Social Media Growth w/ Guri
Guri is the host of the popular podcast Grow With Guri. In this episode, he discusses how he's been able to grow on a variety of social media platforms. In it you will learn:
How to use Manifestation techniques in your business
How to transform your money mindset
How Guri made the jump into full-time coaching
GIFT FOR YOU
If you’re a meditation teacher or coach who wants to create unique meditations people listen to over and over again, enroll in my free course Meditation Script Mastery
Music Credit: Nova by River Roots - https://www.youtube.com/riverroots
Podcast Transcript
Lou: Hello there, friends. Welcome to another episode of the art and Business of Meditation podcast. I almost forgot the name to my own podcast, the art and business of meditation. Yes, that's it. I'm your host, Lou Redmond. And today we have a guest, Guri. Guri is a meditation mindset coach. He helps people find their purpose and live a meaningful life, and he teaches creative creators and entrepreneurs how to manifest their dream reality with meditation. And he's also the host of a top rated podcast, Meditate, manifest, and grow.
Guri: Guri.
Lou: I'm excited. We have a mutual friend, sake Brizbi. He's also been a guest on this show, so I'm so looking forward to connecting and having you on. Welcome.
Guri: Thank you so much. Thank you for having me.
Lou: So, Guri, when did meditation and mindset and manifestation, where or when did, does that enter the picture, picture in your life?
Guri: I would say I was kind of, like, spiritual when growing up, but I think everything kind of, like, started or took off in a way. When I moved to Canada, that was 2017, so, yeah, that just changed everything for me. Kind of like, you know, 180 degree shift for me. And the first few, I would say, months were, like, really dark for me. I kind of, like, slipped into, you know, depression and was going through a lot. So I think that was the time I would say, like, you know, I had this, like, awakening in a way. It was like a blessing in disguise, that kind of moment. So I guess that's when I started, like, becoming more aware about my thoughts and, you know, where they were leading me. And, you know, I made a conscious effort of kind of coming out of it. At that time, of course, I moved to Canada as an immigrant, as a student. At that time, I didn't have much money to even go for therapy. So I figured it all, like, you know, by myself with the help of, of course, you know, other people online through books and all that kind of stuff. But, yeah, it was a crazy time. But I'm so glad that that happened. That led me to be here today.
Lou: Trevor Hall, I don't know if, you know, the musician, but he calls it or the song the fruitful darkness, right? The darkness that we go through that actually bears new fruit. And we constantly, I think, on the spiritual journey, have to die in different ways, have to die and be reborn. And often that's the path. That's the path. One of my teachers, Richard Rohr, would say, we. We come to this more by getting it wrong than getting it right. And so not that you were getting something wrong, but having that darkness find you and then figuring out on your own, which is a fun thing, and that knowing that what you do now, it's like you kind of like, well, I learned all this stuff on my own and now giving that back. And I'm just curious, who for you? We all have teachers or guides that were supportive to us. So when you're on your own search, you know, I guess, what do you start searching? Like, what, what. What are you seeking online? Are you, like, you know how to cure depression and you're finding teachers or people giving resources on that or. Yeah. What are you. What are you looking for at that time?
Guri: Great question. So I would say there are a lot of. There were a lot of different things that I was looking for, like my career again, my mental health, my relationship side of it. So it was a lot going on, the full spectrum. Yeah, yeah. And then, of course, like, you know, me being in Canada as a student, how I'm gonna, you know, get my permanent status here. So everything, as I said, like, you know, everything was completely going in all directions. So I would say first thing that I really kind of, like, started looking for was especially for my mind, because I knew even at that time, now I think about it, at that time, I probably was not aware, but I knew that I need to figure this first, my mind. So I would say probably I started reading books at that time. And if I be honest, I think before that, I only read one book in my life that was not the academic book. Before that, only one book. And now I have, like, literally full shell. Of course. Yeah.
Lou: What was the. Like, what was the first book that was like, wow. Like, what, what was that? Opening books. I have a similar. A little bit of a similar journey. That. That didn't happen to me until 2014, when I. When I was someone who didn't read anything and then read my first self development book, outwitting the devil, Napoleon Hill. And that started me just opening my mind in such a different way that led to many, many other things. But was there a specific book that stands out at that time for you?
Guri: This is a great synchronization because I also read Napoleon Hill, but I was think and grow rich.
Lou: Sure.
Guri: Yeah, yeah. So that was the first one. And then I guess I was reading two books kind of at the same time. Then I read for my finances, rich dad, poor dad, of course.
Lou: Yeah. That's a great. Yeah. Anyone listening to this podcast, that's like a classic financial understanding book. More. So I think they talk a lot about investments and rental properties. And those things like that. But I think just more mindset around the rich dad and the poor dad is the first chapter I think is worth the book alone and just hearing that story. So. Okay, so you're doing this research, and, like, what do you. How are you applying it in your life? Like, what does that actually look like?
Guri: Yeah, for sure. So in the beginning, I kind of knew that, okay, what I am doing, why I moved to Canada, is not what I want to do. So that's when I started kind of looking for ways what I really want to do, you know, what my heart really wants. And I. I don't remember exactly when I started meditating. Like, not. I don't remember that first day of meditation, but I guess that the meditation side of it. I'm sorry, what was your question again?
