#862 - Visakan Veerasamy - An Ode To People Who Take Things Seriously
Nov 9, 2024
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Visakan Veerasamy, a writer and entrepreneur, shares insights on the often-overlooked significance of seriousness in life and career. He discusses balancing high standards with self-compassion and the art of handling criticism. The conversation touches on the interplay between earnestness and playfulness, emphasizing their importance in forging deep connections. Visakan also explores navigating the emotional needs of others while maintaining one's authenticity, and how success intertwines with self-validation and the challenges of procrastination.
Being serious is essential for developing deeper connections and experiencing fulfillment through genuine engagement with one's passions.
Surrounding oneself with like-minded individuals fosters a sense of belonging and enhances one's journey towards achieving shared goals.
Understanding procrastination as a protective mechanism allows individuals to prioritize meaningful engagements and practice self-compassion without judgement.
Deep dives
The Significance of Seriousness
Being serious is portrayed as a crucial aspect of living a fulfilling life. Seriousness is not merely about achieving status or financial success; rather, it embodies a love and curiosity for one's passions demonstrated over time. Embracing seriousness leads to more profound experiences and connections, as illustrated by personal anecdotes reflecting on moments of joy spent among others who shared this commitment. The contrast between serious and unserious environments reveals that true happiness often flourishes in cultures fostering dedication and accountability.
Finding Your Tribe
The podcast discusses the importance of surrounding oneself with like-minded individuals who share a serious approach to life. A personal anecdote highlights how social groups tend to self-select based on shared seriousness, with participants finding greater joy in competitive settings where everyone is equally invested in the outcome. This experience emphasizes the sense of belonging achieved when people connect over shared values and aspirations. Ultimately, discovering a supportive community can enhance one's journey toward achieving their goals.
The Relationship Between Seriousness and Earnestness
The conversation explores how seriousness is intrinsically linked to earnestness, where genuine passion and commitment drive actions. Those who genuinely care about their pursuits are likely to navigate challenges with resilience and determination. The discussion emphasizes that earnestness springs from authentic engagement and personal reflection, nurturing deeper interpersonal connections. This connection helps to foster a more collaborative atmosphere where individuals are encouraged to pursue their interests without fear of judgement.
Managing Procrastination
Procrastination is reframed as a protective mechanism that often arises when individuals resist pursuing activities that do not align with their true desires. The podcast suggests that transparency with oneself can help identify the underlying motivations behind procrastination, allowing individuals to prioritize meaningful goals. By focusing on achievable tasks and finding passion in one's work, people can re-engage with their objectives without succumbing to self-judgement. The discourse encourages listeners to differentiate between essential commitments and the futility of unnecessary pressure.
The Importance of Self-Compassion
Self-compassion is highlighted as essential for maintaining mental well-being, especially for those who hold themselves to high standards. The discussion emphasizes the significance of treating oneself with kindness and understanding, acknowledging that everyone experiences struggles. It's crucial to recognize one's achievements and milestones, regardless of how small they may seem. This nurturing approach helps create a healthier relationship with oneself, allowing for more significant progress over time.
Navigating Social Expectations
The conversation delves into the complexities of balancing personal ambitions with societal expectations. Those who are serious about their passions may find themselves feeling ostracized or pressured to conform to social norms that prioritize nonchalance. The podcast encourages listeners to embrace their commitment to their goals and resist the urge to downplay their seriousness. By valuing one's unique journey and surrounding oneself with supportive individuals, it becomes easier to navigate the challenges that arise from external expectations.
Visakan Veerasamy is a writer and an entrepreneur.
It's perhaps the biggest competitive advantage no one ever talks about because it's so obvious. But just what does it mean to be a serious person? And if it's such a help, why is it so hard to find?
Expect to learn why being serious is so important, how to deal with being too harsh on yourself and holding high expectations of others, how to get better at being disliked, the relationship between seriousness and earnestness, ways to deal with procrastination more effectively and much more…
