Take a pause with Varun Duggirala

In this episode of Take aPause, Varun Mayya and Varun Duggirala discuss their entrepreneurial journey and choices. While Mayya assesses projects with a more ‘risk assessment’ lens, Duggi looks at them through a ‘time consumption’ perspective. They both discuss the YouTube universe and share their thoughts on what people are really seeking for on the internet. Varun Mayya is the Founder & CEO o...

We often struggle to keep the evolving nature of our careers, life and the world around us in constant sync with our goals. And while systems serve us well we can’t not set goals for ourselves. In this classic episode, Varun shares a simple system that he set to constantly updated goals for himself. You can Order Varun’s book “Everything is out of syllabus: An instruction manual for life & wor...

Being a public personality does not always mean that it guarantees public speaking confidence. Varun talks about an incident from childhood that deeply affected his confidence and how he grew into being more confident on stage as an adult. He shares tips on how to trick yourself into being more comfortable in the spotlight.  You can Order Varun’s book “Everything is out of syllabus: An instru...

Is hard work the surest route to success? Or is there a way to strategically mix in slacking off with deep focus on the stuff you love to do. That’s where strategic laziness comes in, Varun digs into this concept by David Heinemeier Hansson. Link to the Tim Ferris blog mentioned in the episode - https://bit.ly/2XAFWeZ You can Order Varun’s book “Everything is out of syllabus: An instruction manual...

In this snippet from The Ranveer Show , Varun shares his thoughts on family life, asserting that no matter how busy life gets, he ensures that his family remains top priority. He touches upon his experiences with stage fright, how it still affects him even now, and what he does to overcome it. Ranveer Allahbadia is a social media entrepreneur, YouTuber, motivational speaker, leadership coach, and...

Most of us believe that facts are the best way to persuade people to believe what we want them to believe. But Aristotle might beg to differ that there are 3 ways to persuade someone. Tune in to find out in this classic episode with Varun. Use VARUN to get 10% off at https://cosmix.in You can Order Varun’s book “Everything is out of syllabus: An instruction manual for life & work “ at https://...

Fitness can be an extremely intimidating task for some. Taking that first step to enter a gym can be overwhelming. Many back out when the first issue crops up. In this conversation with Sohrab Khushrushahi, founder of Sohfit, Varun talks to him about the importance of building a community that motivates you to stay on your path to your ideal fitness goals. If you’re someone who  overthinks nu...

Have you struggled with remembering things and often look for ways to improve your memory? Varun shares tips from four time US memory champ Nelson Dellis that might be useful in this classic episode. Use VARUN to get 10% off at https://cosmix.in You can Order Varun’s book “Everything is out of syllabus: An instruction manual for life & work “ at https://amzn.to/335QKow   Follow Varun...

We work to achieve goals we set for ourselves. And often these goals are to attain a life we all want. But there might be a better way to achieve your ideal life and Varun digs into that in this classic episode. Use VARUN to get 10% off at https://cosmix.in You can Order Varun’s book “Everything is out of syllabus: An instruction manual for life & work “ at https://amzn.to/335QKow  ...

Ever felt that crushing sense of self-doubt every time you set out to do something outside your comfort zone? A big presentation, talking to your crush or just putting across your ideas can seem like a BIG deal when self-doubt handles the narrative. Varun talks about a tried-and-tested technique that actually works overcoming self-doubt. Use VARUN to get 10% off at https://cosmix.in You can Order...

Do you find yourself often looking for newer pieces to consume? In this episode, Varun talks about why it would be a good idea to re-read some of your favourites again. Maybe a book that you found extremely insightful or a movie that touched your heart, you may find something there that you missed the first time round. Re-listen to this podcast too maybe? You might find a hidden gem. Use VARUN to...

It’s ingrained in us to use a gentle tone of voice, to not raise our voice and use negative words when talking to people. But has anyone taught you how to talk to yourself? Do you constantly criticise yourself or are you having encouraging conversations? Tune in to find out, why talking to yourself in the right way, matters! Use VARUN to get 10% off at https://cosmix.in You can Order Varun’s book...