Lou: What you're sharing, what you're practicing. Okay. You read, what are the practices that are then getting you to out of the darkness? I guess it sounds like meditation. I think you were right on it.
Guri: Okay, perfect. Perfect. So, yeah, so I started meditating maybe, like, five minutes ago, day regularly, because even I used to meditate, but in a different way. I was born in a sick religion, Sikh family. So we had very similar practices, but different. But, like, just meditation with, like, you know, focusing your breath. Focusing on your breath and all that. Kind of like a traditional meditation practices. So that was, I would say probably, like, within first two weeks, I started seeing results already. I started feeling, like, this wave of happiness. And I remember I would go to work and I would see everybody in the same kind of, like, you know, their energies the same, which I was in the same energy at that time, maybe like, two, three weeks ago. And I was like, why? I'm feeling so happy and why these guys are, like, so grumpy right now, you know? So that was like. Like something is happening. Like, this daily meditation is doing something to me. So I guess that was. I always have credited meditation for my transformation, and I guess I always will. So meditation is just life changing.
Lou: Yeah, me too. It's so interesting to hear some glimmers of similarities in your story, because I have a very distinct moment of having a big shift with meditation and going to my company and seeing just the dissonance in how I was and how other people were and the unhappiness and realizing that, well, I actually don't want what anyone has in this company, even at the highest level. And that was something that propelled me to quitting. Um, so I love. I love hearing those kind of glimmers. Of similarities in. In your journey. And, like, you, I credit meditation as it was the, um, the catalyst for some pretty. Pretty. Pretty cool experiences. Um, pretty life jarring experiences, nonetheless. Um, so, yeah, so meditation is transforming you at one point. What point? You're like, can I share this with others? Like, where does that. Where do you shift from at this company to now? I'm kind of leaning into. And is it all at once? Is it like, I go all in, or are you starting to teach maybe on the side and start to make some revenue and then go all in? How did that happen for you?
Guri: Yeah, that happened, I guess 2020, COVID. That's when everything was. You know, everybody was at home, and I was like, okay, I need to figure this out now. I am already. I think at that point, I was already creating content, but not like meditation content, but just spiritual content on Instagram, like, posting photos, because at that time, still photos were a thing on Instagram.
Lou: They could still be a thing. I posted a photo the other day, but if it's. You got some decent traction. But, yes, I get what you're saying.
Guri: Yes. Yeah, yeah, right. Um, so, yeah, so I just started, like, sharing quotes and things like that. But then I was like, okay, you know, I think I need to do something with meditation, because I'm. I'm feeling like at that time, I was like, I still am very passionate about meditation. So it just was just like, there was something in me was like, you need to do this. You know, you need to start teaching this, sharing this, because this has changed your life in a lot of ways. It can help so many other people. So I remember I used to have this one app, and I recorded, like, just not even. No prep, just simply, like, started recording, like, you know, I'm going to guide you on this meditation. So I had that and then never looked at it again for, like, two, three months. And then one day, I just showed it to one of my friends, and she said it was really good. Personally, I think it was so bad.
Guri: But again, I guess you have to always start at with something, and, you know, you always have to be a beginner to become better and, you know, to be experienced. So, yeah, then, I guess, April 2020, I posted my first meditation on Insight Timer and also on my podcast. I posted, I think, four meditations on my podcast, and then I never looked at my podcast for a year or maybe one and a half year, because that was just something I forgot. I did that because I wanted to do it. But with insight timer, for sure, I kept on. Then posting meditations and all that.
Lou: Yeah. That's a good time to start anything online for sure, was 2020. So when did things. Okay. I mean, posting on insight timer is definitely not going to get you immediate revenue, especially in. And nowadays there's so much more people. There's a process, there's a practice. You have to do certain things. And so where does the. I guess, how long are you doing this before. Okay, I'm making my revenue and maybe you have some space where, depending on your situation in COVID, where you can afford the spaciousness to grow things. How long? I know for me personally, from quitting my job in 2015, and I didn't actually make a revenue that could make my life work until 2019, which was $39,000 a year. So it wasn't like a huge amount, but it was like, I made it, I succeeded. I did my thing, I made this work. That was always my goal. It's like, I just want to be able to do this work. So, yeah. How long did that take for you not to pretend that we might still be all on the journey? So, yeah, where are you at? Where are you at on that journey?
Guri: Yeah, for sure. I mean, I am full time in my business now, so, which is great. So it definitely took me, I would say, two and a half year. Two and a half year. So I did, technically, I quit my job last year because I was still working part time there because, you know, money is always good. But then, no, last year I then quit my job. Now I'm full time in business. But I would say the first time I ever had this kind of realization that, oh, I think I can do this, I will do it. Because before, in the first few months or even years, sometimes you're just not sure that if that would even be possible. Right. So I think I would say probably after my second course on insight timer, because that became like a passive income in a way, so I could focus on other things in my business. So. But I would say one thing. I know, like, maybe you didn't even ask this question, but I'm going to answer that anyway. Please. That anybody, if anybody who's listening, they want to just quit everything and just go all in. I would say, don't quit everything. Have something part time. The reason, because I did that in 2022 for seven months. And I know that those seven months were scary for me because every single day I knew that the time was ticking, you know? So if you don't have any income, like, coming in or you don't have savings, don't quit. But I guess for me, again, coming back to your question, three years in total. Three years in total. Yeah.
