Parmish Verma on Success, Self-Improvement and Finding Your Path

On Dealing with Failure and Criticism

Verma opened up about a particularly challenging period in 2018 when he faced significant setbacks. He recalled, "It was probably the worst time of my life. I was physically incapable of working, and people were laughing at me and throwing insults." However, this difficult phase became a turning point for Verma. He realized he had invested too much of his identity in his work, leaving him vulnerable when things didn't go as planned.

This experience taught Verma two crucial lessons:

1. The importance of maintaining a sense of self beyond one's career
2. The value of resilience and adapting to circumstances

"Life is not about being your best," Verma reflected. "It's about being your best in the given circumstances."

On Continuous Learning and Self-Improvement

Verma emphasized the importance of constant learning and self-reflection. He shared his habit of reading a diverse range of books, from business management texts to biographies of film industry legends. This eclectic approach to learning allows him to gather insights from various fields and apply them to his work and personal life.

Some of the books Verma mentioned include:

• "12 Rules for Life" by Jordan Peterson
• "I Know You Got Soul" by Jeremy Clarkson
• "Diary of a CEO"
• Biographies of filmmakers like Raj Kapoor

Verma stressed that the key is not just reading, but synthesizing information from different sources and applying it to one's own life. "My job is to read various perspectives, understand myself, and then find my own path," he explained.

On Leadership and Team Management

Discussing his role as a director and team leader, Verma shared insights on effective management. He emphasized the importance of accountability, both for oneself and team members. When mistakes occur, Verma believes in looking inward first: "I always try to root down every issue to myself first - what could I have done differently?"

He also highlighted the value of having team members who are passionate and committed to the work. "I need people in my team who are as zealous about the work as I am," Verma stated.

On Balancing Different Aspects of Life

Verma acknowledged the challenges of juggling multiple roles - actor, singer, director, and businessman. He stressed the importance of compartmentalizing different aspects of life while maintaining overall balance. "I have a self for the creative side, a self for the business side, and an emotional self," he explained.

This approach allows him to focus on each area without letting setbacks in one domain affect his entire sense of self-worth.

On Handling Success and Public Perception

Verma offered a nuanced perspective on fame and public image. He cautioned against attaching one's self-worth too closely to external validation or success. "What's popular now won't be forever," he remarked, emphasizing the importance of finding intrinsic motivation and satisfaction in one's work.

He also discussed the pressure of maintaining a public persona, especially in the age of social media. Verma advocates for authenticity and setting boundaries between public and private life.

Lessons for Aspiring Artists and Entrepreneurs

Throughout the conversation, several key pieces of advice emerged for those looking to succeed in creative fields or business:

1. Develop multiple skills: Verma believes in the power of combining different abilities to stand out in a competitive field.

2. Embrace failure as a learning opportunity: Rather than being discouraged by setbacks, use them as chances to grow and improve.

3. Continuously educate yourself: Read widely, seek out diverse perspectives, and never stop learning.

4. Maintain a strong work ethic: Success often comes down to putting in consistent effort over time.

5. Stay true to your vision: While it's important to be adaptable, don't lose sight of your core values and goals.

6. Practice self-reflection: Regularly assess your progress, motivations, and areas for improvement.

Conclusion

Parmish Verma's journey from struggling artist to successful multi-hyphenate offers valuable insights for anyone pursuing their passions. His emphasis on continuous learning, resilience in the face of setbacks, and maintaining a balanced perspective on success provides a roadmap for personal and professional growth.

By sharing his experiences openly, including his failures and moments of self-doubt, Verma demonstrates that the path to success is rarely smooth or straightforward. Instead, it's a continuous process of learning, adapting, and staying true to one's values and vision.

Ultimately, Verma's story underscores the importance of viewing challenges as opportunities for growth and maintaining a sense of self that extends beyond career achievements. His approach to life and work serves as an inspiration for those looking to navigate the complex worlds of entertainment, business, and personal development.