Success rarely follows a straight line, and this episode leans into that truth. Srikar Bhagavatula shares how lofty goals, self-doubt, and the pressure of "should" can quietly paralyze us, especially when we compare our messy, nonlinear paths to the curated success stories of our peers. From research that refuses to give clear answers to careers that detour far from the original plan, Srikar reframes uncertainty as part of the work. The real challenge isn’t getting everything right, but staying honest to the process and resisting the false narrative that everyone else is ahead.

At the heart of the conversation is the distinction between "good shoulds" and "bad shoulds". "Bad shoulds" are driven by external expectations, outcomes, and fear of failure; "good shoulds" are grounded in values like curiosity, integrity, and effort. Srikar reflects on how early role models, teachers who celebrated being proven wrong and parents who modeled quiet honesty, shaped his compass, while acknowledging that many people must later rewire their values through experience, therapy, and reflection. Growth, like values, is nonlinear, and learning to ask better questions often matters more than finding immediate answers.

Unexpectedly, the dance floor becomes a metaphor for leadership and life. Through West Coast Swing, Srikar learned the value of listening, adaptability, and frequent, low-stakes failure, putting himself in situations where being uncomfortable was unavoidable. Whether in research, careers, or relationships, progress comes from choosing challenges that stretch you without breaking you. This episode is a reminder that failure is part of the path and that when you define your why clearly, timing and outcomes have a way of catching up.