Chapter 1: The Quest for Purpose

Are you on a quest to uncover your true purpose in life? If so, you’re not alone. Recently, I experienced a significant shift in perspective that has helped clarify my direction.

This epiphany was sparked by none other than Jay Shetty—a prominent figure in mindfulness, author, and podcaster. His podcast, On Purpose, boasts an impressive 20 million monthly listeners, according to iheartmedia. With a background as a former Hindu monk, Jay’s innovative projects inspire countless individuals globally.

I’ve come to find his work profoundly impactful, and I am currently delving into his first book, Think Like a Monk, which is incredibly empowering. For those of us navigating the journey of self-discovery, this book serves as a refreshing guide.

If you’re also seeking to understand your life's purpose, Jay’s insights provide a straightforward framework. He describes our calling as akin to our dharma, a term used in both Hinduism and Buddhism. Yet, you don’t need to subscribe to either belief system to appreciate the book's universal messages. A crucial takeaway for me has been:

Nurture Your Strengths

“You can’t be everything you want. But you can be everything you are.”

Jay emphasizes the importance of self-awareness, urging us to recognize our strengths. Whether you excel in drawing, mathematics, driving, or leadership, we all possess unique talents.

Next, we should evaluate the activities that bring us joy.

Does the task ignite your passion?

Consider whether you enjoy the process and if it leads to positive outcomes. The more we reflect on these aspects, the closer we come to discovering our greater purpose. For me, I’ve realized that writing is what truly brings me joy, and I take pride in my progress.

When two elements align:

• We love the activity.
• We excel at the activity.

Then we should nurture that endeavor.

Investing time, energy, and even finances (if feasible) into our passions will help them flourish. Engaging in activities that resonate with us leads us into what I call the “purpose zone.”

If you enjoy something but lack proficiency, consider improving your skills through courses, practice, coaching, or leveraging free resources like YouTube.

Ultimately, our feelings serve as powerful indicators of whether we’re nurturing our passions.

• Do you feel invigorated?
• Are you in a state of flow while doing it?
• How comfortable are you?
• Are you experiencing growth?
• Is there a consistent sense of fulfillment?

Trust your instincts.

The journey to our calling may not be straightforward and can sometimes feel elusive. Yet, with time and introspection, we can uncover it. I firmly believe that we can have multiple purposes throughout our lives.

As I mentioned earlier, that enlightening moment came to me while reading Jay’s book, motivating me to write more frequently and hone my craft.

Thank you for taking the time to read this. I hope you found it insightful!

Jay, if by chance you’re reading this, I appreciate your influence!

P.S.

What strengths do you possess that deserve some nurturing? I’m confident you have many!

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