Source: Instagram/Jay Shetty

As we approach Christmas and the end of 2017, it’s a time for reflection, being with loved ones, and planning what we’d like to achieve in 2018.

This year I’ve had the pleasure of interviewing motivational speaker and social media sensation Jay Shetty, who was named in the Forbes 30 Under 30 Class of 2017 Europe for being a game-changer in the world of media. His mantra is ‘make wisdom viral’ and I love that so much.

He’s shared his thoughts about reaching one’s inner potential, and not letting the critics get in the way, using a quote of sociologist Charles Horton Cooley to illustrate his philosophy.

“Cooley said that today ‘I am not who you think I am, I am not who I think I am, I am what I think you think I am’,” explains Jay.

“Essentially we are lost in a perception ourselves. The key message I would like to get across is that there is hidden potential inside us all that we’ve lost connection with.

“Buried in daily responsibilities, multiple identities between work, family and friends, and an education aimed at simply passing tests, means we don’t get a moment to press pause, reflect, redefine and press play again. I want to help people have that moment, find meaning and create momentum around what they love.”

With over 220,000 Instagram followers and over a billion Youtube views within a year, Jay has exposed himself to both the positive and negative sides of the internet, and like most of us, is not immune to hearing from critics.

“Don’t let compliments get to your head and don’t let criticism get to your heart,” says the former monk.

“I practice this daily. I’m always wanting to develop and improve so I genuinely love feedback but can’t take lot of the negativity. I’m a big believer in surrounding myself with people who want to see me grow and are honest with me.”

Source: Instagram/Jay Shetty

Over the past 12 months in particular, Jay’s popularity has soared thanks to his channel of inspirational videos and motivational speaking series.

Furthermore, he’s made a mark as a successful South-Asian in the media, an industry that arguably still lacks cultural diversity.

For Jay, it’s important to set an example to the next generation, including those of his culture.