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.
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insights INSIGHT
Seriousness and Life
Seriousness is crucial for maximizing life and involves dedicating yourself to something meaningful.
It's not about rigid pursuit of money or status, but rather earnestly expressing love and curiosity over time.
question_answer ANECDOTE
Shuffleboard Tribes
Chris Williamson describes observing two groups at a bachelor party, one playful and one strategic with shuffleboard.
This highlighted his preference for being around people who take things seriously, even in casual settings.
insights INSIGHT
Seriousness Stigma
Visakan Veerasamy discusses how seriousness is often viewed negatively, especially when starting out.
He emphasizes the importance of not being embarrassed by seriousness and recognizing its value.
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Outliers
The Story of Success
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Allen Carr
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Ogilvy on Advertising
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The user illusion
Cutting Consciousness Down to Size
Tor Nørretranders
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Mark Manson
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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…
Modern Wisdom 
