The Path to Finding Your Passion and Purpose
In today's world, many people feel like they don't fit into the current education system or the traditional career paths that exist. This is because we often try to fit ourselves into the boxes that we see, based on what our parents, colleges, or universities think we should be. But the first step to finding your true passion and purpose is to open yourself up to new experiences and new role models.
Breaking Free from Echo Chambers
We live in echo chambers, surrounded by the same thinking. We tend to meet people who are just like us, and this limits our perspective. In business, it's often said that if you want to be successful, you should spend time with successful people. But this applies to finding your passion and purpose as well. If you want to pursue a certain path, you need to spend time with people who are already on that path. This allows you to see what it looks like and understand what it takes.
Creating Your Own Identity
Many of us have an identity that is shaped by the expectations of others. Our parents, colleges, or universities tell us what we should achieve and who we should be. But living in this bubble makes it impossible to pursue what we truly want. It's important to break free from these expectations and find our own path.
The Power of Exposure
You can't be what you can't see. If you've never seen someone living the life you want, it's hard to imagine yourself in that role. That's why exposure is so important. Find experiences or role models that align with your passions and interests. Shadow them, spend time with them, and observe them from afar. By immersing yourself in their lifestyle, you can gain a deeper understanding of whether it's something that truly resonates with you.
Finding Your Passion and Purpose
Once you've been exposed to different experiences and role models, it's time to reflect on what truly works for you. Not everyone who shadows a billionaire will want the same lifestyle, and that's okay. The key is to align your passion with your purpose. Ask yourself if the path you're considering aligns with what you're good at, what you love, what the world needs, and how you can be rewarded for it.
Fast-Forwarding to Your Future
A helpful exercise is to fast forward to where you see yourself in the future. Look at people who are ahead of you in your desired field or industry. Ask yourself if that's where you want to be. If the answer is no, it's time to find a new path. It's important to regularly reassess and adjust your goals to ensure you're on the right track.
Overcoming the Noise
There's a lot of noise in our lives. The expectations of our parents, society, and partners can drown out our inner voice. This noise can make it difficult to understand our true desires. It's important to tune out the noise and listen to our own intuition and intelligence.
The Dharma Model
The Dharma model, similar to the concept of ikigai, helps us unlock our passion and purpose. It involves finding the intersection of four areas: what you're good at, what you love, what the world needs, and how you can be rewarded for it. By aligning these four elements, you can discover your true calling.
Two Paths to Finding Your Purpose
There are two paths to finding your purpose. The first path involves identifying your skill set and using it to help others. By becoming better at what you're good at and using it to make a positive impact, you can find fulfillment and purpose. The second path is about starting to serve and help people, then noticing what brings you joy and what you're naturally good at. It's through this process of serving and observing that you can uncover your passion and purpose.
The Importance of Head, Heart, and Hand
To truly find your passion and purpose, you need to engage your head, heart, and hand. Having a clear vision and understanding of what you want is essential. But it's equally important to connect with your intuition and heart, and to have the compassion and care necessary to make tough decisions. Finally, serving others and giving back is a crucial component of finding your purpose. Your passion is for you, but your purpose is for others.
Refining Your Why
As you embark on your journey to finding your passion and purpose, it's important to constantly refine your why. Why are you doing what you do? It's easy to get caught up in external rewards like money or fame, but it's essential to stay true to your deeper intentions. Gandhi famously said, "You find yourself when you lose yourself in the service of others." Keep refining your intention and stay focused on the impact you can make in the lives of others.
