At BrilliantRead Media, our aim is to bring to our community some of the unique and compelling stories from the startup ecosystem. As part of this endeavour, we invited Chirag Sheth for an exclusive interview with us. He is an Author, Mentor and Keynote Speaker. Let’s learn more about his exciting journey, his background and his advice for our growing community!
Excerpts from our exclusive interview with Chirag:
We are aware of your contribution to the ecosystem, talk us through your background and your journey, please;
It was the year 2017, I was a normal student trying to get into a good engineering college. To be honest, I was quite depressed by the entire process of following this mediocre procedure of getting a good degree from a good college and then working a 9-5 Job.
That’s when I realized I needed to do something about it, and I followed something I was always passionate about “Writing and Public Speaking”. And this was the turning point of my life, I was so satisfied with myself and my progress that I decided to help students of my age decide what they are really passionate about.
You are always positive and motivated, what keeps you going?
It’s a common misnomer that I am always positive and motivated. And I don’t think that anyone can be positive and motivated every day of their life. Just like everyone, I feel demotivated, I feel low and I need motivation from time to time.
The one thing that keeps me going is IMPACT. The positive impact I am creating every day on people who read my work, who attend my lectures and go home inspired keeps me going.”
I have always believed that Success is not bought, it is rented, and the rent is due every single day. And to maintain the status and inspiration I have created, I need to work hard every single day, and that is what keeps me going.
How did you find your passion and purpose and started working with it?
I was always passionate about Writing. The writing was the best way for me to let my ideas and thoughts out.
At the age of 14, I wrote my first book, “Tales of Shri Jalaram Bapa”, which was based on my saint. And 3 years later, I started working on my second book “A2Z Of Motivation”.
I was very fortunate to get it published by India’s Largest Education Publishers “Himalaya Publishing House”. And soon, I became the Youngest Author to Write a Book on Motivation (India Books of Records). Till date, I have given more than 60+ sessions on Leadership and Youth empowerment to over 20ooo+ people. And I wish to influence more people.
Are you proud of what you achieved till date?
I am not really proud, but I am very satisfied and motivated to do even more every day. Honestly speaking, I didn’t have to work very hard to learn how to write or to speak in public.
It came to me very naturally. I cannot be proud of something that was natural and god-given. I still strive every day to become the best in my field.
How do you manage yourself and keep on going despite the challenges? What drives you?
If you are determined to achieve something, nothing can keep you down. My goal is to influence millions and until I reach that goal, I am determined to go on.
And the goals I set for myself drive me to work every day. I always tell people “You can change the world, no matter what people say, you gotta maintain your grind and work towards your goal. Because only you can change your reality and no one else”
You are considered the youngest leadership speaker at the age of 21, how do you know so much about the leadership at such a young age?
Leadership is not as complex as people think it is. We practice it every day. From feeding a Stray Dog, and helping an Old Woman cross the road, everything is an act of Leadership.”
I know a lot about Leadership because of the Books I have read and the people I have met. My mentors, which include CEO’s, Director’s and many senior business professionals around the globe, have taught me a lot about daily leadership. I believe that the Correct Leadership can change how Youth live their lives and help them achieve a lot.
In your opinion what are the keys to success?
Success is not a final destination. The definition of Success will change every time you achieve something. So there are hundreds of variables that come into the picture when you speak about success.
But Values are something that remains constant throughout your journey. Hard-work, Determination, Persistence and Passion are the most important regardless of what you want to achieve.
We would love to know your advice for all those starting out?
It’s not always possible to follow your passion, but it is always important that you take your passion with you in whatever you do. When you start, it can be a venture, it can be your job, or it can be your journey of creating a personal brand. The one thing that never changes in the above scenarios is FAILURE. When you fail, you come out stronger. My advice to everyone is “Failure is not a stop, it’s a pause, acknowledge the pause, enjoy the process and get back up even stronger”. After all, every time you fail, you get one step closer to success.
BrilliantRead is committed to bringing stories from the startup ecosystem, stories that reshape our perspective, add value to our community and be a constant source of motivation not just for our community but also for the whole ecosystem of entrepreneurs and aspiring individuals.
Note: If you have a similar story to share with our audience and would like to be featured on our online magazine, then please write to us at [email protected], we will review your story and extend an invitation to feature if it is worth publishing.
