Diren Kartal19 December 2020

Finding Your Why - Diren Kartal - #260

0Frameworks

11Insights

Insights & moments

The myth-busts, hot takes, explainers, and tools worth keeping.

Myth Buster· 1

Myth Buster11:00

British Insularity Limits Perspective

Diren challenges the idea that staying local is sufficient, arguing that the UK’s geographic isolation fosters a narrow worldview that can hinder personal growth and ambition.

Many people in the UK live and die in the same town without broader exposure.
This insularity can limit ambition and worldview.
Travel breaks mental barriers and sparks new ideas.
Experiencing other cultures builds social adaptability and empathy.

“I worry about what sort of influence that has for other people who want to grow and experience new things.”
Diren Kartal · 12:00

#uk-culture#travel#perspective#insularity

Hot Take· 3

Hot Take05:50

Bet on Your Future Self Like Andrew Tate

Diren shares how he adopted a mindset of unrelenting faith in his future self—inspired by Andrew Tate—where he spends or acts now with confidence that future versions of himself will deliver the results to justify it.

Act now based on trust in your future self’s ability to deliver.
This mindset requires past proof of keeping promises to yourself.
Low confidence stems from a history of not following through.
Believing in future you changes how you make decisions today.

“He has faith that future Andrew will save more money, so he'll go out and buy a Bugatti because he knows that future Andrew will…”
Diren Kartal · 06:00

#mindset#confidence#future-self#motivation

Hot Take27:00

Being Selfish Actually Helps Everyone

Diren argues that prioritizing your own happiness isn’t selfish—it’s necessary. When you’re fulfilled, you uplift others more effectively.

Making decisions based on your values improves your well-being.
People respect boundaries and stop asking favors.
Happiness is contagious; self-care benefits those around you.
You can’t pour from an empty cup.

“Being selfish is good because in the long run, you make other people around you way happier because you're happier.”
Diren Kartal · 28:40

#selfishness#boundaries#happiness#personal-growth

Hot Take50:00

Don’t Confuse Excitement With Compatibility

Diren uses a roller coaster metaphor to explain how initial relationship excitement can mask long-term incompatibility.

Falling in love feels like a thrilling ride, but reality may be mundane.
Staying in a relationship for the wrong reasons leads to misery.
Happiness should come from within, not from a partner.
Choosing someone out of convenience leads to divorce.

“You waited in line for a roller coaster, but got on the lady bird ride that just loops the same thing over and over.”
Diren Kartal · 50:40

#relationships#happiness#self-awareness#compatibility

Explainer· 2

Explainer00:00

Why Travel Expands Your Understanding of the World

Diren Kartal emphasizes that not traveling limits your knowledge and perspective. He argues that experiencing different cultures and meeting diverse people is essential to truly understand the world and avoid insular thinking.

Traveling exposes you to different cultures and ways of life.
Staying in one place limits your worldview and what you can teach others.
Having a British passport is a privilege that enables global access.
People who haven't traveled often make uninformed judgments about other countries.

“If you don't travel, if you don't meet different people, if you don't see different cultures, your knowledge isn't going to be great about what…”
Diren Kartal · 00:00

#travel#perspective#culture#self-awareness

Explainer09:30

Your Environment Determines Your Growth

Diren stresses that the people around you shape your success. He advocates for surrounding yourself with those who push and challenge you, not those who encourage playing it safe.

The right environment accelerates growth and accountability.
People who tell you to 'play it safe' often fear your success.
Surrounding yourself with high performers creates upward pressure.
Constructive criticism from friends improves outcomes.

“I like to be around people that want the best for me, want me to win.”
Diren Kartal · 09:50

#environment#accountability#peer-influence#growth

Story· 3

Story17:00

How Dubai Became a Personal Break Point

Diren describes his time in Dubai as a 'break point'—a concept borrowed from SAS operations—where stepping away from routine created mental clarity and renewed motivation.

He spent 3.5 weeks in Dubai while continuing work.
The change of environment acted as a reset between chaotic periods.
Returning home, his mindset was the clearest it had been in years.
New stimulus from travel sparks creativity and clarity.

“I think it was like a personal break point that I went away and it was just an opportunity to see something different.”
Diren Kartal · 18:20

#travel#mental-health#clarity#sas-method

Story29:30

How I Defined My Core Values at 31

Diren shares how, at age 31, he spent two days defining his core values—curiosity, adventure, selfless development, excellence, and self-care—which transformed his decision-making.

He used Taylor Pearson’s core values exercise.
Living by values made urgent tasks less distracting.
Decisions became easier when aligned with his values.
Many people never consciously define what they stand for.

“I've lived my life for 31 years without knowing what the base values that I live on are.”
Diren Kartal · 29:50

#core-values#self-awareness#decision-making#personal-growth

Story39:30

Why I Called Off My Engagement

Diren recounts calling off his engagement to preserve his freedom and long-term happiness, despite emotional turmoil and social pressure.

He realized his future would be constrained by marriage and location.
He didn’t want to be a 40-year-old living with regret.
The decision was painful but necessary for personal growth.
He now values independence and the ability to make bold moves.

“I didn't want to be that 40-year-old that's hiring prostitutes and then coming home and kissing my wife. I didn't want to be that guy.”
Diren Kartal · 45:10

#relationships#freedom#courage#life-choices

Takeaway· 2

Takeaway25:00

Explore First, Then Exploit What You Love

Inspired by James Clear’s 'explore vs exploit' model, Diren advises trying many things early in life to discover what you truly enjoy before committing deeply.

Early in life, prioritize exploration over efficiency.
Say yes to new hobbies, travel, and adventures.
Only after exploration can you exploit—deeply commit to what you love.
Fear of failure or judgment stops many from exploring.

“Earlier on in your life, you should explore. Do lots of different things. Travel is a perfect example.”
Diren Kartal · 25:20

#personal-growth#decision-making#explore-vs-exploit#self-discovery

Takeaway61:00

Stop Wasting Energy on Trolls

Diren reflects on learning to stop engaging with online critics, realizing it’s a waste of energy better spent on meaningful work.

Responding to trolls drains focus and emotional energy.
He now only responds when strategically necessary.
Letting go of the need to defend himself improved his peace.
Criticism increases with visibility—it’s part of the price of growth.

“It's a waste of [__] time. What's the point of wasting my energy on that when I can use it for good?”
Diren Kartal · 61:20

#online-criticism#mental-energy#focus#growth