Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Hey, what’s up? I’m Alykhan. I was born in Nairobi, Kenya, and grew up in sunny Florida. I love my family and food. I hate alarm clocks and cold weather.
In my day job, I’m a professional number cruncher. When I’m not saving the world with spreadsheets, I’m usually “sitting,” as my wife likes to say. But that typically involves reading, writing, and thinking up new ways to get better at life.
I love eating, but I also like to stay lean, which is a constant challenge. I enjoy playing soccer (four-time corporate intramural champion) and since I’m an extreme introvert, this is about the extent of my social resume.
I have just written and published my first book, Calorie Counting Made Easy, and hope to write many more!
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book is called Calorie Counting Made Easy and I was inspired to write it because I wanted to provide the best resource for tracking calories for weight loss available anywhere.
So many health and fitness books preach the importance of hitting calorie targets for weight loss, but I haven’t seen any that walk you through the process step-by-step.
I knew I could do this and with my experience counting calories using MyFitnessPal for over three years, I also knew I had some unique insights on shortcuts that will help people log their numbers quickly and accurately, while staying consistent, which is the key to success.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I know I’m not very productive at home, so I take my laptop across the street to Dunkin’ Donuts and do all my writing there.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
I love nonfiction books on fitness, online business, personal finance, productivity, and anything good in the self-development space, really.
My favorite authors are James Altucher, Susan Cain, Tim Ferriss, Mike Matthews, Nate Miyaki, Tony Robbins, Ramit Sethi, and Matt Stone aka Buck Flogging.
My favorite books I can think of off the top of my head are The 4-Hour Workweek, The 4-Hour Body, The Automatic Millionaire, Bigger Leaner Stronger, Choose Yourself, The Introvert Advantage, The ONE Thing, and Quiet.
What are you working on now?
I’m working on building an audience for my website, Excel Chief, around people who are interested in an analytical, systematic approach to self-improvement.
In the future, I’d like to write more books and create products (online courses, Excel tools, etc.) that help serve this audience.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Since I’ve only done one book launch so far, I haven’t had a whole lot of experience with promotion, but I’ve found building an email list “street team” made up of family members, close friends, and coworkers for the launch really helps get some early reviews in the door and gives the book momentum.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Just write and get something out there. Do your best, but don’t worry if every tiny detail isn’t perfect.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Just to build habits and systems around achieving your goals instead of trying to rely on motivation or willpower. I’ve heard this in various forms, but I think Scott Adams said it best: “My philosophy is that losers have goals and winners have systems.”
What are you reading now?
Will It Fly by Pat Flynn
What’s next for you as a writer?
Right now, I’m thinking of ideas for my next book. I’d like to write something on productivity and time management at some point. I’d also love to write a book that will help introverts.
If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
First of all, probably some sort of survival guide book. The best one available. And maybe some sort of wilderness cookbook that helps me cook insects or something.
After that, just a couple of my favorites: Choose Yourself would have to be one of them.
Author Websites and Profiles
Alykhan Gulamali Website
Alykhan Gulamali Amazon Profile
Alykhan Gulamali’s Social Media Links
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account