The Power of Discipline in Achieving Success
In a recent appearance on Raj Shamani's popular podcast, renowned educator and author Dr Vikas Divyakirti shared profound insights that are resonating with students and young professionals across India. The UPSC mentor, who gained wider recognition through his portrayal in Vidhu Vinod Chopra's film '12th Fail', revealed the one habit that can completely transform an aspirant's journey toward success.
Discipline emerges as the cornerstone of achievement, according to Dr Divyakirti, who elaborated that this vital quality manifests in various forms. "There are many names of disciplines, and perseverance is the most beautiful name. The other name is hard work, and you can also call it patience," he explained during the candid conversation.
The educator provided compelling examples from his extensive experience mentoring civil service aspirants. He noted observing students who wake up at 4 AM daily to crack the UPSC examination, while simultaneously knowing others who sleep at 4 AM and still become IAS officers. This illustrates that discipline adapts to individual rhythms while maintaining consistent effort.
Navigating Self-Esteem and Emotional Challenges
Dr Divyakirti delved into psychological barriers that often hinder personal growth, particularly addressing why many individuals struggle to ask for help. He identified an unconscious fear rooted in the question "what will I owe in return?" as a significant obstacle that prevents people from seeking assistance when needed.
The educator further highlighted another critical emotional challenge affecting countless individuals: the inability to say "no" becomes a lifelong emotional burden for some. This people-pleasing tendency, according to Dr Divyakirti, creates substantial psychological stress and hampers authentic living.
Drawing from his own experiences with public scrutiny, the popular educator acknowledged that public figures routinely face criticism. However, he emphasized the importance of developing emotional resilience to navigate these challenges effectively.
Evolutionary Psychology and Changing Relationship Dynamics
Dr Divyakirti offered fascinating perspectives on modern relationships through the lens of evolutionary psychology. He explained that partner selection remains heavily influenced by evolutionary tendencies rather than logical considerations, creating inherent tensions in contemporary dating and marriage patterns.
The educator made a striking observation about marriage trends, noting that "Marriage is the biggest decision of life" while predicting declining marriage rates in coming years. "Gen Z, Gen Alpha don't want to get married. As time progresses, this tendency of not getting married will increase," he stated, highlighting a significant social shift.
Dr Divyakirti elaborated on the complex interplay between biological instincts, societal expectations, and contemporary emotional needs. He pointed out how these often contradictory demands leave many individuals feeling trapped between conflicting desires and societal pressures.
The educator also shared insights about relationship stability across different success levels. "It is said that after great successes and before success, relationship breaks. However, people who are neither extremely successful nor unsuccessful focus on their relationships because they cannot afford loneliness," Dr Divyakirti observed, suggesting that moderate success levels might foster greater relationship investment.
Throughout the discussion, Dr Divyakirti maintained that success requirements vary significantly across different fields. He contrasted the film industry, where success might come "by fluke," with civil services where systematic preparation remains non-negotiable. This distinction underscores the importance of understanding field-specific success parameters.
The comprehensive discussion covered multiple dimensions of personal development, from practical success strategies to deeper psychological and relational insights, providing valuable guidance for India's youth navigating both professional ambitions and personal fulfillment.
