Life Purpose
Category: Ask Deepak
During almost all my teenage and adult life,( I am 26 now,) I’ve had what I call a professional identity crisis. I have tried several career paths and I can't find something that I feel passionate about. What I’m ultimately looking for is that one thing that I came to this world for, my Dharma. I don't want to end up working in something just for the money. It is a probability that a professional career may not be the best place to fulfill that calling, but in the end my goal is to look for that one thing i came to do in this world.
It might be that there is no simple career that expresses your life purpose right now. Sometimes following the right path in life means living your search in your heart, while outside you do whatever job comes your way. Even later in life some people find that their life purpose is expressed in what they contribute to life outside of their career, in their relationship with family and friends, or in activities they are passionate about outside of work. So be open to how best your talents might others and contribute to a better world, it may or may not be through your career.
Love,
Deepak
All comments
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Stop looking. Just look for a thought that feels better in each moment of your day, set your intention that "I will easily know that which I want to know" and keep looking for better feeling thoughts. As you begin feeling better (your thoughts will be a little better each day if you continuously look for the best feeling thought you can find in any given moment) the feeling of emptiness and lack will begin to dissipate. Then, moments of inspiration will begin coming to you more frequently. When you have thoughts that feel great in the thinking of them, that excite you and that you feel passionate about hold onto to them and think about them more. Before you know it you will KNOW your path. You have guidance from within and it lets you know when you are moving in the right direction by your emotional response to the thought you are thinking. Better feeling thoughts are going toward what you really want. Worse feeling thoughts are moving further away. It is truly that simple. Trust. Trust your guidance.
Happiness 1st // 2012-02-08 11:13:09 // 0 Like(s) // -
This is really interesting and I`m curious to find mines.
Regina Rupert // 2012-02-04 11:39:18 // 0 Like(s) // -
It would not be a death sentence if you learn to take each moment as it comes... I know exactly what Deepak is saying because that has been my life. I am 44 years old now and I am going to college pursuing my life-long passions; as I have done some serious soul and truth searching. Remember: What you are seeking is also seeking you. Believe that you are on the right path. Life is more about knowing who you are and what you stand for than it is about appearing to have it all together on the outside but being a complete mess on the inside. Spend time in meditation and prayer... let the spirit move you. It is never to early or too late to be who you are. You will find the answers you are looking for. Trust your inner-voice and believe in God.
CatSiou // 2012-02-04 02:05:54 // 2 Like(s) // -
This is very helpful. It definitely calms some of the anxiety which tends to come with my indecision. I recently earned another degree and am standing at a crossroads professionally. Not all my passions are in my career. In fact, the biggest thing (my son) sits outside of it. There are so many factors to consider. My decision on which career path to choose was put into better focus after reading your words. Thank you.
CatherineP // 2012-02-03 09:05:36 // 1 Like(s) // -
Bless you for trying your best to reach out to each in their own way.... while retaining yours too...!!! Love & be loved. Always
Tazeen Anjum // 2012-02-03 02:04:29 // 0 Like(s) // -
Sounds like economic reality to me, and the beginnings of growing up and facing it. Whoever promised you a rose garden? It`s a simple fact that we have to keep body and soul together in this life, and this fantasy/fallacy that is become popular over the last few decades that you should "do what you love and the money will come," plan your career choice based on what you love, "follow your bliss" and it will all work out, is just that: a fantasy and a fallacy. The simple truth is, and has been for millions of people all over the world for generations, that work is simply an economic function and necessity to provide the supplies (food, housing, clothing, etc.) that you need to survive, as well as provide them for any family you support. It`s a necessity, not a discretionary choice, and what you *like* to do instead is supported by the necessity of your working (or hunting and gathering, or however you choose to describe it) to provide a survival base first. Only after these necessities are provided for, and only *if* there is leisure or discretionary time in addition to this, do you have the time to pursue things you might prefer or *like* to do. If you *happen* to like your work, or are *lucky* enough to find some economic (work) task or job that you also enjoy, that`s great. But it is NOT the primary purpose of work, and it is largely unusual. Only in a bloated welfare state, way overextended in national debt (as the U.S. and much of the rest of the world is now), with a thoroughly spoiled and self involved population, and especially upcoming group of kids, has this wishful thinking fantasy grown up that somehow the world revolves around you and what you`d *like* to do (wouldn`t we all!), and that somehow you deserve to be able to do it, and not be "bored". The transition from what Freud termed the "pleasure principle" typical of the infantile stage, to the "reality principle" typical of the adult stage has slipped back into failure. We have a whole society that somehow now thinks they don`t have to grow up and adjust to doing what reality says they need to do. Nobody promised you or any of the rest of us this. And most of the people of the world don`t even get to have as much discretionary time, or even practically any of it, as we do. We only earned this margin of discretionary or free time above substistance necessity by individual and collective/national hard work. It`s true...you have to "earn it the old fashioned way." Frankly, a more blunt way of saying this is that you are just spoiled. Adjusting to economic reality (a job is really just about the money, not about what you "like" to do. That is why money is useful; you then get to spend it on the time and resources to do what you like to do)...adjusting to economic reality is not a "death sentence," regardless of the fact that you don`t *like* it; it *is* a death sentence if you don`t - as you will literally die of starvation, no place to sleep, cold in the winter or heat in the summer with no shelter, no money for medical care, etc. etc. Welcome to the real world. It`s time to grow up.
