Karan Bajaj: On Yearlong Sabbaticals and Real Jobs

This week, my special guest is Karan Bajaj. Karan is a #1 bestselling Indian novelist with a full-time corporate job and a rather unique approach to life, fulfillment, and personal happiness. His novels have sold more than 200,000 copies worldwide and both are being turned into major films.

One thing that really jumped out at me about Karan and got me excited about having him on the show is his ability to write captivating novels with an underlying lesson while working a full-time job AND taking an entire year off every four years.

Join us on this episode to hear about Karan’s childhood, growing up in the foothills of the Himalayan mountains in northern India, how his Indian upbringing and culture have influenced his decisions along the way, and the incredible story of his journey from small mountain town boy to bestselling author.

In This Episode, You'll Learn:

• How the official divorce rate for arranged marriages is 1%, and why Karan says this can be misleading.
• What it’s like to be a child in India trying to become a doctor or an engineer (and the insane levels of competition to make a life for yourself).
• Karan’s 4-1-4 method of taking a year off for every four years of work, and what he’s learned in the process
• How Karan builds his “intuitive” muscle and develops his ability to switch from intense working and focus to his “off” years.
• How you can actually make more progress (and money) in a year off as a byproduct than in a year of intensely focused work
• The difference between gradual uncovering to drive change and dramatic movements
• The combination great pieces of art are able to master and how it will make you a better artist

Mentioned in This Episode:

• Karan's Website: KaranBajaj.com
• Karan's Books: The Yoga of Max's Discontent, The Seeker, Johnny Gone Down, Keep Off The Grass
• Stefan Sagmeister

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