Lou: I think that's an important point because I've even heard from people once you're putting pressure in that way where you have a specific timeline, it's going to create an energy that there's not to. Sometimes there is a sense of desperation of. And I've had it. I'm not. I'm not to say that I'm immune from that. There's a desperation. There's a pressure that doesn't need to be there. I, people that have been on this podcast, if you scroll back and listen to one of the first episodes where I share my story or I share, and then there's another episode where I. Cause I quit my job very dramatically and not the way that very, like every way, I would say not to do it, and I perfect the way I did it. And the universe blessed me with a totally different gig that I did not know was going to be there, that paid more money than my job. It was like one of those blessings that when you jump the net will appear. And it appeared in this totally crazy way. And so if you're interested, that story's on the podcast somewhere. I'll figure out the title of it. But I think I was blessed where Annette found me. But for most people, I would say, yeah, start to build this on the side so you don't put the pressure on you to, like, have to. Yeah. The pressure is going to take away from just the alignment often and the flow because you're going to feel a bit constricted. And so, insight timer, biggest blessing for having that passive revenue for the courses and figuring and dialing that in is important. And then what's the next. What's the next revenue stream for you? Do you go to one on one coaching? Do you go to other courses or workshops? Are you doing in person stuff? Like, how does that unfold?
Guri: Yeah, so definitely there are other streams as well. One on one coaching is the, I would say, does the heavy lifting for me. So. And again, I love doing one on one because I like to work with people one on one because in that way, I can guide them at every step of on their journey as well. And that's something that I always loved doing. So I would say one on one, then I have some digital products. I have worked with other companies as well, creating meditations and content like that, and then Spotify my podcast. So recently, this year, it got monetized. So it is now again, it's still new, so I'm going to still take few months to see how much revenue I'm generating. But again, you know, extra source of income always helps.
Lou: Yeah. Amazing. Amazing. So it seems like from what I see in seeing your different social media channels, it feels like everything you touch just turns to gold. Like, there's just like this, like, like 11,000 on YouTube, like 4800 on Instagram. I forget some other podcasts, right. Top rated podcasts. Like 480 things. So. So what's that about? What's the secret sauce in that?
Guri: Manifestation and meditation.
Lou: Yeah, yeah. So, yeah, maybe that's the thing. So tell us, tell us how you think about manifestation. I know it's a huge topic in this world. I know Saqib is always talking about it in his work and the ways that he looks at it. So, yeah, how do you. What was, how were you doing that at each stage of those? Like, were you consciously, like YouTube, okay, podcast, okay. Like, you're doing this in different, like, actually intentionally on each one. Like, yeah, I'd love to hear. I'd love to hear that.
Guri: Yeah. This is a great question, and I'm glad somebody asked me because I'm going to also share my frustrations with that as well. So this is something now, this year I'm really not doing, which is putting my energy and focus on so many different things because that has brought a lot of frustration in my life. So that's something that I'm trying not to do. But yes, I, talking about manifestation, first thing was, of course, insight timer and TikTok. So on TikTok, I do have like almost 41,000 followers. But again, TikTok, I don't really use much anymore. It was the COVID you know, again, COVID thing. And. But I still post sometimes there, but it's not like one thing at a time. I kind of like, like, think about something, create content and put it out there. And then, of course, go back to my inner world to do all the work. Right. So let's say if somebody is interested in knowing my process or how I manifest or, you know, what are the little bit success I have till now is meditation. Not just meditation in terms of, like, what normally people think, like, you know, guided meditation, I'm going to reduce my stress and which is, again, very powerful stuff. But if you really want to kind of narrow down your focus, this is, I always say, and something I'll also talk about maybe a little bit more, maybe in the next few questions, how to narrow down your field. That is so important. And that's something that I do with meditation to, like, really not have any distractions. Kind of like, you know, dedicate that time where I'm just going in deep in my meditation. And again, not every day is the same experience, which you definitely would know, but people who are not meditating every day, you know, that's something that you have to also be. Be comfortable with, that you're not going to have success every single day with either meditation manifestation or followers or videos or whatever, or content. Right. In general. So narrow down your focus. Just be clear on your future outcome. Really get clear. I know sometimes people say you don't have to know everything, but for me personally, I think that worked better when I knew that this is my future reality. And in that future reality, what's that future identity of me? Like, who is me as my future self? So once I know the characteristic of their future self, from the physical appearance to how they think, how they are, you know, behaving, acting and doing all the things, how they're handling business, handling life, everything, once I have that, because I have written that down, you know, I did all that inner work. So now I know that this is my future self. So when I go in the meditation, I calm myself, relax and all that, and then do my manifestation practice, which is basically visualization. Most of the time when you connect with the feeling, I clearly know that who my future self is because most of the time with people, they would have hard time in creating that image, that reality through visualization. So once you know that this is my future self, an image of your future self, which is very similar to, in a way, tantric practices because you visualize the devi. Right. Because I follow buddhist meditation and philosophy. So that's kind of, I'm relating that. So it's very similar but less intense because that is very intense. You need someone to guide you. So once you have that future self identity, you just visualize that and then you take action. But how I try to divide the inner work and outer work is like either it's 70% to 30%, which means 70% is inner work and 30% is the outer work.
