Why to Develop a 'Zero State' of Mind

Why You Need to Develop a 'Zero State' of Mind 

'As I grew up, I got conditioned more and more, until one day when I finally gave up all such conditioning ... It was more like drilling the mercury out and stilling the mind.'

Each time I spoke to entrepreneur Mr Shah, he would talk animatedly (in full swing) about the benefits of the 'zero state' of mind and how it's helped him grow individually and professionally ...

The 'zero state' is a state of mind where negative elements like hatred, fear, doubt, ego, guilt, shame, judgement and so on don't exist. It is a state of mind, which emits on pure positive energy at a high frequency, i.e. joy and love. It is a state of mind that has only intentions but no desires (desire reflects a lack of what we want).

Hence, a person whose mind is in zero state emits extremely positive traits like compassion, love, joy, confidence, and charisma. Such a person is usually extremely magnetic and attracts more positivity perpetually. This is extremely critical for living a fulfilling life, one full of success, joy, and love.

You're probably wondering why I'm interviewing an entrepreneur who talks about the state of one's mind. And here's why. Me Shah could have been bitter, full of fear, doubt, and shame, but he chose instead a different path ...

From infancy, Mr Shah has faced many struggles. At the tiny age of two months, he was afflicted by the Polio virus and paralyzed from the neck down ...

Doctors had virtually given up. For over 14 years, the medical treatment for it continued, parallel to my education and work ... Finally, at the age of 14, I was able to stand on my legs without any supporting structures.

Going through this has been a blessing in disguise. Mentally and emotionally, it has been a journey of solidification. After concluding the treatment, I was able to play cricket, table tennis, swimming ... all professionally. I was also a bronze medalist in gymnastics at the age of 15.

The journey wasn't easy, but it was thrilling. There was a constant push to extend my limits and cross over. This was driven by tremendous mental strength and an element of ego. It was all in the mind and I had to prove that!

After overcoming his physical challenges, Mr Shah then went onto prove himself professionally in his own unique way. He dropped out of his engineering degree at the age of 20, and soon dived into his career.

I started my professional journey with Foxpro Programming, the market language of the early 90s. Thereafter, I experimented with various management functions like sales, HR, and finance in organizations like Netcore, TAS, JP Morgan, and Marcus Evans.

I later moved to Singapore, where I founded a business lifecycle management company which offers startups and SMEs unique advice on how to establish and grow their businesses, and also raise funds. We now have a presence in India, Thailand, and USA ...

Mr Shah's enterprise focuses on strategy, board advisory services, and leadership mentoring. His approach to business growth also uses the zero state of mind technique, encouraging clients to experience its benefits in their own lives and businesses ...

As is often said, entrepreneurship is not for the weak hearted. It is a grind. When you achieve the zero state of mind, all the negative elements like fear and doubt are eliminated from the root ... This allows the person to achieve success without too much struggle. Ultimately, entrepreneurship is a mind game.

Our clients see a significantly fulfilling relationship aimed at their success, and not simply limited to the transactional nature of business.

But how does one go about achieving this state of mind ... How do you eradicate all those doubts and fears that keep surfacing like obstacles in your path?

There is only one routine I recommend, and it's called Y+4. The steps are as follows:

Yoga - At least 4-5 different types of asanas (that suit the body) to exercise and free all eight limbs. Note though, this is the second step in the process.

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1. Abhyanga - Massaging oneself with a warm oil, decided based on your body type.

2. Pranayama - An exercise to gain control of breathing (prana) and to slow it down. This has a direct connection with the mind.

3. Meditation - One can refer to the many techniques available. The simplest one is to close your eyes and concentrate on your breathing for as long as you are comfortable.

4. A well-designed breakfast - One that activates the six different tastes [sweet, sour, salty, bitter, pungent, and astringent (rough)]. Quantity of food should always be limited to two fists.

This routine must be followed early in the morning. If practiced regularly, it helps still the mind by removing unnecessary thoughts. Diligent practice is the key. It doesn't matter how slow you are, but keep at it. It has a positive impact on a person's complete being including his thoughts ... Remember, you are what you think.

The zero state of mind can help you evolve mentally and emotionally and aid your spiritual growth, Mr Shah states. To further his own spiritual journey, Mr Shah also leans on the many teachings of ancient Indian culture and a yogic way of living ...

Ever since childhood, I wouldn't enjoy my time at places of worship. I would feel something was wrong about these places ... until one day I completely stopped visiting them. But I was still seeking answers to many questions.

In 2001, I did a workshop on the Silva Mind Control Method. It was an amazing experience, which naturally nudged (forced) me forward on the spiritual path. I finally met my mentor in Bangkok, Mr Roy (founder of Asean Affairs) who helped me begin my real spiritual journey. Recently, I also got initiated into Kriya Yoga ... Hence, the waking up to the truth and the yogic way of life.

It's not just the yogic mindset of India that fascinates Mr Shah. He is also bullish about the startup sector and its promising future ...

The startup scene in India is promising. There is still a long way for this ecosystem to mature ...

We are in extremely interesting times ... But only the startups that solve real burning problems on a large scale will take centre stage ... a lot of others will perish. As a company, we look for capable teams that can deliver painkillers, and not beautiful looking vitamins.

My conversation with Mr Shah has traversed many topics ... the zero state of mind, yoga, ancient Indian teachings, morning rituals, and even business growth. I now ask him to sum it all up ... and impart some of his entrepreneurial wisdom to budding entrepreneurs ...

To this generation of entrepreneurs, I would say - you are all doing great stuff, but keep a product mindset as much as possible and solve real problems.

Taking the first step is never easy. Failing in the eyes of our society can be almost criminal. People may label you, but remain rooted. Never give up ... Keep moving.

Be honest with yourself ... Still your mind ... Take time to reflect on your inner state every now and then. And finally - strike to kill, everything else is a waste of time!