Hello Everyone!! I’m glad to see you in another interesting article. In today’s fast-paced and interconnected world, growth is not just about acquiring new skills or knowledge; it’s also about challenging our perspectives and pushing beyond our comfort zones. This article is inspired by the insightful words of Mr. Ankur Warikoo, co-founder of Nearbuy, who shared these principles during his TEDx talk at Shaheed Bhagat Singh College (SBSC). His guidance emphasizes three key ideas: hanging out with people who are not like you, avoiding a sense of entitlement, and refusing to get too comfortable. Each of these principles offers valuable lessons that can catalyze growth and foster a mindset primed for success.
1. Hang Out with People Who Are Not Like You
One of the most powerful ways to expand your understanding of the world is by interacting with people who are different from you. This could mean people from different cultural backgrounds, professions, age groups, or even those with different interests and viewpoints. Surrounding yourself with diverse individuals challenges your preconceptions and opens your mind to new ways of thinking.
As Mr. Warikoo pointed out, when you engage with people who don’t share your experiences or outlook on life, you are exposed to new perspectives that can enrich your understanding and empathy. These interactions can spark creativity, inspire new ideas, and even lead to breakthroughs that wouldn’t have occurred within the echo chamber of similar-minded peers. In a professional setting, such diversity can lead to innovative solutions, as teams composed of diverse individuals tend to approach problems from multiple angles, leading to more robust outcomes.
2. Don’t Get the Feeling of Entitlement
Entitlement is the belief that one inherently deserves certain privileges or special treatment without having to work for them. This mindset is a growth inhibitor, as it fosters complacency and hinders self-improvement. When you feel entitled, you may overlook the importance of hard work, perseverance, and continuous learning—all of which are essential for long-term success.
Mr. Warikoo emphasized that the antidote to entitlement is humility. By acknowledging that success requires effort and that nothing is guaranteed, you position yourself to seize opportunities when they arise. A humble attitude also encourages you to appreciate the contributions of others and fosters a collaborative spirit, which is vital in any professional environment. Letting go of entitlement allows you to stay hungry for growth, keep learning, and remain open to feedback—traits that are indispensable for anyone looking to achieve and sustain success.
3. Don’t Get Comfortable
Comfort is often seen as the ultimate goal, but it can also be a trap. When you get too comfortable, you risk stagnation. Growth happens when you push yourself beyond what is easy or familiar, taking on challenges that force you to adapt and learn. Comfort breeds complacency, and complacency is the enemy of progress.
To avoid the trap of comfort, Mr. Warikoo advises regularly seeking out new challenges, setting ambitious goals, and embracing uncertainty. Whether it’s learning a new skill, taking on a project that scares you, or stepping into a leadership role, the discomfort you feel is a sign that you are growing. In the professional realm, this might mean volunteering for assignments outside your usual scope or taking calculated risks that could propel your career forward. By continually pushing your boundaries, you maintain momentum in your personal and professional development.
Conclusion
In a world that is constantly changing, growth and adaptation are not just desirable—they are necessary. The wisdom shared by Mr. Ankur Warikoo during his TEDx talk at SBSC—hanging out with people who are not like you, avoiding a sense of entitlement, and refusing to get too comfortable—provides a powerful framework for anyone looking to achieve continuous growth and success. These three principles are more than just strategies; they are mindsets that, when adopted, can transform the way you approach life and work. Embrace the unfamiliar, stay humble, and never stop pushing your limits—this is the path to a fulfilling and successful life.