Lou: What were the frustrations in having, like, multiple channels and how are you thinking about that now? Like, what are you, what are your main focuses now?
Guri: Right now, my main focus is definitely Instagram and my podcasts and of course, newsletter. That's another thing that, you know, in itself, it's a lot of work. So these are the main focuses this year for me. And frustrations I would say, when you are, again, we all have this limited energy in a day. So when you're focusing that energy instead of in one line in all directions, you're not reaching to any goal. So you're still in that cycle, you're not coming out of cycle. So once you bring all that energy in one direction, you reach to that one goal. And when you reach to that one goal, it becomes so easier to achieve other goals. For example, if you have, let's say, you need to first figure out your finances. So once you reach your financial goals, which means now you can focus on your business, now you can focus on creating content, yet now you can spend time with your family. But if you're that one goal, you're still trying to figure out, let's say you create content, you're also trying to figure out your finances. You're trying to figure out, figure out all the thousand things that we normally do in a day. We are not reaching anywhere. We are not going anywhere.
Lou: So on the note of followers and what it actually means, I mean, there's, I know I talked to Saqib has grown on Instagram a lot in the last six to twelve months. And Saqib would say that it actually has done nothing for his business. He says he's seen, like, no one coming through from that. It's more, it's branding. It helps in a branding, in some sense, to get different opportunities. And so I think I know someone else, Darius Bashar, who would say the same on TikTok, I think he has like 100 something. Hey, on TikTok, he doesn't even go on TikTok because it's all, when we talk about actually making it support our business, it's more just like they're looking for fun entertainment or things like that. So I'm curious, are you seeing, you know, your Instagram videos are really well done. Like, they're cut well, like, you have kind of an energy that I definitely don't have any the time to patience to do that for Instagram. So I appreciate that. And I'm just curious. It was that did you, was the shift away from YouTube to Instagram and podcasts because you saw that that was actually bringing people to your work? Like, for me, it's insight timer. For me, you know, often the people that find me for coaching and all the work, like, insight timer is the biggest space for that. Um, and so I'm always continuing to feed that, nurture that engine in whatever ways I can. So, yeah, do you find, like, okay, you're getting the results on Instagram. That's why you're focusing, because in my opinion, I think I would lean to YouTube over Instagram, but everyone's got their own, that's, everyone's got their own feel to play. And so, yeah, curious, curious how you made those decisions. And if it is like, like, if, if it's not, like socket where you're actually. Yeah, people are coming in for coaching on Instagram. I'd love to hear.
Guri: Yeah, no, that's, that's a great question. And I think it's a, in a way, very controversial topic as well with, like, all the creators, because every creator has their, like, specific platform. They, like, in, in this moment. Maybe tomorrow it'll be different. So I just want to say YouTube is the best platform. YouTube is the best platform. And I'm not saying I still post content on YouTube, but it's just that the, my strategy and my marketing is more focused on Instagram, you know, if that makes sense. So I would say I did see results from my, you know, this because I think in February I'd made that decision that I'm going to be consistent with Instagram and on video because last year for me was podcast audio, and again this year it is that as well. But now I have that audience there on my podcast. So this year it's video. Because I, last year I also felt like I want to do video, you know, because I like to do that. It makes me happy in a way. But talking about, you know, for business, I did get a lot of leads. So I do give like a free, like a guide template or something like that. So I bring people to my newsletter. So the main goal for me is to have a direct connection with my audience and that, like social media, either it's Instagram or TikTok or YouTube, that is, for me personally, is way more powerful than other platforms at this point.
Lou: I think it'll always be. I'm such a newsletter proponent. I think anyone who makes any real money in this work or has that understanding, like social media is for growth. Newsletter is where you cultivate and, you know, you're going to connect with people where you don't have to worry about the algorithm picking you up and often is where your, your business will thrive in your newsletter. And so, yeah, I guess that makes sense. And I'm seeing that a little bit with some stuff I'm doing on YouTube and I don't, it doesn't work for me on Instagram. But then I'm thinking of watching some of your recent posts. And I think what I'm sensing as what you're doing is something I'm not doing. And I think I want to highlight it here for anyone who wants to check out your Instagram profile and see what you're doing. But it sounds like you're doing the, you're sharing the content and then having like, hey, I will send you a template. Comment this, and then when they comment, you message them. That link gets them on their newsletter. That's right. Right. It's a great, I'm telling people, go to my link in bio, which I'm realizing that's probably why it's not working for me on Instagram to enroll people having that comment. I like it. I see what you're doing. I think that's definitely a smarter way to do it.
