Beyond Wealth: True Success Lies in Experience and Impact

Varun Wadhwa is a distinguished management consultant, author, trainer, wealth advisor, and public speaker. He is driven by a profound passion for educating young minds, aiming to instill compassion, clarity, resilience, and courage in his audience. His debut book, Books, Ideas & You, exemplifies his commitment to promoting the importance of reading. His critically acclaimed second book, The Great Himalayan Treasure, delves into the significance of self-management in achieving a life of fulfillment and success. Varun’s accolades include winning the prestigious International Public Speaking Championship at a prominent industry event. Outside of his professional pursuits, he enjoys reading, traveling, and playing badminton.

In an exclusive conversation with The Interview World, Varun Wadhwa provides insightful commentary on his latest book, emphasizing the essential factors that empower young individuals to lead successful and accomplished lives. He articulates the role of money, explaining its impact on personal and professional growth, and underscores the importance of informed and educated citizens in nation-building. Through his work, Varun continues to inspire and guide the next generation toward a brighter and more prosperous future.

Q: With three inspiring books already to your name, can you share insights into your latest work and its impact on young readers?

A: The title of my latest book is Sailing Through Life: Life Lessons for Young Adults. In my own experiences, I’ve observed that many crucial life lessons come to us quite late. This delay often leads to unnecessary struggles and missed opportunities. Today, young people often grapple with the question of when is the appropriate time to learn these lessons. The reality is that the earlier they understand and internalize them, the better equipped they will be to navigate life’s challenges.

In our modern world, despite having access to a plethora of information through social media and other digital platforms, young people have lost touch with fundamental aspects of life. They have access to vast amounts of information but often lack connection to essential virtues such as love, kindness, and gratitude. These virtues are the cornerstone of a fulfilling and meaningful life. Without them, one can easily feel lost and unfulfilled, regardless of their external achievements.

In Sailing Through Life, my aim is to bridge this gap by imparting these vital life lessons to young adults. Whether they are still in school, pursuing higher education, or stepping into new professional domains, these lessons serve as a solid foundation for their personal and professional growth.

By building on this foundation, they can lead enriched and balanced lives. They can cultivate a sense of purpose and fulfillment that goes beyond material success. This is the essence of my book: to help young adults learn and grow from these valuable lessons, ensuring they are well-prepared to sail through life with resilience and wisdom.

Q: What essential factors should young people focus on to lead a successful and fulfilling life?

A: Success is frequently gauged by wealth, but this narrow metric overlooks the essence of a fulfilling life. We should expand our criteria to include two additional, crucial yardsticks. First, evaluate the richness of your life experiences. This involves not just the number of places you’ve traveled, but also the breadth of your encounters and the depth of your experiences. A life well-lived is marked by diverse and meaningful experiences that enrich your perspective.

Second, measure success by the impact you’ve had on others. Reflect on how many lives you’ve touched and how many individuals you’ve supported. True success lies in the positive difference you make in the world around you.

In essence, wealth is a limited gauge of success. A more comprehensive measure includes the richness of your experiences and the extent of your impact on others. These elements together offer a fuller picture of a truly successful life.

Q: What role does money play in achieving a fulfilling and meaningful life?

A: Zig Ziglar wisely noted that while money isn’t the most crucial aspect of life, it is as essential as oxygen. This highlights that money plays an important role, but it should remain a tool rather than dominate our thoughts. When money stays in our pockets, it serves its purpose effectively without becoming a problem.

The real issue emerges when money starts to occupy our minds. This is evident in the current startup culture, where many new ventures are primarily driven by the goal of making money. However, money should never be the sole motivation for starting a business. Instead, consider money as a vehicle’s fuel—it’s vital for progress but not the reason for the journey itself. True entrepreneurship should be motivated by passion, vision, and the desire to solve problems or create value. The focus should be on the impact and purpose of the business, rather than just financial gain.

Q: An informed and well-educated individual is often considered a valuable asset to a country. How would you define this concept, and what role does such a person play in nation building?

A: The role of today’s youth in nation-building is undeniably crucial. Why is this so? The future growth and transformation of any country hinge on the vitality and drive of its younger generation. They are the ones poised to steer progress and innovation. This is precisely why my efforts have centered on empowering the youth. It’s not merely about equipping them with technical skills. It’s also about fostering a mindset of resilience, a robust emotional foundation, and a dynamic energy essential for bringing about meaningful change. By nurturing these attributes, we can ensure that young people are well-prepared to shape and drive our nation’s future.