The Royal Take - Piyush Sharma

This book takes a deep dive into the financial world from the perspective of an insider who chooses to observe the big playground from the outside. It is a condensation of royal thoughts on investing, money, success, and the psychology that underpins financial markets.

I am a medical graduate, not someone with an MBA or a finance degree, but I carried a passion for studying the financial markets. My learning did not come from textbooks but from failures, hardships, and rough experiences that offered me valuable knowledge. The isolation I endured during my struggling years pushed me into deep critical thinking, forcing me to develop “out of the box” ideas that later became my strength.

Had I chosen the path of being a good doctor, I would have been trapped in an ordinary, mind-numbing rat race. Instead, surviving adverse situations, enduring failures, and evolving through the process allowed me to level up faster than many others.

Through this journey, I discovered that success rests heavily on three virtues: courage, focus, and persistence.

Courage comes first. To stand out, to step away from the herd, to live through hardships where others surrender—this requires strength. In the dangerous waters of life and markets, strength is often rewarded more than intellect. You may be the smartest person in the room, but without courage to endure tragedies, success will remain out of reach. I will always pick boldness over brains.

Second is focus. True focus allows you to absorb worthy knowledge from a practical perspective. By paying close attention, one can discover insights that many smart people overlook. Sometimes, success is hidden in the mere act of paying attention.

The third pillar is persistence. Without persistence, one is quick to give up when life becomes difficult. Success belongs to those who stay in the game when others withdraw. It is persistence that gives you the chance to go the extra mile and stand distinguished in a crowded pool of talent.

This book, therefore, shares a royal perspective of what it truly takes to belong to the 1% club. Because to be in the 1%, you cannot think, behave, or live like the 99%.

I hope these royal thoughts both inspire and delight you.