10 Insights from Levon Aronian

My recent conversation with Levon Aronian was so profound that I went back to rewatch the episode and reflect on some of his concepts and ideas.

Then, just like I do with books, courses, or podcasts, I wrote down the key insights I took from Levon.

I’m sharing them with you in the hope that they might spark new ideas and inspiration for you, just as they did for me.

1. Joy begins with gratitude

When you fill your life with gratitude, joy has no choice but to follow. The more you practice appreciation for the small things, the more joy you invite into your life.

2. Know your dark side

The danger isn’t having a dark side. The danger is pretending you don’t. Awareness is what makes it manageable. When you’re aware, you choose. When you’re blind, it chooses for you.

3. Let principles drive

If you don’t have principles, temptations will define your path. And most of them lead you somewhere you don’t want to go.

4. Chaos is a chance to reinvent

Sometimes chaos is exactly what you need. It forces you to stop. To think. And to reinvent yourself.

5. Truth first, then love

Before love, there must be truth. Real change starts by looking in the mirror and calling yourself out — no filter. Without truth, love becomes a cover-up, not a cure.

6. Resilience isn’t born from comfort

You don’t grow by staying in your comfort zone. Resilience is built when the world pushes you to your limits. Life’s most painful lessons are the ones that give you the strength to rise again.

7. When passion fades, find a new path

The key to long-term success is passion. If you lose the excitement for your work, it’s time to explore new avenues, but always stay true to the essence of what drives you.

8. Know your WHY

Before starting a journey, ask WHY you want it. When you have a strong WHY, you have a powerful engine to drive you forward. It’s the force that keeps you going, even when things aren’t easy.

9. Growth is a never-ending adventure

True growth doesn’t come with a final destination — it’s a never-ending journey. Every experience shapes us, every challenge stretches us, and every day offers an opportunity to grow further.

10. Dreams change — let them

Sometimes, the dream you had at 20 isn’t the one that fits at 40. Dreams evolve — let them. What matters is that they keep you moving forward.

If you haven’t watched the full episode with Levon Aronian yet, pick your preferred platform to tune in:
The episode on YouTube
The episode on Apple Podcasts
The episode on Spotify
Those 10 were the insights I took away, and yours might be completely different.

With best wishes and love,
For your growth and fun journey,
GM Avetik (or Avo, as my friends call me)