With dreams as vivid as the colours of a neon-lit arcade, the path to greatness requires skill and resilience. Channelling the wisdom of Yoda—”Do or do not, there is no try”— we should embark on a transformative adventure, where each setback becomes a stepping stone and every challenge a lesson. As we steer the racetrack of life, it becomes clear that the true essence of success lies in the destination, the growth and determination cultivated along the way.
Meet our warrior for the day, Mr Pawan Verma, a senior technical program manager at Capillary in his early thirties. Pawan hails from Kota, Rajasthan, a city known for its intense preparation environment for the IIT-JEE exams, from which he also cleared the IIT-JEE and went on to join IIT Kharagpur.
Pawan’s childhood was marked by financial hardships and struggles, but he and his family never made it an obstacle in their dreams for him.
“My father, who managed to support a family of six on a minimal wage, didn’t have a steady job. Nevertheless, he made sure that we weren’t short of anything.”
Through sheer hard work, Pawan secured admission to Navoday Vidyalaya, a government-backed school, which paved the way for his academic success. His struggles proved to be fruitful when he was accepted into IIT, leading to opportunities that would change his life.
“After graduating, I joined Reliance Industries Limited but later transitioned to sports management. I have been a TPM at Capillary, a B2B SaaS company, for the past three years.”
His passion for sports continues, as he regularly plays, follows cricket, and engages in podcasts. In recent years, he has embraced a fitness regime, participated in marathons, and focused on body strengthening and a healthy lifestyle.
Pawan first learned about YourDOST from Capillary, which has a partnership with the organisation as their official mental health partner. This support system became crucial for him, and he began his journey of improvement.
“I used to carry a lot of weight, around 84-85 kg, which caused me significant anxiety. I was earning well and had a good family and friends, but I couldn’t accept myself. I didn’t look good or happy, which impacted my confidence.”
Pawan’s struggle was not only just physical but also deeply emotional. The weight gain made him self-conscious, especially as a young bachelor among peers who were getting married. He began connecting his issues to his physicality, which created a cycle of anxiety and self-doubt.
“Even when everything else was perfect, I was unhappy with myself. I realised it was all about ‘you versus you’ at the end of the day.”
Pawan sought help from a nutritionist, trainer, and therapist to combat these feelings. He understood that caring for his body was the best solution for his physical and mental well-being.
“If you care for your body, it will do everything else. Being mentally and physically fit are interconnected.”
This realisation began a transformative journey, and Pawan embraced a holistic approach to fitness and well-being. He started running, which became a meditative activity for him.
“Running helped me think clearly and brought me to a zone where I felt more like myself.”
Alongside running, proper nutrition played a crucial role in his transformation. He learned what to eat when to eat, and how to manage stress through healthy habits.
“I started working on myself, speaking more openly about my issues, and focusing on incremental improvements.”
Within six months, he shed 10 kg, feeling physically and mentally lighter. His confidence grew, and he began to see himself in a new light. In the following six months, he lost an additional 5 kg, reaching a healthy weight of 69 kg.
“I am deeply grateful for the support I received through YourDOST. Having people who understand and help you overcome your struggles is wonderful. Many people go through stress silently, but it’s okay to share and seek help.”
Pawan rates his journey of self-improvement at 4.5 out of 5, emphasising the importance of even the most minor progress. He envisions improvement as the slightest changes pile up over time. He believes the results will follow if we focus on the process.
Pawan’s journey reminds us of the importance of self-care and perseverance in a stressful world. His story celebrates resilience and the transformative power of self-love and dedication.
We at YourDOST are honoured to be a part of his journey and wish him luck in the future!
Pawan’s Warrior Tips:
1.“Understand yourself better and keep introspecting.”
2.“Take your time with challenges; find solutions and work on them.”
3.“Consistency is key to achieving anything.”
Are you someone who has gone through a difficult phase and emerged stronger and better, with some professional help? Share your story with us to encourage thousands of others who might be struggling. Click here to submit your story.