Alex Pope // 2012-02-03 00:59:49 // 2 Like(s) // -
How about having patience? A few years ago when I was going through a rough path in my life and doing things that I was sure were suicidal -having a super difficult time with it- yet I would wake up the next morning which was a miracle to me! One morning I woke up and said "God I`m sure you want me here for a reason please show me the reason." I`m a pretty happy person and I walk around with a smile on my face for no reason. The day was sunny and all I need is the sun to up my happiness factor! I was walking along minding my own business smiling away, all of a sudden someone came running after me and said "thank you, for that smile it`s better than all the money in I get from people, you`ve made my day"! It turned out that it was a street beggar who gets dour looks from everyone. I felt that, that day I had lived my purpose! My point is that purpose happens at every moment if you let it happen. So don`t be stuck with wanting some career or grand scheme. The every day little things make up the grand scheme. Bring grateful awareness in everything and then see if your purpose doesn`t present itself, even if it`s just for the day!!
Connie C. // 2012-02-02 06:01:33 // 5 Like(s) // -
Happiness is a decision. Be happy now rather than expecting something outside of yourself to make you happy. Isnt that what you are looking for...trying to find work that will make you happy? Your state of mind is what you decide consciously...dont let your subconscious rule your life..its a dumb computer. Live in the present moment and observe the amazing ability you have to breathe, do work, type, research, carry things, make decisions, draw, write, think etc. Be grateful for that and keep a gratitude journal. Who are you serving when you work? Why did they employ you? Why were you chosen when others were not. There are so many unemployed, dying for the opportunity to have the job you have. Seeking passion from outside of yourself, is not advised. If your work is not fun, it is because you choose to not make it fun. Ask yourself, How can I have fun with this? How can I be the best and be promoted? How can I challenge myself? Who am I serving through my work. If you cultivate passion as a daily habit, it will expand and draw other passions into your life. If you want a career or other vocation...ask yourself, Who will I enjoy serving? What do I want to do for them....your life will be much richer, when you give of yourself first, than always asking for something outside of yourself to make you happy. Learn to set intentions. Start visualizing yourself in your new role. As you do this the Law of Attraction will kick in. Take action when you feel inspired to do so. We are all here to serve each other. The universe makes no mistakes. You are doing what you are doing now, because its the right thing. You are frustrated because this is a temporary station for you. Enjoy it but continue to ask, how can I serve, where will I serve. Its in helping others and becoming the best at it, that gives you greatest reward of all. Because giving comes from love...and love is the only reason we are all here.
Aldo A // 2012-02-01 10:22:06 // 3 Like(s) // -
I really enjoy these answers! Thank you for sharing and i look forward to hearing from you next week again while u are honouring your dear brother~
Melissa Jeanne Grey // 2012-02-01 09:38:07 // 1 Like(s) // -
Maybe most people feel that way: I am (unfortunately!) not 26 any more and still have no clue about my life`s purpose. The only difference: I am passionate about a million things - with not enough time to focus on even half of them....
