Break the barriers

Hi I am Vinoj Kumar, Editor of The Weekend Leader. Welcome to the second episode of ‘On Fire’ with Vinoj. I am encouraged by the amazing response for the first episode and the positive feedback. Thank you so much for your support!

Today, I would like to talk about the mental barriers that stop you from rising higher in life and about a young man named Nikunj toward the end of the podcast.

Something that’s motivated me all along in my life is not to get intimidated by the circumstances and how the world defines you, but instead set your own goals and look beyond the imaginary barriers in front of you.

From an early age, people will tell you what you can do and what you won’t be able to do. If you are not careful, you will let other people define who you are and set the limits for your growth.

A negative label usually sticks better on the mind and plays on your imagination. If you dwell too much on it, you would be creating a monster that would one day become your worst enemy, pulling you backwards, and killing your confidence.

Let’s say someone told you that you lack inter-personal skills. If that person had good intentions, they should have also given you suggestions on cultivating the skills. Unfortunately, few people give positive inputs.

Take the criticism if you think it’s valid and learn the skills that you lack, but don’t let any negative comment break your confidence.

I found that it’s the fire in the belly that drives people who chase their dreams, overcoming obstacles that come on their way every day and who keep growing constantly.

I chose this topic inspired by 33-year-old Nikunj, who has developed a variety of toxin-free beauty and skincare products for the companies he has worked with in the last few years. He called me recently and enquired if we could write about him in The Weekend Leader. I explained to him politely that we write about founders of companies and not employees.

But as we spoke, Nikunj, who is currently working with a brand called The Organic Forest, convinced me that he was an inspiring personality. I liked his persistence and his persuasive skills.

He said he hailed from a small town in Haryana. He lost his father when he was quite young and came up the hard way. He said his aim was to launch his own range of high quality organic and natural products. Nikunj is a go-getter, who is not getting to let barriers stop his growth. My best wishes to him! Join me in another edition of On Fire with Vinoj. Until then, stay safe, stay happy!