List the people you admire and look to for advice…
I don’t usually seek advice from many people. In fact, I’m very cautious about it — because once people know you’re willing to listen, they may start using your time for their own benefit. That’s why I’m very selective about who I learn from. One person I deeply admire is Mahendra Singh Dhoni — MS Dhoni. His mindset and perspective on life have truly inspired me.
There’s one moment from an interview with Mandira Bedi that left a lasting impression on me. She asked Dhoni, “What is the most precious moment of your life that you’ll never forget?” He paused for a while, thinking deeply. Then Mandira offered a suggestion: “Was it when your daughter was born?” Dhoni smiled, laughed a little, and said, “That’s completely hard work.” Everyone laughed — but his real answer showed a very different perspective.
Most people in India would likely say the birth of a child or a major personal achievement is their proudest moment — and that’s understandable. But Dhoni chose something else.
He said his most precious moment was during the 2011 World Cup final against Sri Lanka. At one point in the match, Sri Lanka started gaining control. And then, suddenly, the crowd erupted in perfect rhythm, chanting “India, India, India!” Dhoni said that feeling — that energy, that unity — was something he would never experience again in his life. That was the moment he would always remember.
What I admire most about Dhoni is how he never forgets where he came from, and how he’s built everything through quiet strength, discipline, and focus. He doesn’t talk too much, but when he does, there’s depth in every word. He’s more than a cricketer — he represents a way of thinking, a way of being.
So when I look for guidance, I don’t always turn to people around me. I look to someone like Dhoni. He may not know me, but through his actions and mindset, he’s given more wisdom than many words ever could.