Guri: That is a good point because again, see, I'm also always learning with like, you know, with all the changes after every month on Instagram. So you all, every month you have to change your strategy. In a way. Again, I do these affirmations. That algorithm loves me, but at the same time, I do. Sometimes I'm like, Instagram, why? But I would say there are two reasons, again, because you already mentioned that I'm going to touch on one more thing for the engagement part as well. So when you ask, because again, humans, we are lazy. We are lazy people. We don't want to go to the link in bio. But this used to be a thing, you know, I used to do that too, and I still do it on, let's say on YouTube because you don't have that automation option. It's only for Instagram for now, I guess the app that I use. And when you ask them to comment, let's say manifest, they comment manifest first. They are now my lead. At the same time, they are engaging with my content, which means it's going to get pushed out in the algorithm to more audience. So the more comments you have. So that's another thing.
Lou: So what do you use like an app, like a manychat or something? Sends that. Sends that? Yeah, for sure. Cool, man. So jumping back to this relationship with money, because I heard you say before, like, you were kind of didn't have much money moving to Canada job until like now coming at growing this relationship and to the point of like, talking about what's worked for you. And so like, how has that relationship for you grown and what have you noticed being the biggest shifts around it?
Guri: That's okay. So I think 2023, I did a lot of work with my money ancestral money wounds, generational money wounds. And I also published a course as well on Insight Timer, which is, again, if somebody is on insight timer in your audience, they can go check it out. But anyway, so I did a lot of work, and I realized that I literally had a lot of work to do. A lot of work to do. But then the changes, I would say, like, time wise, I started seeing changes within, like three to four months, like big changes where it's like double, like double the amount of what I was making just within like three months of doing some inner work. And. But at this, again, what was your question?
Lou: I have, what was the shift around, like, the money, like the money mindset to, like, actually seeing results or sounds like, yeah, things have doubled. But was it just kind of affirmations or the almost different lens on the visualization or are you actually going into. I learned this about money. This is my beliefs, this is my emotions around it and working with kind of that aspect of it.
Guri: Got it. Thank you. So, yes, first thing is the perspective, how I see my money, the relationship that I have with money. So, you know, some people have this relationship where they don't want to deal with money, they want money, but they get so anxious when it's about like tax season or, you know, something like that. So that was first thing, like how I see money, how I talk to money, you know, instead of saying, like, why, universe? Why this happens to me, why I'm not attracting opportunities. So changing that perspective to, like, you know, the opportunities that I have. For example, at that time when I started doing this work, like insight timer, I do have that source. You know, my coaching. You know, I do have people who come and, you know, ask me for help and I work with other people. So changing that perspective and how I give out to, to the world, to the community, you know, I also support my family in India as well. So, you know, that is something that, you know, I see that, oh, you know, this is also giving out. So thank you, universe, for giving me this opportunity to help other people. So that is one thing. Another thing is, again, then I did a lot of, like, healing, like ancestral healing that was so powerful, like going back to my grand, great, great grandparents and doing through, again, this is all done through visualization and becoming more self aware where these patterns are coming from. So I would say visualization, generosity is a big one, which is, again, you find that in almost all the religions as well. You know, generosity is a big, big thing that, you know, either it's religion or spiritual world. So again, I never really understood that. Like, I know I heard that, like, always, like, people say, oh, yeah, just, you know, show generosity. Like, yes, I do that, but I don't know how it's helping me, you know, but that was that. That was where I was wrong. Helping me. Me was the wrong word, right? So. So when I changed that perspective from me to we, that's what I normally say, me to we, then everything kind of, like, started shifting. So it's more than mindset then, like, you know, trying to go out and work harder.
Lou: Totally. No, I think the big mistake is that we think we need to working harder. And we've been conditioned in this way because most jobs, if you're at a company, the way to get ahead or to get. In some ways, getting ahead also means raise bigger salary is working harder. Do more often, people, when you get your new salary or your new job or your promotion, that it brings on this whole new level of stress, this whole new weight of responsibility. And I remember that. I mean, I got a promotion three months before I quit my job. Another story. But I just remember that being like, wow, I got paid, like, only, like, $5,000 more a year. I'm doing this completely new role. I have all this other stress. I'm working more. And. And what I was seeing is that that only continued. It's like it only continued with each pay grade, pay with each, with when you grew in that way. And I think some of the hardest things for. For people in our world to break out of is that working harder is going to get you more like, that. They're not linear and that I don't promote this as much, but that you can dial in where you are actually making more. You're working with more alignment, where it actually feels like you might be working less. You're like, wow, you can actually allow yourself to receive in that energy. And I remember when I started actually tapping into that, I was like, oh, yeah, this feels so. There's a fullness to it. There's not a striving, there's not a stress. It doesn't have to mean more of that. And I'm fascinated. You mentioned something that I've never really talked to anyone about, but it's something that I think about is in spiritual traditions, more like religious traditions. I know for the church, it would be like tithing. You would tithe 10% of your money. Or I don't know what it's like in Sikhism or Hinduism of, like, if there's something similar in that. But when I started to recognize generosity from the true essence, meaning we can quickly use generosity to try and get something. Okay, well, now, if I give, I'll receive, and then that energy's off. But truly, oh, my gosh. Whenever that true, full generosity of giving, it's like, it's magic. What can come back? Like, it's truly magic that I found. And again, once you start trying to manipulate it, it's not going to work. But I just thought of, like, wow. Actually, this was embedded in religion, and the judgment for many people is like, oh, religion is this business. This is how they did it. Da da da da. And I'm wondering for