another “promotion in record time,” or another “success story” that seems to happen overnight. It’s easy, then, to fall into the trap of comparison. We start questioning our own pace, our own progress, and our worth. But what Atharva Mahabal does so powerfully is dismantle this illusion with a calm and grounded truth: what we see online is rarely the full picture.
He openly acknowledges that he, too, has been that newcomer watching others rise while quietly wondering if he was the only one struggling. This admission from someone in a technical and prestigious role like an internship at C-DAC carries a powerful message. Atharva Mahabal does not present himself as someone who has it all figured out, but rather as someone who understands the hidden struggles behind every apparent win.
What makes Atharva Mahabal’s message stand out is not just the honesty, but the empathy. He doesn’t dismiss the achievements of others, but he reminds us of the countless rejection emails, the ignored messages, the awkward interviews, and the nights filled with uncertainty that rarely make it to social media posts. This is the reality so many of us live, and yet, so few of us share. Atharva Mahabal not only acknowledges this, he embraces it and encourages others to do the same.
The message is especially timely in today’s fast-paced digital culture, where comparison can quickly erode self-worth. By bringing this topic into the open, Atharva Mahabal is advocating for mental resilience. He reminds us that “figuring it out” is not a phase of failure, but an essential part of growth. It’s not a detour it is the journey.
Throughout the post, Atharva Mahabal speaks directly to those just starting out, those still searching, and those who feel unseen. His words “You’re not behind. You’re just seeing the highlight reels, not the full journey” serve as both reassurance and a reality check. He isn’t offering empty motivation; he’s offering perspective. A perspective grounded in experience, self-awareness, and a deep understanding of the emotional toll of career-building in the digital age.
Moreover, Atharva Mahabal uses his voice not to elevate himself, but to uplift others. There’s a rare humility in how he presents his thoughts not as someone who has risen above, but as someone still walking the path, just a few steps ahead. It’s a reminder that success isn’t a destination to flaunt, but a process to honor.
For aspiring developers, students, and jobseekers, hearing this from Atharva Mahabal, who is engaged in meaningful work at C-DAC, is not just inspiring it’s grounding. It shifts the focus from external validation to internal growth. It tells us that the quiet, unshared moments those filled with doubt, effort, and persistence are not signs of weakness, but of strength.
The beauty of Atharva Mahabal’s message is that it’s not about diminishing success it’s about widening our definition of it. Success is not just the offer letter or the promotion. It’s also the courage to keep applying after rejections. It’s the effort you put in when no one’s watching. It’s learning from the mistakes you’re too embarrassed to talk about. And yes, it’s about supporting others without the pressure of having your own story go viral.
In a world where the loudest voices often get the most attention, Atharva Mahabal shows us the power of quiet truth. His words are not meant to go viral they’re meant to go deep. They touch a nerve that many of us try to suppress. And in doing so, he becomes more than just a software developer or an intern he becomes a mirror for the collective experience of growth, struggle, and perseverance.
Atharva Mahabal’s perspective should serve as a reminder to all of us: we don’t need to rush. We don’t need to compare. And most importantly, we don’t need to pretend. Every step matters, even the invisible ones. Every setback teaches, even if it hurts. And every journey is valid, even if it doesn’t look like someone else’s.
To those scrolling through endless success stories and feeling the weight of invisible pressure remember Atharva Mahabal’s words. You are not alone. You are not late. And your story is unfolding exactly as it should.
So the next time you feel the urge to compare your behind-the-scenes with someone else’s highlight reel, pause. Breathe. And recall what Atharva Mahabal has reminded us all: no one has it all figured out they just know how to share their best moments.
