Ankur Warikoo shares epic insights at a FLO session in Jaipur

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In a recent gathering hosted by the FICCI Ladies Organization in Jaipur, Ankur Warikoo, the acclaimed internet entrepreneur, bestselling author, and leading content creator, captivated the audience with his profound insights on a diverse range of topics. From education to parenting, fitness to entrepreneurship, Warikoo’s words resonated with clarity and authenticity, offering an insightful glimpse into the mind of a man who has made a mark in India’s digital landscape. Below are some key takeaways from his session:

Be Yourself
In response to the question of what defines Ankur Warikoo as Ankur Warikoo, he replied with conviction, “The greatest decision I’ve made in my life is to never pretend to be anyone but myself. No masks, no pretensions.” Reflecting on his relationship with himself, Warikoo reveals, “The one thing I love about myself is I am my best friend. I don’t need anyone in my life. I can spend a lot of time with myself. I don’t get bored.” He holds a select few close to his heart: his immediate family and a handful of trusted friends.

Fitness first
Delving into his fitness journey, Warikoo recounted a pivotal moment in 2012 when he was diagnosed with a medical condition due to which he had to undergo a surgery. Following the surgery, he resolved to take charge of his health. At 33, he set out to achieve the coveted six-pack abs. Inspired by a magazine cover featuring Farhan Akhtar, he embarked on his “fat-free at 43” mission, committing himself to a lifestyle of fitness and well-being and also celebrating 10 years of his first-ever six packs.

Exposure over Education
In discussing the value of higher education, Ankur Warikoo underscores the pivotal role of one’s academic environment and the individuals encountered therein. “It’s the environment and the people you encounter that truly open your mind,” he asserts, challenging the notion that education alone is the sole catalyst for growth. Warikoo advises against settling for just any college, emphasizing the importance of attending top-tier institutions. He contends that such establishments not only boast renowned professors but also offer exposure to exceptional peers, fostering invaluable networking opportunities. As far as learning is concerned, today there are a plethora of opportunities available on the internet through which one can acquire knowledge and skills at home.

Reflecting on Failure
In a candid observation of cultural attitudes toward failure, Ankur Warikoo challenges prevailing stereotypes. “In our culture, failure is often stigmatized,” he remarks. Warikoo advocates for a paradigm shift, emphasizing the importance of reflection in bridging the gap between failure and success. “It’s crucial to understand why one failed,” he advises, urging individuals to embrace failure as a learning opportunity rather than a setback. Particularly poignant is Warikoo’s counsel to parents: “Do not perceive your children’s failures as defeats. Instead, sit with them, offer encouragement, and engage in meaningful reflection together.”

Instilling values
“The Gen Z has not been taught the virtue of patience,” he observes, highlighting a prevalent deficiency in contemporary upbringing. Rather than dismissing the Gen Z as a flawed generation, Warikoo advocates for a shift in approach—a concerted effort to instill values of patience and appreciation. “Our children must learn the importance of valuing what they have,” he stresses, rejecting the notion that success requires relentless toil and suffering. Instead, he proposes a paradigm that acknowledges privilege and promotes a balanced approach to achievement. “They need to recognize the privilege they have,” he insists, emphasizing the importance of leading by example

Do Epic Shit
Discussing the ethos behind his bestselling book, ‘Do Epic Shit,’ Warikoo says: “It’s all about action trumping thinking!”. For him, it is not just about having an idea—it is about rolling up your sleeves and diving in headfirst. And what defines ‘epic’? “It’s stepping out of your comfort zone, embracing the thrill of the unknown,” Warikoo explains. As for the colloquial term “shit,” Warikoo says: “It’s about infusing every moment with fun, passion and purpose, so much so that Mondays feel like a fresh start rather than a drag,” he adds.