the people that actually did it with the right intention, that that was actually that giving and receiving. And so, you know, I've wanted to do 10%. Right now I do 5%. But similar to you is, like, I give 5% of my revenue, everything goes off automatically. So I have this chunk of donations. Whenever I feel like there's something I want to give to, I know I have it, and I'm so it's like it's there in a. In a chunk where it doesn't even feel anymore, like I'm. Which maybe it's an issue, actually, I think about, because I don't feel like I'm losing it. There's sometimes when you feel, I was at a buddhist retreat, meditation retreat, and someone asked, like, how much should we donate to the teachers? And the response was like, what's in your heart? But feels like a little bit like, you know, where you almost feel like there's a loss? Like, oh, my gosh, am I really giving that amount? Which I kind of lose now because I have a bucket that is donation. I'm just. I'm kind of psychoanalyzing myself with you, Guri, so I hope you don't mind, but there is a. There. There is. There is this truth, right, to giving and receiving and not constricting and holding on to our resources, but feeling like, actually, I like to think of. I don't know where I learned this. I know where I learned this through this great organization called Wisdom and money. And thinking about money as God's money, that it's actually not mine. I'm holding it a little bit, but it's actually all of ours, and I am a channel for it to come in and support you and what this person is doing and what that person's doing, and. And they're supporting me, and this is coming here, and I'm just. It's all God's money. Like, I'm not taking it when I go right. Like, it's ok. Can we be this channel really what I think of this flow of letting it in, letting it out, softening with it. And so, yeah, I'm rant over, but I don't know where that came from, but I love that, thinking about that. So in this journey of teaching and sharing yourself and, you know, leaning in and I can imagine, and I can imagine some people feel this to themselves. And even I felt it. It took, I make this joke. It took four years for me to make a living doing what my instagram bio said I did. And I think sometimes people, like, we have to step into and say we're doing this thing, even if we're making money this way or at a job. Like, we need to step into that identity and not to fake it till we make it, but really just lean in and own. And eventually, and with that comes imposter syndrome. So I'm just curious how you've, if you've navigated that, how you've navigated that, because I know that's obviously a big, a big parts of what a lot of people feel in, well, I'm still at this company, like, not really this. And when we feel imposter syndrome, then we're actually not, we don't feel like we can even charge for that because we're, you know, oh, like there's other people or more professional all the things that could come up. So, yeah, I'm curious how you've navigated that, if you have in your journey.
Guri: I think this is probably one of my best questions because I also created a post on this. It's not out yet. And I also created a podcast on this as well. Again, not out yet. So I think I have a few things I can share. So of course I have dealt with it. I still deal with it sometimes. There are some days where I'm like, not good enough. I'm not good enough. Not me saying, but just those voices. But now through the practices, you kind of become aware that this is not you. So for someone who is, let's say, starting out and they want to like, you know, start sharing their gifts, their talents, maybe online space with other people, maybe even person as well. First thing for me personally, this is my process. It might look different for other people. And it is a kind of like a combination of psychology, spirituality, or a kind of mixture of everything. First thing for me, if it's an online space, this is what I would do. I would list all the people first why I have self doubt, why I'm having this imposter syndrome. Because we normally have this fear of being judged by other people, and most of the time, those people are not even people who we don't know, but people we know. So if you think that there are people who will judge you and they will really read you on what you do, first thing to do is either you can limit their visibility on your. That content or whatever you do, or if you. If you can just simply, you know, block them. If they. They are not like. You're not like they are there in your life, but you are not even, like, interacting with them and at all. That's why, for me, that's why I started my, like, Instagram. It was a new account. It was not my personal account, because I knew that, because, in a way, that I could step into a different identity that they did not know. Because for me, for a long time, even with my family now, they have come to terms with, like, me, like, who I am now. But for a long time, they did not know what I was doing. And for me, something, I had to kind of go back to my old identity whenever I was talking to them, whenever I was in that space with my friends. So that was my first thing, you know, I created a new account where I can be me, who I am. So that is one thing. Being authentically you. That is, I think, probably one of the best things I've learned about my. My personality and about myself. Again, am I 100% authentically me? Maybe not. Sometimes. Sometimes I still try to people please, you know, I try to do things that I don't like or which necessarily, I won't do. I would engage in a conversation where, you know, you have to. So, yes. You can't just always say that, you know, yes, I'm out, you know, because we are always people pleasing. We are always people pleasing, but there is a limit. Right. So you and me, we are having this conversation. If I even say something, you won't react to it right away in a way, or the same thing for me, which means, in a way, I am still people pleasing. Or you say, give me a moment. I would say, yes, sure. That is, in a way, if you see, that is people pleasing, as well. But there is a limit. This is a good level of people pleasing, and we all do that, and we all need it. Again, see, I talk a lot sometimes, and I go off topic.
Lou: We're talking about imposter syndrome. But I think what you're saying is good people pleasing. And Darius, Bashar, who's been a guest and I talk about a lot on this podcast, he talks about that as a trait to productivity is, you know, he has a community that meets every Friday, and whether he likes it or not, he has to create a meditation for this community. And so, you know, you have to please the people in some ways. And so there's, like, a positive side to people pleasing that. Yeah. Like, we want to do a good job. It's where that gets in the way, right. Where it's not. Where it's having harmful effects or where we're not having the right boundaries. Right. We're feeling resentment. So that's where, like, the toxicity of people pleasing can come in. But, yeah, we're so we're. We're all humans trying to figure out, and we're definitely not. Definitely making a lot of mistakes. At least I know I am. So, yeah. Yeah. We were talking about imposter syndrome, so I didn't know if you had any. Any more of, like, navigating. Navigating that.
