When you have the opportunity to ask some of the most interesting people in the world about their lives, sometimes the most fascinating answers come from the simplest questions. The Thrive Questionnaire is an ongoing series that gives an intimate look inside the lives of some of the world’s most successful people.
Thrive Global: What’s the first thing you do when you get out of bed?
Gul Panag: Stretch.
TG: What gives you energy?
GP: Eating right and exercising regularly. I aim to do 5 days a week of exercise targeting strength, flexibility, and endurance-ending each session with breathing exercises.
TG: What’s your secret life hack?
GP: When in doubt or stressed – I go for a quick run. The endorphins fix everything.
TG: Tell us about your relationship with your phone. Does it sleep with you?
GP: I use my phone to increase my productivity. However I’m not owned by it. I check mail/messages only at predetermined intervals. I don’t take it to bed with me.
TG: When was the last time you felt burned out?
GP: I do have moments of feeling overwhelmed by all that I do. Taking every day as a new challenge to achieve something new is what keeps me going.
TG: When was the last time you felt you failed and how did you overcome it?
GP: Last week. Got up, dusted myself and tried another approach.
TG: You unexpectedly find 15 minutes in your day, what do you do with it?
GP: Grab a power nap. I can do it anywhere. On a chair. Or leaning against a pole.
TG: Share a quote that gives you strength.
GP: “Never Give In” : For me every-day is a new challenge. Something more to be done. Something new to be achieved.
Gul Panag is an actor and entrepreneur and a wellness advocate. She is a co-founder of Mobiefit, a suite of health-and-wellness applications and the inaugural member of Thrive’s India Evangelist Network.