How to Break-Free from 9-to-5 to a Life of Purpose?
A Holistic Approach to Passion, Purpose, and Dharma
”Passion is energy. Feel the power that comes from focusing on what excites you.” — Oprah Winfrey
In essence, Oprah invites us to welcome our passions with open arms.
Passion is not just a choice.
It’s an energy that can transform our lives into a masterpiece of fulfillment and joy.
Oprah talks about feeling the power when you focus on what excites you.
It’s a call to authenticity.
This is a mantra for all those who want to fill their lives with meaning.
How many times have you been told to find your passion?
How many times have you been asked what your passion is?
We are often told that we should pursue our passions in our professional lives.
We’ve all heard the saying,
“Find a job you love, and you’ll never work a day in your life.”
You want to do something that excites you,
Something that fulfills you,
Something that is effortless,
And that earns you money to live your dream life.
But that’s easier said than done.
Passion doesn’t really work that way.
A Deloitte study found that only 13% of the US workforce is passionate about their jobs.
Before you can pursue your passions, you have to figure out what your passions are.
You’ll probably have to work many days and in many ways to find the work that speaks to your passion.
Recently, I wrapped up reading the book, “Think Like a Monk” by Jay Shetty.
Jay often speaks about Dharma, a term deeply rooted in Eastern philosophy.
Dharma is more than just a job or a duty.
It’s about aligning yourself with your true nature and calling.
That got me thinking.
How many of us live in harmony with our dharma?
How many of us have paused to reflect on our innermost calling?
Dharma
Dharma is your unique personal and unique blueprint that sets your soul on fire.
It is a calling that aligns with your core values and beliefs.
Your Dharma is the destiny of your soul.
According to a January 2021 Pew Research Center survey, about half of U.S. adults who are unemployed temporarily laid off, and looking for a job are pessimistic about their prospects for future employment.
Most said they have seriously considered changing industries or jobs since becoming unemployed.
Many stated that they had experienced increased emotional or mental health problems during the time they were unemployed.
And that makes a lot of sense.
It’s reasonable to assume that many people want a career change to find permanent employment.
Especially after a layoff in the midst of the pandemic.
Some also consider a career change to live more aligned with their purpose.
Against this backdrop is the concept of living one’s purpose, known in Sanskrit as Dharma.
Jay Shetty emphasizes the importance of understanding and embracing our dharma.
I shifted my focus from the conventional notion of success to something deeper.
It’s no longer just about climbing the career ladder.
Nor is it about fulfilling social expectations.
It’s about finding the sweet spot where my skills, passions, and values intersect.
Jay often says,
“Our passion and purpose aren’t in our heads; they’re in our hearts.”
That was a direct hit for me.
I realized that the answers I sought lay not in the outside world but in myself.
It was time to embark on an inward journey and let my heart’s compass guide me.
Passion
Passion is a word we often throw around.
But do we really understand its power?
Jay Shetty sums it up beautifully.
Passion is the fuel that ignites our soul.
It’s the energy that drives you towards your goal.
It’s about more than what you love to do.
It’s about what makes time go by and keeps you up at night.
What brought me joy without the promise of external validation or monetary gain?
The more I looked into it, the more I reconsidered my interests and hobbies.
I began to give my interests the time and attention they deserved.
The next step was to align the passion with the purpose.
Jay encourages us to look beyond the surface of our interests.
He suggests connecting them to a greater cause.
How can our passions contribute to the well-being of others?
Does it have a positive impact on the world?
This evolves from a self-centered approach to a holistic, purpose-driven mindset.
Living with purpose
Now, let’s talk about purpose.
Purpose isn’t just about personal fulfillment.
It’s about contributing to something larger than ourselves.
Jay Shetty’s teachings on purpose resonated deeply with me.
It prompted a reevaluation of my own life’s trajectory.
As Jay puts it,
“Purpose is the essence of who we are.”
It’s not a destination but a continuous journey of self-discovery and growth.
Embracing purpose requires introspection.
It’s nothing but a willingness to explore the depths of our being.
It’s about understanding our unique gifts and talents and using them to positively impact the world.
Living a purpose-driven life can be a challenging ride.
Challenges are inevitable.
That’s where resilience comes into play.
Jay Shetty’s insights on overcoming obstacles and staying true to one’s path became my guiding light during tough times.
It is not about avoiding challenges but facing them with courage and determination.
Final thoughts
It really got me thinking about the power of passion and living a purpose-driven life.
Especially with the challenges many face today, it may be time for an inward journey.
What brings you joy beyond external validation or money?
Take a closer look at your interests and connect them to something meaningful.
Enjoyed the story? Don’t miss out on future stories — Subscribe Now!
Did the story resonate with you? Join my free email newsletter for bite-sized wisdom and insightful productivity tips.
Inspired or moved? Show your support — Buy me a coffee (in fact a tea) and make my day!