Many of us dream of achieving peak human performance and try different methods. American author Stephen Kotler has a 4 stage process through which we can actually achieve it. Tune in to this classic episode to find out how.  Use VARUN to get 10% off at https://cosmix.in You can Order Varun’s book “Everything is out of syllabus: An instruction manual for life & work “ at https://amzn.to/33...

We often believe we are the main characters of our life, as we should. Well, what would the main character do without a strong supporting cast? Take a look around you. Do you think you have the right people around you? Varun shares a very interesting take on the importance of surrounding yourself with the right kind of people. Use VARUN to get 10% off at https://cosmix.in You can Order Varun’s boo...

Do you struggle with being decisive, especially when it comes to saying “no”? Are you someone who tends to settle on a more comfortable, non-confrontational “maybe”? Varun has a simple tip that has helped him when he is in such situations. It may help you understand what you really want, and help your communication with others too!  Use VARUN to get 10% off at https://cosmix.in You can Order...

When faced with a long to-do list, do you tend to feel ‘lazy’? Do you find yourself constantly self-diagnosing every symptom on Google? These odd tics and more are part of Varun's conversation today with Dr Sid Warrier on all things Neuroscience. Find out how our primal brain still controls our fight or flight response and why we are all chasing only one goal: Happiness.  Dr Sid Warrier is a...

We all hate that person who says “I told you so” when they turn out to be right about something. But let’s admit it… We love to gloat and say the same when we are right. However, are we as ready to admit we are wrong? Tune in to hear Varun talk about the right thing to do when you are right versus when you are wrong. This one is sure to give you food for thought! Use VARUN to get 10% off at https:...

When you’re your best version, the light inside you shines at its brightest. In her book Atlas of the Heart, Brene Brown describes it as having a candle within us that represents our light. This light is what makes us who we are. When it shines brightly, we shine. How do we keep that light shining? And how do we make sure we protect and nurture that light in others? Varun talks about the importanc...

Are you envious of confident people? Well, it might help you to know that they’re not always as confident as they appear to be. Here’s what you can do to be more like them: simply pretend to be your most confident self! You may be a lamb wearing a lion’s clothing but gradually you will grow into them. Not convinced? Tune in to find out how this formula worked for renowned stand-up comedian Dave Ch...

Building strong, healthy relationships that last is no easy feat. Oftentimes, for reasons unknown, you may find yourself in relationships that do not work out. Whether you’re someone who tends to overshare, or someone who struggles to open up, the “15% Rule”  may help you approach your relationships in a more systematic way. Tune in to learn what the rule actually means and how you can apply...

Circumstances in life sometimes feel never-ending but they are in reality just finite events. The non-permanence of our state can often be seen as a curse, but truly is a blessing in disguise. You’ve heard the term ‘This too shall pass’ but have you ever thought about it as a tool to create a shift in your mindset? Varun shares how Tom Hank’s roundtable interview helped him understand this powerfu...

Do you often call yourself an ‘overthinker’? Do you feel an overwhelming sense of unease every time you need to do something that is outside your comfort zone? In today’s episode, Varun talks to Meredith Arthur, author of ‘ Get Out of My Head: Inspiration for Overthinkers in an Anxious World ’ about anxiety and overthinking. As two awkward people themselves, they talk about ways to embrace one’s a...

Haven’t we all seen ‘NO REGRETS’ stickers and tattoos? People embracing their decisions without regrets is most definitely a freeing thought. The world proudly displays its no regrets mantra, but what if there exists a side to regret many fail to see? Varun found an interesting perspective in Daniel. H.Pink’s book ‘The Power of Regret’ that may help you relook at the concept of regret and find som...

Do you want to change something about yourself or learn something new, but can’t seem to establish a disciplined routine? Ask yourself, why do you want to change, or improve that thing? What is your motivating factor? Who are you doing it for? Is it truly something you want, or are you doing it just to impress other people? If the motivating cause isn’t strong enough, then it may be difficult to g...

As much as we might hate them, it’s the challenges we face that help us grow. But most of the time we wait for life to throw us challenges. Instead, we should pick challenges that push our own boundaries. That’s when we will truly thrive and realise our full potential. How do you go about this? Listen to Le15 founder Pooja Dhingra talk about how she takes up a new challenge every year. Catch the f...