Recently, I read an interview with Mohnish Pabrai. His investment philosophy is deeply influenced by Warren Buffett and Charlie Munger, and he eventually became their friend. As someone who looks up to Buffett and Munger as role models, I realized I knew very little about one of India's greatest investors.

The interviewer asked him whether he considered himself a happy person. He replied that over the past 60 years, he had been happy most of the time, with only 3 to 5 years of feeling pressured and low. Yet, those few years were the most pivotal in shaping his life. In his own words, "I take the bull by the horns."

The first turning point was his career shift in his younger years. He had initially studied engineering and began his career in the field, but due to a lack of good mentorship, he struggled professionally. After three years, following his father's advice, he transitioned to sales and marketing. Two years later, he quit and started his own business. Another three years later, he encountered Buffett's value investing philosophy and became a value investor.

What resonated with me the most in this interview wasn't just that we both have engineering backgrounds and similar personalities, but that Mohnish has a deep understanding of himself and can quickly recognize advice that suits him. He is incredibly honest with himself.

People who understand and accept their own nature can find a true place of comfort in this world. Those who clearly see and embrace their own values will consciously make good use of their time and attention.

Being honest with yourself in the present moment is a form of respect for the life you've been given. Once we clarify what truly matters to us, the path forward becomes clear and unwavering.

"When you know what matters most, everything makes sense. When you don’t know what matters most, anything makes sense.” — Gary Keller

“You do not need to build something you hate in hopes doing something you love” — Steve Chou