Guri: Yeah, for sure. There's another thing I would definitely mention is, you know, most of the time, the things that we know that, you know, these are our weakness. This is my weakness. And that's what creates self doubt in a way that, you know, I'm doubting myself. Am I good enough? Am I good enough to teach a meditation class? If you really think you're not good enough, don't neglect that. Accept that you are not. If you think so, you know, if you think you need to make some improvement in your skill or whatever, because I see that even, like, you know, when I work with people, a lot of the time, they are not okay with accepting that they might have something that they need to work on, and that's something that they. That stops them to do the work. So first is acceptance. Right? So same. Very similar to the first one. But it's more about your. Either it's your emotions, you know, either it's your thoughts. You have to accept that you have negative thoughts about yourself. You have a poor self image about yourself. So when you accept that now, you can. Yes. You know, you can read a book. You can go to a therapist. You can consult someone. You can do all other things. So I would say probably that would be another thing that I do. And on some days when I'm. Nothing is working. Nothing is working. Like, I know that this is not right, but I am just not feeling it. You know, I'm not feeling confident or, you know, all those imposter syndrome crazy things that happens. So I would just, like, not do anything. I just simply, like, fully take a break because I have done that before where I'm, like, trying my hard, like, no, I'm gonna just show up feeling confident some days. Yes, you have to do that. For example, let's say if I was crying an hour ago and I knew that I had to be on this call, I would have, like, wiped my tears and, like, okay, it's, you know, showtime. But sometimes. But most of the time, people do that all the time, which is not healthy. So sometimes allow yourself to feel negative, feel those emotions, and that is the key to heal from those emotions, I guess. Hope that helps.
Lou: Good emotional range, right? Which it could be help. There's the unhealthy where we're stuffing it down. But then I think there is. Once you spend enough time in these spaces, like, you're actually able to go deep on something and then kind of reconnect to yourself and move in a different direction. Right. I think it's like there's, like, an emotional flex that's maybe a little different than what you're talking about. But I find that interesting sometimes in doing, like, deeper inner work in a group, especially with people. There's something that you said that I think is an important distinction. Or it's interesting the way that I look at it might be a little different than you, but it sounded similar. Is that being good enough? Like, I. I take the philosophy that at our core, we are whole, beautiful, complete beings. There's nothing that can be added on or taken away. That's the core of ourselves. That's not to say that we might not have skills that we want to build and to get reality of where those skills are. But the essence is people making it about them as a human rather than the skills. Like, if I am not LeBron James right now, I'm not going to sulk over. I'm such a bad basketball player. Like, I'm like, I'm no good. I'm worthless. It's like, it's not me as a human, it's the skill of basketball. And if I can accept, like, yeah, I got work to do in basketball, then you're attacking at it in a different way because you're not making it about your personal worthiness. It's just like, yeah, I got place to grow. And then the other aspect that came up in that is something I learned recently. I think it was a guest on this podcast. She, like, mentioned something. I don't know. I forget who it was, but talking about how affirmations are not going to work if you don't believe it, right? So if you're, like, you're trying to totally, like, say something, like, if you really don't believe that you can have something, let's say, you know, I can have happiness, right? Or I can't. I'm blanking on example. But if you're saying an affirmation that you're not believing, then it's. You're not actually. Your mind's not actually believing it, it's not getting through. And so the way to ask it, instead of saying, like, instead of, I guess, the example you're using, instead of being like, I'm not good enough, and then, okay, I'm just gonna say, I'm good enough, I'm good enough, I'm good enough. But if you don't actually believe you're good enough, like, you're not, you're not doing it, it's not connecting. And so the way I heard this person say it, which I loved, is instead of doing an affirmation to just ask, how am I good enough? How am I good enough? How am I good enough? And starting to ask that question for your mind to see, oh, I have this, I have this, I do this, I do that. So, kind of a little bit different, but seems.
Guri: Yeah, no, it's powerful.
Lou: Yeah.
Guri: Because I can see that it changes your belief because you're now trying to find reasons to believe in that statement. I guess that why I am good enough, you know, or finding the reasons that, oh, this is why I'm good enough. I have this. I have, you know, I have had greens today. That's what I'm good enough.
Lou: You know, like, yeah, no, I love it. I love it. So, two more main questions. If we have, we can have time. One feels maybe more selfish, but we're on a podcast. You have a podcast that seems to be doing well. So what is your, like, recommendations for growing your podcast? Did you do any? Yeah, I mean, this podcast is growing. I'm not going to say that I'm. It's not growing. I'm super grateful. Super fun. Fun to do it, but, yeah. How. What was that growth process like? Like, was it organic? Did you, you know, were you throwing, like, do you share a lot? Yeah. I'm just curious how. How that unfolded again, your mat, the visualization. I know. Your magic touch of it.
