In a recent captivating episode of the "Find Your Ultra" podcast, host Vipin Sharma dives deep into a profound conversation with Abhishek Asha Mishra. Amidst the myriad complexities of life, where numerous tools and strategies vie for our attention, Abhishek highlights two innate powerhouses within us – clarity and emotion. Today, we're delving deep into the life and philosophy of Abhishek Asha Mishra, an Ultraman, Ironman, and a source of inspiration for many.
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The Man Behind The Name
In the vast realm of endurance sports and corporate life, a name has emerged that resonates with passion, determination, and authenticity: Abhishek Asha Mishra. But who really is Abhishek? Let's dive into an elaborate conversation to unravel the essence of this multifaceted personality.
Discovering Self Amidst Corporate Hustle
Abhishek began his journey amid the towering skyscrapers of the corporate world. But even as the high-rise buildings touched the sky, Abhishek's heart yearned for a different summit. It wasn't a spontaneous decision; it was more like a slow-burning fire that ultimately blazed into a full-fledged flame.
It started as a nagging feeling," Abhishek muses, "A part of me felt confined. Like I was part of a larger machine, but I wasn't really... ME."
Realization and Reflection: The Importance of Self-Examination
In life's relentless race, most forget to pause and reflect. But not Abhishek. Taking a leaf out of a friend's book, he started evaluating his job's contribution to personal growth and vice versa. This ritual became his beacon, shedding light on paths less traveled. The corporate world offered stability, but did it quench his thirst for passion? He realized that, sometimes, soul-searching questions have answers that challenge the status quo.
Embracing Change with a Plan
Abhishek's leap wasn't blind. He had a strategy. While passion fueled his journey, pragmatism built its roadmap. He highlights the importance of a plan B, saying, "While you chase your dreams, it's crucial to have a cushion to fall back on." Financial stability and a supportive network became the wind beneath his wings.
The Ups and Downs of a New Beginning
Every transition has its challenges. Emotions, uncertainties, and self-doubts became a part of his daily grind. But Abhishek's mantra? Use emotions as tools, not barriers. "There were days filled with anger or sadness," he shares. "But I learned to harness these emotions, transforming them into stepping stones towards success."
Words of Wisdom for Aspiring Dreamers
For those teetering on the edge of a significant decision, Abhishek offers some golden nuggets of advice:
- Know Your 'Why': Before you jump, know what pushes you. It's the driving force that'll pull you through tough times.
- Stay Open-minded: Life throws curveballs. Instead of resisting, adapt and evolve. Flexibility can be your biggest asset.
- Embrace Learning: Every stumble, every fall is a lesson in disguise. Embrace it.
Embracing the Detour: A Financial Pivot
Abhishek Asha Mishra's journey is nothing short of a roller coaster ride. From earning a hefty sum of almost a lakh every month to realizing that all he needed to live a content life was 35-40,000, it wasn't just about the money. It was about recalibrating life's compass. While many would see this as a downgrade, it was a conscious decision made after understanding the difference between wants and needs.
Entrepreneurial Learnings: The Art of Letting Go
Setting up a sports consulting firm wasn't just a venture; it was a dream. But dreams come with their fair share of trials. Mishra learned the hard way that emotional attachment to a project can sometimes be detrimental. If things don't pan out within a set timeframe, it's crucial to have a plan B. This foresight stemmed from his acute understanding of the importance of financial stability. After all, if your monthly needs equate to 40,000, you need to know where it's coming from.
From Corporate Ladders to Racing Tracks
Quitting a job is never easy, especially when family and relatives boast about your professional achievements. Yet, Mishra took the plunge, only to find that the entrepreneurial waters were choppier than anticipated. But, like any marathon runner knows, it's not about how you start but how you finish.
Navigating through Obstacles: The 99 Steps Story
The inception of "99 Steps Private Limited" was inspired by a simple philosophy: taking the bulk of the effort (99 steps) so that clients could take just one final step to see their vision unfold. But entrepreneurship is seldom straightforward. In the span of a few months, rifts emerged among the founding partners, emphasizing the unforeseen challenges that lay in the path of starting something new.
Desert Run Epiphany: Reaction vs. Response
Drawing parallels from his intense desert run experience, Mishra had an epiphany. Life will inevitably throw challenges, akin to the thorny bushes and lost paths of the Kutch desert. Yet, the key lies in responding, not reacting. A reaction is instinctual, often leading to unfavorable outcomes. A response, however, is measured, thought-out, and often the right course of action.
The Athletic Journey & Ultraman Experience: Decoding the Ultraman
When we hear about Ultraman, most of us are bamboozled. Ultraman is the zenith of endurance sports. It's not just about physical endurance but also about mental strength, discipline, and relentless determination. But before we dive deep into the nitty-gritty of Ultraman, let's break down what it truly is.
You see, most people are familiar with a 10 km run. They then understand that a half marathon is 21 km and a full marathon stretches to 42 km. Going beyond this is where Ultraman begins its journey. Think of Ultraman as a triathlon on steroids. It combines swimming, cycling, and running. Specifically, it involves swimming 10 km, cycling 421 km, and running 84 km over a span of three days.
The sheer idea of this would make any average individual's head spin. But for an endurance athlete, it presents an invigorating challenge. A challenge to push oneself beyond limits. A challenge to conquer not just physical but also mental barriers.
Embracing the Challenge
Preparing for an Ultraman is not just about the hours you put into training. It's also about the mental framework you build. As an athlete, you need to be mentally prepared for any unforeseen challenges that come your way. It's about creating a narrative that helps you overcome anxiety and replace it with excitement.
