Life lessons from entrepreneur Justin Kan: Being joyful, finding comfort in discomfort

American entrepreneur Justin Kan celebrated his birthday on July 16 and decided to share his life learning over the past year through a series of tweets. This year was special for Kan, who sold his startup Twitch, a live streaming video platform to Amazon a few years back for $970 million. He made a key personal decision as well - to quit drinking alcohol permanently.

“As a young founder in high-stress situations, I often used alcohol to escape facing things. I've struggled with this for a long time, and while I think I've gotten better over time, I believe that this is the last thing preventing me from actualising my 100% conscious self,” he said, explaining the thoughts behind his decision.

As for his learning over the past year, here goes:


“Becoming comfortable in my discomfort”
Kan said that he used to flinch away from all forms of discomfort, whether pain or uncomfortable conversations or even boredom. Meditation has apparently helped him to notice the feelings of discomfort and be okay simply sitting with them.


“Cultivating non-attachment”
There is a feeling that if we manage to tick certain boxes or acquire specific objects, we will finally be happy. But Kan has hit the head on the nail when he says, “Every day I re-learn that happiness doesn’t come from the extrovert world, it comes from inside.”

“Becoming the source of my own approval”
I am enough is a difficult feeling for everyone to master. “I have always tried to source approval from others, desperately trying to make up for scarring from my childhood (of course that never worked). I’ve been reminding myself that I approve of myself 100%, and that I am enough the way I am,” Kan said.

“Being joyful”
Today is called the present for a reason goes the cliche. But an appropriate one. “I want to deeply appreciate every moment for the miracle that it is,” he said.

“Putting others first in my life”
Nothing more satisfactory being there for others? Kan has learnt so. “I’ve lived the first half of my life feeding my ego’s needs. I will spend the next half putting my community and family first. I now believe that true joy comes from the release of the self,” he said.