Embracing failure without losing zeal | Manmeet Singh | TEDxTechnocrats Institute Of Technology

Key Concepts

• Success redefined: Success is not the absence of failure, but rather navigating through failures with sustained enthusiasm.
• Personalized success: Each individual's path to success is unique.
• Instant gratification vs. toil: True success requires effort and time, not instant results.
• Self-improvement: Focus on being better than you were yesterday.
• Positive influence: Surround yourself with supportive people.
• Learning from role models: Recognize that successful individuals have also faced failures.
• Self-acceptance: Avoid comparing yourself to others and embrace your own journey.
• Successful failure: Finding success in overcoming personal failures and challenges.

Early Life and Education

The speaker, Manmat, recounts his upbringing in Jamshedpur, a steel city, as the youngest and self-proclaimed "black sheep" of his family. He attended one of the best all-boys schools in Jamshedpur, where he preferred sitting on the last bench and admits to not being academically inclined. Despite coming from a family of internationally acclaimed sports figures (Arjun awardee, Asian Games gold medalist, Donacharya awardee), he emphasizes that academic success is not the sole determinant of overall success. He was involved in extracurricular activities but humorously describes himself as a "successful failure" in that area. He highlights his fear of public speaking, contrasting it with his current ability to address an audience.

Redefining Success and Failure

Manmat challenges the conventional understanding of success and failure. He asserts that success and failure are not opposing concepts but rather interconnected paths. He defines success as "meeting failure by failure by failure without losing enthusiasm." He encourages the audience to view failure as the "first attempt in learning" (FAIL) and an integral part of the success journey. He stresses that it's acceptable not to be the best or the top-ranked, as each person's success story is unique.

The Illusion of Instant Success

The speaker cautions against the desire for instant gratification, prevalent among Gen Z and millennials. He argues that "there is nothing called instant success" and that people often overlook the hard work and effort behind apparent overnight achievements. He uses his personal transformation as an example, contrasting his current state with a past where he was involved in negative behaviors, including alcoholism.

Personal Transformation and Overcoming Challenges

Manmat openly shares his past struggles with alcoholism, acknowledging that he "lost a lot in life." However, he frames this period as being "the most successful person in failure," emphasizing the importance of overcoming personal challenges. He credits his family and friends for their support in his transformation.

Educational and Professional Journey

He outlines his educational path: finishing school in 2002, graduating in hotel management in 2005, and earning a master's in business administration from a top Indian institute in 2010. He reveals that he failed math in 12th grade, scoring only 20 out of 100, yet still managed to attend a prestigious postgraduate program. At 23, he secured a desirable position managing 34 stores in the northern region but couldn't sustain it due to immaturity. He considers his sobriety of 15 years, achieved while facing daily challenges, as a significant success.

Key Takeaways and Advice

Manmat concludes by offering several pieces of advice:

• Daily Self-Improvement: "Always speak to yourself that I am better than what I was yesterday."
• Living in the Present: Focus on the present moment, as the past cannot be changed, and the future doesn't solely depend on it.
• Surround Yourself with Positivity: Associate with people who uplift and support you.
• Learn from Role Models' Failures: Recognize that even admired figures have faced setbacks.
• Embrace Individuality: "Never ever compare yourself with a person sitting either towards your right or towards your left."
• Create Your Own Success Story: Be the main character in your own life and embrace being a "successful failure."

Conclusion

The speaker's central message is that success is not a linear path free of failures, but rather a journey of continuous learning, self-improvement, and resilience. He encourages the audience to redefine their understanding of success, embrace their unique paths, and find success in overcoming personal challenges.