Ananya Jain is with me, and we are digging into what it means to be happy and successful. 

Jain was born in India, moved to the US at 18 for college, and is currently a senior at Georgia Tech. At 21, Jain is the founder of Full Circle LLC, a company dedicated to sustainable solutions, especially in the mental health industry. She is making a global impact and garnered recognition with many prestigious awards, including the Genius Award, the President's Award at Georgia Tech, and the rare Diana Award. Her TedTalk How Creative Thinking Saved My Life is mind-blowing, as is the humility with which she discusses her ability to have an impact on the world around her.

Influence can be viewed as something reserved for the aged and wise. But standing out is not dependent on a completed story. We all have something to offer, and it is impossible to stand out if you are waiting for your narrative to be fully formed. You are living your story right now. Your influence is a living thing as well; growing as you grow, and it can open the door for others.

In a complicated world, one of the best things you, or anyone for that matter, can do, is define what success looks like for you, as an individual. Life is difficult and full of mistakes and heartbreak. Without knowing what your success looks like, you will never find your path to happiness. 

The ability to look forward to what you can do will help you gain momentum. Recognizing who in your life is contributing to that momentum and who is slowing you down is paramount to success. Have boundaries, know them, and don’t be afraid to cut ties with those who cross them. Perspective can be hard to come by, especially when it is clouded by different energies and efforts. Invest your energy wisely and make sure you are investing in those who are traveling the same road as you.

Lastly, don’t let success be about what you do. Go where happiness takes you. Explore where you are, meet different people, and try new things, and then you can make the choice. When you are surrounded by the right people, those who will keep you humble and lift your dreams, you will have the freedom to explore and make the mistakes necessary to find out what your thing is. You don’t need to know what it is right now; you need the stability to discover it. 

We are all a work in progress. Stand up for yourself, define your boundaries, be intentional about who you surround yourself with, and then find the job that fits into the life you have created for yourself. 

In parting, Jain has a thought for you: I love you and trust you to do what is best for yourself. Don’t wait for it to be the last message - say this to those around you every day.

Rise. Shine. Impact. Define success and find your happy. 

Resources

TedTalk – How Creative Thinking Saved My Life

 Connect with Jain

Website - https://teamfullcircle.wixsite.com/fullcircle

Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/ananya-jain-gatech-edu

Connect with John:

www.standoutmovement.com

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/johnwalsh_standout 

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnrwalshjr 

Twitter - https://twitter.com/johnwstandout