Shaadi.com's Anupam Mittal turned to spirituality as his world collapsed: 'I was running from the fear of not being enough'

We've all had moments when we feel inadequate, haunted by the belief that someone else has it all figured out while we struggle with the fear of failure. Life's inevitable hiccups often catch us off guard, leaving us unsure of how to handle the pressure. Anupam Mittal, founder and CEO of Shaadi.com and a prominent investor on Shark Tank, recently opened up about a challenging period in his life. He revealed how turning to spirituality and meditation became his sanctuary, helping him build the inner strength needed to navigate the complexities of the outside world.

From leading a thriving company to overnight layoffs

"In 2008, we had closed a $25m investment¡ªeverything was lined up in anticipation. But we failed," the recalls the 48-year-old Mittal.

A week before the expected funds were to arrive, a venture capitalist backed out, a casualty of the global financial crisis.

Overnight, Mittal transitioned from leading a flourishing company to making the heartbreaking decision to lay off people who felt like family.

Credit: LinkedIn | Anupam Mittal

"I was shattered¡ªemotionally, physically & financially," he confesses.

He found himself trapped in a whirlwind of doubt, constantly asking, "Where did I screw up?," questioning whether going with a different VC would have ensured better planning.

Turning to spirituality - the magical solution?

Mittal reveals, "My mind was a tornado and the only thing clear was that I needed help..I turned to meditation & then spirituality."

Initially skeptical, he admits, "Honestly, I didn't buy into it at first. I thought - 'How can sitting still help while my world is out there collapsing!?'"

However, he soon began to notice a transformation.

Credit: Shark Tank | Anupam Mittal

"With the help of a therapist, I realized something profound - the anxiety & pressure weren't only about my company¡ªit was about me. I wasn't just chasing success¡ªI was running from the fear of not being enough. Ergo, even the thought of failure sent shivers down my spine."

Yet, spirituality wasn't a magical fix for his turmoil: "Spirituality didn't magically fix the chaos in me & around me but it changed how I responded to it ¨C freeing me from the constant pressure of 'needing to win' to realigning my ambition with a deeper purpose."

Find your anchor

He notes, "We live in a world of relentless noise¡ªreels, emails, meetings¡ªand it¡¯s only getting louder. Silencing the world ain't possible¡ªso our only option is to prepare ourselves internally to deal with the external world."

"Whether it is religion, spirituality or therapy that calms you, a life-partner or family that understands you, or a purpose & knowledge that frees you- we all need anchors to keep us grounded."

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