This is How I Cracked 8 Govt. Exams And UPSC | Akhand Swaroop Pandit | Josh Talks

Summary

Akhand Swaroop Pandit, an IAS officer and two-time National Power-Lifting Champion, shares his transformative journey from being a below-average student to excelling in multiple government exams, including UPSC Engineering Services. He recounts a life-changing incident where his father's critical condition motivated him to turn his life around. Through grit, self-reflection, and hard work, Akhand emphasizes the importance of small, achievable goals, finding a solid reason for success, and the power of smart work. His story highlights overcoming frustrations, failures, and staying motivated, ultimately achieving success with determination and a strong sense of purpose.

Takeaways

• 😀 Life can be transformed through personal experiences and hardships that challenge our perception of success.
• 😀 There is a significant gap between imagining success and actually implementing it. Bridging this gap is crucial for progress.
• 😀 A crisis, such as a family emergency, can become a turning point that forces a reevaluation of life choices and goals.
• 😀 Education and consistent effort can open doors, even for someone who starts from below average or with little interest in academics.
• 😀 Small, daily goals are more effective than fixating on a large, distant goal. Achieving small wins builds momentum.
• 😀 Motivation requires a solid reason behind it. Without a strong foundation for why you want to achieve something, it’s easy to give up.
• 😀 Failures, frustrations, and setbacks are part of the journey to success. They are the ingredients that help build resilience.
• 😀 Success is not just about hard work but about working smart. Efficiency and smart planning can lead to better results in less time.
• 😀 Overcoming challenges is a daily process. Consistency and persistence are key to achieving long-term success.
• 😀 To achieve success, you need to be adaptable, willing to sacrifice, and embrace discomfort in order to grow.

Q & A

What was the turning point in Akhand Swaroop Pandit's life?

The turning point in Akhand's life occurred when he received a call about his father's severe accident. This event made him realize the need for change, as he felt helpless and powerless during that difficult time.

How did Akhand Swaroop Pandit transform his life after the incident with his father?

After the incident, Akhand realized he needed to take control of his life to avoid such helpless situations in the future. He committed to transforming his life through education and focused on clearing competitive exams, including the UPSC.

What realization did Akhand Swaroop Pandit have about the gap between ideas and implementation?

Akhand recognized that while envisioning success and setting goals is easy, the real challenge lies in bridging the gap between thoughts and their practical implementation. He emphasized that closing this gap is crucial for achieving success.

Why did Akhand decide to leave his job at the gym?

Akhand decided to leave his job as a gym trainer because he could not focus on his studies while managing the job. He chose to pursue tutoring as a way to both learn and earn money to support his family.

What role did teaching play in Akhand's journey towards success?

Teaching played a vital role in Akhand's success. It allowed him to learn and revise the subjects he was studying while earning money. This helped him continue his education while also supporting his family financially.

How did Akhand manage the challenges of tutoring in different cities?

Akhand faced numerous challenges, including limited financial resources. He traveled every weekend to different cities like Delhi and Bangalore for tutoring, often having to sleep at train stations due to lack of funds. Despite the frustration, he remained focused on his goal.

What is Akhand Swaroop Pandit's perspective on failure?

Akhand believes that failure is an inevitable part of the path to success. He encourages embracing failure, learning from it, and using it as motivation to keep pushing forward rather than giving up.

How important are small goals according to Akhand?

Akhand emphasizes the importance of setting small, achievable goals rather than focusing solely on large, distant ones. By accomplishing smaller goals, one gains confidence and motivation to tackle larger challenges.

What does Akhand say about motivation and its connection to reason?

Akhand stresses that motivation without a solid reason is fleeting. He argues that having a clear, personal reason behind one's actions—whether it's for respect, power, family, or any other strong desire—is crucial to staying motivated and overcoming obstacles.

What is Akhand's philosophy on hard work and smart work?

Akhand believes that both hard work and smart work are essential for success. He suggests that while hard work is necessary, using intelligence to work efficiently can lead to faster results, allowing one to achieve more in less time.