Podcast Summary: "All You Need is 1 YES (How To Push Through Rejection)"

On Purpose with Jay Shetty
Host: Jay Shetty
Guest: Nanda
Release Date: March 14, 2025

Introduction

In this compelling episode of On Purpose with Jay Shetty, host Jay Shetty sits down with his long-time friend and mentor, Nanda, to delve into the profound journey of overcoming rejection and embracing resilience. Recorded live from Doha at the Web Summit, their candid conversation offers listeners invaluable insights into navigating career transitions, the power of perseverance, and the significance of authentic friendships.

Leaving the Monastery: A Heartbreaking Transition

Jay begins by sharing his deeply personal experience of leaving the monastery—a decision that felt akin to a divorce for him. He describes the emotional turmoil and uncertainty that accompanied this major life shift.

Jay Shetty [06:49]: "It felt like I got married for three years to the love of my life, and then I figured out that it wasn't going to last and that it wasn't going to work."

This analogy underscores the intensity of Jay's commitment to his spiritual journey and the profound sense of loss he felt upon deciding to re-enter the secular world.

Facing Rejection: Embracing the "1 YES" Philosophy

A significant portion of the discussion centers around Jay's challenges in re-establishing his career post-monastery. Despite holding a first-class degree, Jay faced rejection from 40 companies without securing even a single interview.

Jay Shetty [11:08]: "All you need is one. Yes. All I needed was one company, Accenture, to say, we're going to give you a shot."

Jay introduces the transformative concept of "All You Need is 1 YES," emphasizing that perseverance increases the odds of success. He explains the "law of odds," where the more doors you knock on, the higher the chances of finding one that opens.

Jay Shetty [11:08]: "It's all about the law of odds. The more doors you knock on, the more open."

Nanda's Career Pivot: From Law to Coaching

Nanda shares his own courageous decision to transition from a successful legal career to become a leadership coach and entrepreneur. Faced with the "sunk cost bias," Nanda reflects on the immense pressure of leaving a stable and prestigious profession to pursue his true passion.

Nanda [15:04]: "It was a huge risk... I was already married with two kids as well."

Jay highlights the importance of having cheerleaders during such transitions, underscoring how mutual support can foster incredible personal growth.

Jay Shetty [17:48]: "Friends are so important in being honest with us, in noticing our strengths, being honest about our weaknesses."

Mindset Matters: Winner’s Mindset vs. Aggression

The conversation shifts to the distinction between a winner's mindset and aggression. Jay articulates that while ambition drives personal success, aggression undermines relationships and personal well-being.

Jay Shetty [41:33]: "Aggression is ambition in its lowest form."

Drawing from his spiritual teachings, Jay emphasizes the need to maintain high personal standards without imposing them aggressively on others.

Jay Shetty [41:12]: "A good leader doesn't create high expectations for others, but operates at the highest values and expectations for themselves."

The Power of Male Friendships and Vulnerability

A heartfelt segment explores the challenges men face in forming deep, authentic friendships. Jay and Nanda discuss the necessity of vulnerability and setting healthy boundaries to cultivate meaningful connections.

Jay Shetty [39:27]: "You've got to take your helmet off... and you can finally put it down."

Nanda adds that true friendships require a balance of openness and discernment, ensuring that vulnerability serves others rather than self-discharge.

Nanda [37:17]: "It should be very much about I'm trying to serve that person."

Celebrating Success and Embracing the Journey

Jay and Nanda delve into the importance of celebrating small wins and appreciating the journey rather than fixating solely on end goals. Jay shares lessons from his football coach about celebrating victories and processing losses constructively.

Jay Shetty [48:41]: "If you win, celebrate for a night and then get back to training. If you lose, cry for a night and then get back to training."

They agree that the pursuit and the incremental achievements along the way are what truly enrich one's life story.

Gratitude and the Beginner's Mindset

Maintaining a sense of gratitude and adopting a beginner's mindset are highlighted as crucial practices for continuous growth. Jay explains how viewing his current successes through the lens of his past self keeps him grounded and hungry for more.

Jay Shetty [44:28]: "I have to look at it from the kid who watched Fresh Prince... I have to have the same hunger as I had on day one."

Raising Responsible and Independent Children

Towards the end of the episode, Jay and Nanda discuss parenting strategies that encourage responsibility and independence in children. They emphasize the importance of allowing children to face challenges with the assurance that their parents are there to support them without overstepping.

Nanda [29:08]: "He needs to know that if he falls, you're there to catch him, but you're not there, like holding him."

Conclusion

In this enlightening episode, Jay Shetty and Nanda provide a masterclass in resilience, self-awareness, and the transformative power of supportive relationships. Listeners are left with actionable insights on pushing through rejection, maintaining a balanced mindset, and fostering authentic connections—all essential elements for personal and professional fulfillment.

Notable Quotes

• Jay Shetty [06:49]: "It felt like I got married for three years to the love of my life, and then I figured out that it wasn't going to last and that it wasn't going to work."

• Jay Shetty [11:08]: "All you need is one. Yes. All I needed was one company, Accenture, to say, we're going to give you a shot."

• Nanda [15:04]: "It was a huge risk... I was already married with two kids as well."

• Jay Shetty [41:33]: "Aggression is ambition in its lowest form."

• Jay Shetty [48:41]: "If you win, celebrate for a night and then get back to training. If you lose, cry for a night and then get back to training."

• Jay Shetty [44:28]: "I have to have the same hunger as I had on day one."

This episode serves as a beacon for anyone grappling with rejection or considering a significant life change, illustrating that with perseverance, the right mindset, and strong support systems, one can navigate through adversity towards meaningful success.