Guri: No, for sure. So for my podcast, I have not done any kind of marketing on it. I have never done any. I mean, again, I don't think so. There are ads, but even on social media you can do that and take people to. I've never done anything like that. So it's all 100% organic. And I would say for me, the topic is the most important thing. Choosing the topic and just SEO part is very important. So I'm not even sure that if it works or not because there is no analytics to check. But one thing that I do is that you can maybe try and see. I would add a few, like, SEO keywords in the description. I don't know if you, if you already do that, which is great, but.
Lou: I think about it, but I don't do it. Super. It's like I'm trying to think of what would be the searching words. Like, I'm thinking about it a little bit. I'm trying to think about it more. I used to, like, I used to like, say SEO, you don't worry about that. But I'm seeing some traction in other places where I'm like, actually, there's still something here with SEO. So anyway, sorry. Yes, I love that idea.
Guri: Yeah, yeah. So that is one thing. And just like, for me personally, I think because I also have a combination of two different kind of episodes. One is fully meditations and one is like conversational style, which again, I'm still in that planning mode of like, bringing in guests. So hopefully you can come to. Awesome. So, yeah, so that is something that I think that is maybe the secret sauce is where you have a little bit more variety, but you're not going off topic. Because sometimes what we do is we try to give everything to audience and then we have audience but no audience. But it's like, topics are similar. It can be, let's say, if it's for business meditation, for business owners. So you kind of maybe do that a little bit as well with, with that. So I think that's what I would. Even my top podcasts, like episodes are. Most of them are meditations.
Lou: Interesting. Yeah, I love that. I love that idea because I don't do any meditations right now on this channel. But it was, you know, the biggest pivot for this was a focus in art and business and doing this work and knowing who I'm speaking to. I started this podcast called awakening to purpose, and it was too broad. I didn't know who I was talking. I was using content from Insight timer. It was just not fun. And I'm like, what is this? And then had the awareness and insight to be like, oh, that's what it is. And once I pivoted it's been so much fun because I know who I'm talking to, and that makes it a little easier to want to create content for them. So, last question. Someone brand new just wanting to start their spiritual business or their work, sharing it. Like, where do you tend to tell people to start? I know it's a big question, but in any patterns you've seen, where would you tell people to start?
Guri: Sure. So one thing I would say with even, let's say, spiritual coach wellness, all that kind of stuff. So now it depends. There are two ways you can take. One is you can go corporate, right? So which means then, of course, I'll say LinkedIn, you know, LinkedIn, probably the best. And this is, again, this is something I'm learning more because I need, I want to know. My next step is, is going corporate more, more corporate. So LinkedIn would be something that you can do. For me personally, I don't like LinkedIn because I don't know. But anyway, we can talk about this some other time. But LinkedIn is, I feel like it's not like for me, but I am. I know that to go to that, you know, that next level, I have to become that person who uses LinkedIn. So for them, I would say use LinkedIn. And of course, I'm not very familiar with their, like, algorithm and marketing side of it, but at this, like, if you see the core, it's everywhere. It's same, you know, good content is good content. Of course, you have to use different ways depending upon the audience. Whereas if somebody's just trying to build their audience, want to have more like one on one clients, and want to have more opportunities, work with different companies, brands right now, Instagram, podcast, podcasts and Instagram. But if somebody has more time, post the same content on YouTube as well. Shorts. Just shorts. So that's something I would say, somebody who's just starting out, these are the platforms because Instagram is changing so quick, so you don't know when it's your time to shine. You keep doing what you're doing, and then suddenly, like, the algorithm is suddenly now in your favor, like, the content you create, it's pushing that kind of content, and that changes so much. And sometimes, as I said, even, you know, in the beginning, like, sometimes I'm like, why? Why? Because you get so used to, like, creating this, like, in your rhythm. You get in this rhythm. So last, I think, two days ago, I created some more content. I created videos. So I created like twelve videos in 52 minutes because I'm getting so good. And again, I'm not bragging, but I used to, it used to take me 40 minutes to create one video that's.
Lou: Still good to dial it in. That's amazing. So, and I just want to, I know people here listening are going to have that frustration with Instagram. And so you're listening to someone who has a lot of success on Instagram have that frustration. So if you're still newer and you're having that frustration, just know how, how normal that is to have that on Instagram. So guru, thanks so much for joining. Is there anywhere you want to send people to, any links, anything you're working on that you want to, you want to pitch or share?
Guri: For sure? Thank you. I'm very excited about my upcoming project, which is already, not even upcoming, it's already out. It's called Quantum jumping to full time living. It's a coaching program that would go for like two months or six sessions. I guess I need a break. And again, it is focused on people like creators, entrepreneurs, business owners who want to avoid the frustration and struggle. Either it's learning about content, learning about how to focus, narrowing down your field, quantum field learning, meditation, and to just like quantum, jump to that next dream reality. This program is specially for those people. So to, yeah, so sorry for the links. People can just simply go to my profile or just send me a DM on Instagram by just jump five or jump and they will get that automation. Cool.
Lou: All right, Gui, thank you so much for taking the time and friends, we'll see you on another episode soon.
Guri: Yeah, thank you so much. Thank you. Really appreciate it.