Ankur Warikoo Reflects on Evolving Definitions of Success

In a recent LinkedIn post, Ankur Warikoo discusses how his understanding of success has dramatically shifted from his younger years, emphasizing a move from seeking external validation to pursuing internal purpose.

Warikoo, a prominent entrepreneur and public speaker, shared his reflections on the often-misunderstood nature of achievement. He begins by detailing his earlier mindset, where success was a performance for others.

At 45, my definition of success looks nothing like what I thought it would at 25.

He elaborates on this past pursuit, noting that external accolades did little to satisfy his inner drive.

Back then, it was about proving something. To society. To my family. To myself. After every win, I still felt hollow, like something was missing.

The Shift from Validation to Purpose

The core of Warikoo’s message revolves around a critical distinction he has come to understand: the difference between chasing validation and seeking purpose. He argues that many individuals, particularly early in their careers, fall into the trap of measuring their worth by societal benchmarks and the approval of others.

As Ankur Warikoo points out, this external focus is ultimately unfulfilling. He states that the feeling of hollowness after achieving goals stems from an underlying lack of genuine connection to the ‘why’ behind the effort.

Lessons from Failure

Warikoo emphasizes that this profound realization did not come easily. Instead, it was a journey paved with setbacks and missteps. He suggests that experiencing failure in pursuits that were not aligned with true purpose can be a crucial, albeit difficult, teacher.

According to Ankur Warikoo, understanding the right path requires a process of elimination, often through trial and error. He implies that these difficult experiences are instrumental in clarifying what truly matters and what constitutes meaningful success for an individual.

The entrepreneur concludes by hinting at ‘5 truths about success’ that he wishes he had known earlier, suggesting that a re-evaluation of what constitutes success is a vital aspect of personal and professional growth. This introspection, as highlighted by Ankur Warikoo, is key to building a fulfilling life rather than just a collection of achievements.