In an interview with ETMarkets, Vir said: “Chess and squash have become more than just hobbies for me; they are vital components of how I unwind and gain perspective,” Edited excerpts:
Thanks for being part of the segment. At just 27, how do you keep yourself mentally fit?
Thank you for having me in this segment. At 27, keeping myself mentally fit is a multifaceted approach that aligns closely with my lifestyle and aspirations.
Central to my mental wellness is the concept of work-life integration. I view my work not as a separate entity but as an integral part of my life that reflects my values and passions.
This perspective allows me to find fulfillment in my work beyond the professional realm, thus reducing stress and enhancing overall well-being.
This approach means sometimes prioritizing work and other times focusing more on my personal life, based on my goals and values.
My day starts and ends with structured planning and reflection. Each morning, I dedicate time to organize and prioritize my tasks, ensuring a clear focus for the day.
In the evening, I reflect on the day’s experiences, learnings, and achievements. This practice of reflection aids in mental decompression and promotes continuous personal growth.
Physical activities like squash and chess are vital to my mental fitness.
My approach to staying mentally fit involves integrating work with my personal interests, engaging in physical and mental exercises, and dedicating time to plan and reflect. This balanced approach helps me maintain mental clarity, resilience, and overall well-being.
At just 13, you were recognized as a FIDE chess player. Please take us through that journey/experience? How did you start playing the sport?
Thank you for bringing up this part of my journey. Chess has been an integral part of my life since I was a child. It all started at the age of 7 when I began playing with my father and grandfather.
Those early games were more than just a pastime; they were my introduction to the world of strategy and critical thinking.
I continued to play chess at school, where I realized not only was I good at it, but I also genuinely enjoyed it as a hobby. The satisfaction of strategizing and the thrill of competition were exhilarating. When I was 9, I played in my first chess tournament. That experience was a turning point, as it propelled me into the competitive arena of chess.
Over the next five years, I participated in more than 50 tournaments. This period was full of rigorous practice, learning from each game, and constantly challenging myself to improve.
The culmination of this effort came at the age of 13, when I achieved the milestone of becoming a Federation Internationale des Echecs (FIDE)-rated chess player.
This recognition was not just an accolade; it served as the foundation of the concept in my mind that if you put dedication and hard work into something, you could achieve anything.
Today as well, chess remains a crucial part of my life. I play for 30 to 45 minutes daily in my free time.
This consistent practice not only helps me maintain my skills but also serves as a mental workout, keeping my strategic thinking sharp and focused.
The journey from playing casual games with my family to becoming a FIDE-rated player has been incredibly rewarding, and chess continues to be a source of joy and intellectual stimulation in my life.
Tell us a little bit about Squash as well where you managed to compete at a national level. What is the story behind Squash – how it all started?
Squash has been a significant part of my life since I was 12 years old. The sport captured my interest with its unique combination of physical agility and strategic depth, offering a dynamic and challenging experience.
My journey into professional squash began at 16, participating in both national and international tournaments. This phase was intense and transformative, involving rigorous training and a growing passion for the sport.
At 17, a notable achievement came when I ranked among the top 12 players in my age category nationally.
The experience further expanded when I joined the squash team at the University of Pennsylvania, an Ivy League University. Being part of this team wasn’t just about playing; it was about immersing myself in a community of high-caliber players, all sharing a deep commitment to the sport.
This environment was crucial for my development, allowing me to compete with, learn from, and be inspired by some of the best talents in the field.
My squash career was also shaped by training under various coaches and attending professional training camps in the UK and USA.
These experiences broadened my understanding of different playing techniques and competitive strategies, significantly enhancing my gameplay.
The discipline, strategic acumen, and stamina I developed through squash have been invaluable, not just in the sport but in my personal and professional life as well.
These skills have helped me handle challenges with resilience and focus and have been essential in my journey towards continuous improvement in all areas of my life.