My journey towards the Ultraman was filled with various emotions. While the fear of open water was palpable, the excitement of achieving something so monumental kept me going. The real challenge wasn't just the distance, but also the unpredictability of the event. Be it the weather conditions or the terrain, Ultraman tests you in ways you can't imagine.
But at the end of it all, completing an Ultraman isn't just about the physical feat. It's about the journey. It's about the stories you create, the boundaries you push, and the limits you redefine.
The Unexpected Challenge of the Ultraman
Understanding the Body and Its Limits: Just as our body has a lactate threshold, where there's a balance between lactate production and consumption, we too have a stress threshold. Manage it correctly, and it keeps us on our toes, propelling us forward. Let it spike too high, and it leads to depression. Our nervous system requires a delicate balance. Emphasize too much empathy towards oneself or others, and it could bring you down.
The journey is about constant learning and relearning. It's about understanding the depths of your fears, challenging preconceived notions, and pushing your boundaries.
The Ultraman Experience: Participating in the Ultraman wasn't just a physical challenge but a test of mental endurance. This was evident in the swim across Florida waters, which took 5 hours to complete 10 kilometers. The experience was an amalgamation of strength, persistence, and patience. Being among the chosen few from around the world to participate added to the weight of the challenge.
Cycling posed its own set of challenges. With sore muscles from the swim and 140 kilometers of cycling ahead, the ride was anything but easy. However, with the help of dedicated crew members and sheer willpower, the journey continued.
The Climactic Twist: As the third day dawned, the run posed the final hurdle. After covering the first marathon in a commendable 4 hours and 5 minutes, my confidence was high. The day seemed to be unfolding smoothly, and the finish line was in sight.
But, as they say, life is unpredictable. A distracted moment led to an unexpected fall, causing a sprain and internal bleeding. The pain was excruciating, and the finish line seemed further away than ever.
The Lesson: The Ultraman journey wasn't just about physical endurance but also about resilience, adaptability, and the ability to bounce back from setbacks. While the pain of the injury was temporary, the lessons learned were eternal. Challenges are an integral part of life, but it's how one responds to them that truly defines character. The Ultraman was more than just a race; it was a testament to the indomitable human spirit.
Discovering Your Ultra
It's not about searching for the extremes or pushing yourself to unimaginable lengths. It's about understanding yourself, recognizing your potential, and embracing the journey towards self-discovery and evolution.
- Begin with Self-Reflection: First and foremost, understand yourself. Ask yourself - what makes you happy? What are you passionate about? What drives you? These introspections are crucial. The more you know yourself, the better you will be at finding your ultra.
- Embrace Challenges: Every challenge is an opportunity. It teaches you something about yourself. It's in the tough moments, the times when you think you can't go on, that you learn how resilient you truly are.
- Set Goals, Not Limits: It's important to have goals, but don't confine yourself. Let the goals be fluid. As you grow, your goals should evolve too. It's all about the journey, not the destination.
- Consistent Effort: There's no shortcut to finding your ultra. It's a combination of small, consistent efforts that accumulate over time. Embrace the process.
- Seek Guidance: If you feel lost, don't hesitate to seek guidance. It could be in the form of mentors, coaches, or even books. They can provide you with a fresh perspective and set you on the right path.
- Stay Open-minded: Life is unpredictable. Your version of ultra might change, and that's okay. What's important is to stay adaptable and open-minded. Learn from every experience, and let it shape you.
- Celebrate Small Wins: Don't wait for a significant achievement to celebrate. Every step you take towards your ultra is worth celebrating. Cherish the journey.
- Practice Gratitude: Lastly, always be grateful. Gratitude amplifies happiness. No matter where you are in your journey, there's always something to be thankful for.
In conclusion, your ultra is your journey of self-improvement and growth. It's about constantly evolving, understanding your strengths and weaknesses, and striving to be a better version of yourself. Dive deep into your passions, embrace the challenges, and cherish the journey. That's how you find your ultra.
My Perspective on Abhishek Asha Mishra - From the Desk of Technical Muscle
- The Power of Self-Reflection: Amid the daily grind, it's easy to lose oneself. Abhishek's story accentuates the importance of self-reflection, urging individuals to regularly evaluate their paths and goals.
- The Courage to Pivot: Abhishek's decision to move away from a comfortable corporate salary is a bold testament to following one's passions over societal norms and expectations.
- Pragmatic Passion: While the pursuit of dreams is essential, so is the approach. Abhishek's calculated moves, from creating financial safety nets to understanding the difference between wants and needs, provide a balanced perspective on chasing dreams.
- Challenges and Resilience: Abhishek's Ultraman experiences, especially the unforeseen injuries, underline life's unpredictable nature. Yet, it's his unyielding spirit and ability to bounce back that inspires the most.
- Harnessing Emotions: Through the highs and lows, Abhishek showcases how emotions, often viewed negatively, can be potent tools. Whether it's anger, sadness, or anxiety, the key lies in channeling these emotions for personal growth.
- Clarity in Pursuit: His detailed journey into the Ultraman challenge emphasizes the importance of clarity. Understanding the 'why' behind our actions can profoundly influence our success and happiness.
- Empathy and Connectivity: Amid his successes, Abhishek's approachability and empathy make him relatable. His prompt responses to queries on social platforms reinforce the belief that one can achieve great heights while staying grounded.
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