Shiv Khera

Shiv Khera – Life, Philosophy & Famous Quotes

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Shiv Khera is an Indian author, activist, and motivational speaker best known for his bestseller You Can Win. His journey from humble beginnings to global influence in personal development, leadership training, and social activism offers valuable insights and inspiration.

Introduction

Shiv Khera is an Indian author, lecturer, and activist whose work centers on motivation, leadership, integrity, and personal growth. He became widely known for his book You Can Win, which has inspired millions across India and abroad. His message is rooted in the belief that success is not accidental but a result of one’s attitude, habits, and persistence.

In addition to his writing, Khera founded organizations and engaged in public interest actions, demonstrating that personal development and social responsibility go hand in hand.

Early Life & Background

Shiv Khera was born on August 23, 1961 in Dhanbad, Jharkhand (then part of Bihar) in India.

He completed his higher education at Shri Ram College of Commerce, University of Delhi, graduating with a B.Com (Honours).

Before rising to public prominence, Khera held a variety of early jobs: he worked as a car washer, as a life insurance agent, and as a franchise operator. These early experiences, though humble, shaped his worldview about perseverance, self-effort, and resilience.

While living in Canada, he was influenced by the writings and lectures of Norman Vincent Peale, whose ideas on positive thinking and faith left a lasting impact on Khera’s philosophy.

Career & Contributions

You Can Win and Writing

Khera’s most famous work, You Can Win: Winners Don’t Do Different Things, They Do Things Differently, is a step-by-step guide to success that emphasizes attitudes, habits, and integrity over shortcuts.

Other notable books include:

• You Can Achieve More: Live by Design, Not by Default

• You Can Sell: Results Are Rewarded, Efforts Aren’t

• Freedom Is Not Free

His writings combine motivational lessons, real-life anecdotes, and practical tools for personal and professional growth.

Motivational Speaking, Training & Activism

Beyond writing, Khera is an active motivational speaker and trainer. He founded Qualified Learning Systems Inc., a company providing leadership and personal development training.

He also established the Country First Foundation, aimed at social activism with a vision of “freedom through education and justice.”

In 2004, he ran (unsuccessfully) in the Indian general elections as an independent candidate from South Delhi. Bhartiya Rashtravadi Samanata Party.

Khera has also filed public interest litigations and spoken on social issues, aligning his motivational ethos with civic engagement.

Recognition & Controversy

While Khera’s influence is significant, he has also faced criticism. In 2007, his book Freedom Is Not Free was accused of plagiarism by Amrit Lal, a retired Indian civil servant, who claimed that portions of the content came from his earlier work India Enough Is Enough. The matter was settled out of court.

Despite that, Khera’s brand remains strong, and he continues to engage audiences via speaking engagements, training programs, and social campaigns.

Personality & Philosophy

Khera’s philosophy centers on positive attitude, self-discipline, integrity, and responsibility. He believes success is the outcome of doing small things right, consistently, and from a place of strong character.

He often asserts that winners are not those who are different in kind, but those who do things differently—through better mindset, better execution, better habits. His style is accessible: he uses stories, analogies, and actionable steps rather than abstract theories.

He also believes in linking personal success with societal contribution—not just self-improvement but service and justice.

Famous Quotes

Here are some of Shiv Khera’s most cited and impactful quotes:

“Winners don’t do different things. They do things differently.” “Success is not an accident. It is the result of your attitude and your attitude is a choice. Hence success is a matter of choice and not chance.” “Have a vision. It is the ability to see the invisible. If you can see the invisible, you can achieve the impossible.” “If you think you can — you can! If you think you cannot — you can’t! And either way … you are right.” “Under adverse conditions — some people break down, some break records.” “Avoid miscommunication. The price you pay for it is horrendous.” “Ninety percent of selling is conviction, and 10 percent is persuasion.” “Your positive action combined with positive thinking results in success.” “I started life washing cars in Canada before moving on to selling life insurance and vacuum cleaners. … Later, I went through a programme by Dr. Norman Vincent Peale, which literally changed my life.”

These quotes reflect recurring themes: attitude as choice, resilience, vision, communication, and character.

Lessons from Shiv Khera

From Khera’s life and teachings, several lessons are especially noteworthy:

1. Attitude is foundational.
   Success is not determined purely by circumstances; one’s mindset—optimistic, proactive, disciplined—can change outcomes.

2. Small actions, repeated, build success.
   He emphasizes habits, daily consistency, and incremental improvement over radical overnight change.

3. Integrity matters.
   Doing right, even when it’s hard or unseen, is a core part of his message.

4. Link personal growth with social responsibility.
   Khera doesn’t separate success from service; he believes in contributing back to society.

5. Adversity is a test, not an endpoint.
   Difficulties can break some people, but can also push others to rise stronger.

6. Clear communication is vital.
   Miscommunication causes large costs; clarity in message and intention is essential in leadership, relationships, business.

Conclusion

Shiv Khera’s journey—from washing cars in Canada to becoming one of India’s best-known motivational authors—demonstrates how conviction, discipline, and purpose can transform a life. His writings and talks have inspired many to take charge, build character, and pursue meaningful success.