We have also heard that you do meditation as well. Is there a specific modality that you follow?
Meditation has indeed become a vital part of my routine, particularly for its ability to bring calmness and clarity into my often hectic schedule.
My deeper engagement with meditation began after participating in a Vipassana retreat, which was a transformative experience for me.
Vipassana, known for its deep-rooted practice in Dhamma, offers a unique approach to meditation. It’s an intensive program where participants observe ‘Noble Silence’ for 11 days, meditating for around 10 hours each day. This rigorous discipline allows for profound self-exploration and mental clarity.
The philosophy behind Vipassana is rooted in purity and self-sustenance. The retreat operates on a donation basis, emphasizing the cycle of giving and receiving.
Participants stay and eat thanks to the generosity of those who came before, and in turn, their contributions support future attendees.
One of the most impactful aspects of Vipassana is its emphasis on maintaining the five precepts: abstaining from harming living beings, stealing, sexual misconduct, false speech, and intoxicants.
These principles are essential as they lay the foundation for a clear and untroubled mind, which is crucial for deep meditation.
The discipline and depth of Vipassana have taught me that with regular practice, the benefits of meditation can have a lasting impact.
The experience has been incredibly grounding, helping me regroup my thoughts and maintain mental clarity amidst a busy and demanding life
How does a game of chess or squash help you rejuvenate? Are there any specific business/leadership lessons that you would like to share?
Chess and squash have become more than just hobbies for me; they are vital components of how I unwind and gain perspective.
These games provide not only physical and mental rejuvenation but also impart lessons that are incredibly relevant in business and leadership.
The strategic depth of chess has been a constant source of learning. It mimics the complexities of business decision-making, where foresight and adaptability are key.
Every move in chess, like every decision in business, shapes the future course. This game has honed my ability to think ahead, plan strategically, and adapt plans as situations evolve – all crucial skills in the corporate world.
Squash, with its fast pace and physical demands, offers a different kind of refreshment. It’s a sport that requires quick reflexes and adaptability, mirroring the fast-paced nature of business.
But more than that, squash reminds me to take life’s challenges in stride and maintain a sense of balance. Despite the intensity of the game, it teaches me to enjoy the process as much as the outcome.
Both chess and squash underscore the importance of continuous learning and improvement. They remind me that in both sports and business, there’s always room to grow and ways to refine strategies.
In my life, chess and squash are not just recreational outlets; they are key to how I refresh, learn, and apply those lessons to my business and leadership approach.
The skills and insights gained from these games have been invaluable in navigating the complexities of the professional world and maintaining a balanced, growth-oriented mindset.
What would you recommend to new entrepreneurs? Should they also follow a specific routine that helps them keep mentally fit?
Here’s a fun yet effective approach:
For new entrepreneurs, a key to success is blending your hobbies with your work life. Choose a hobby that not only excites and challenges you but also complements your professional life.
Whether it’s a sport that builds resilience, a creative pursuit that enhances your problem-solving skills, or an intellectual challenge that sharpens strategic thinking, let it be something that aligns with your work.
This integration naturally blends your work with your passions and values, making the work enjoyable, reducing stress, and increasing satisfaction.
Incorporate a simple yet consistent daily routine. Start your day by planning your tasks and goals, and end it with a reflection on what you’ve accomplished and learned.
This consistent practice not only keeps you focused but also grounds you in the realities and learnings of your entrepreneurial journey.
Remember, in the bustling world of entrepreneurship, finding what keeps you calm and clear-headed is crucial. Whether it’s through meditation, mindfulness, or any other practice, find your center and maintain it.
And lastly, always be open to learning. Entrepreneurship is a dynamic field; staying curious and adaptable makes the journey not just successful, but also more enjoyable. Keep it light, fun, and always evolving!
(Disclaimer: Recommendations, suggestions, views, and opinions given by experts are their own. These do not represent the views of the Economic Times)