Gudrun D // 2012-02-01 03:36:48 // 2 Like(s) // -
It is really question many people have it & a warm Answer
Saadhamidi // 2012-02-01 03:00:57 // 1 Like(s) // -
How do you answer this question: what`s your dharma? http://www.whatsyourdharma.com
Lissa Coffey // 2012-01-31 22:52:14 // 0 Like(s) // -
Oh my God, they are so young...only 25 or 26 and already in a job crisis? Come on! The search will continue and that is a normal part of life. Don`t be afraid of making mistakes, just keep trying different things until you find what you like.
Gin // 2012-01-31 21:12:38 // 3 Like(s) // -
i believe we must look within to truly see what is outside ourselves, and to find the peace and happiness within, not in something external.
Chris Delaney // 2012-01-31 19:30:58 // 2 Like(s) // -
I am in a job and have been for 8 years which has lead me to the same struggles and thoughts. After several tumultuous years, I came out of this realizing that I can create that passion in various ways outside the job (and also, surprisingly, within it). I`m almost 40 now! so take heart. Our lives are a journey and there are many great things to discover along the way. Finding your Dharma may be just part of the process, not the end all.
Karima FS // 2012-01-31 19:13:14 // 1 Like(s) // -
Thank you Deepak for posting the question and your answer. And thank you Thalie for your comment. I am 36.. not married, no kids, became burnt out on counseling families and children, and in extreme debt from school and a failed practice.. this world has traumatized me. Now trying to find a new path.. a masters degree and no one will hire me (in any job) and struggling.. financially, spiritually and basically in every area of my life. It is comforting (for a few seconds) that I am not the only one... but I still can`t find the answers. I have no idea my purpose now and am so alone. If anyone can help.. please
Erin // 2012-01-31 17:02:35 // 1 Like(s) // -
Finally, i`ve found my purpose: Silence inside There is nothing to hide It is as pure as it is Nothingness is bliss And from it there arises All that is And I am That So I will never forget The reason of my existence To be here in this instance And live my life In pure gratitude A TaoZen infinitude
heartphone // 2012-01-31 16:50:49 // 5 Like(s) // -
Well, I`m 47 year old and still wondering what is my purpose in this life. I`m still looking for my dream career and haven`t found it yet. I so disliked my job that I stopped for 13 years to take care of my kids (something that I really enjoyed doing) but now that my kids are older, I need to find some other purposes and I`m again facing this emptiness. And of course no one is interested in hiring me after spending 13 years at home. But I still have hope that I will find something that I enjoy. So good luck to you and I hope you find your passion and are able to earn a living with it. Unfortunately, I believe this the minority. But everybody has passions but not necessarily that brings money home. Enjoy life, you are young and free!!
Thalie // 2012-01-31 16:13:55 // 4 Like(s) // -
There are some good answers here, especially the ones about inner and outer purpose. If your inner purpose - to be able to choose thoughts, perceptions, and emotions instead of reacting to habitual ones - hasn`t been realized, you`re not free. And if you`re not free you don`t know your power. And if you don`t know your power you won`t realize how big you can dream, and what opportunities are made for you. You may totally pass up your true destiny thinking, "It`s not realistic," or you might not even consider it because it doesn`t fit your current perception of yourself. It took me almost fifteen years of search to realize my purpose, and the biggest revelation was the freedom from conditioned belief and thought habits. Then I became a Life Purpose Coach because it`s such a valuable thing to the world, for people to know their purpose. To Stephanie, etc. - you DO have a calling, a vocation that fits you like a glove. It may be a unique combination that never existed before: Would you believe there are women whose career is being a mermaid? Or making tea? They are quite wealthy from it. Deepak didn`t mean for you to give up and feel depressed; the unhappiness you feel is probably "divine discontent" - your soul`s yearning to find expression in the world as your Dharma. Never believe in less, and you`ll find it - but don`t put an age limit on it. Meanwhile work on your inner purpose, transforming limiting perceptions. If you email mail at bythos dot com, I`ll give you a free copy of my e-book about it.
Bythos // 2012-01-31 16:07:34 // 2 Like(s) // -
sometimes we look all over to find something and do not see it is right there in front of our nose.
Cristina Taurozzi, Reiki Master Teacher // 2012-01-31 15:27:54 // 1 Like(s) // -
StephaniR - Then maybe you should try and find meaning with those 8 hours of your day, no matter what you do. At least that`s something I`m trying to learn. Work equals money. With money I can pay for the wonderful apartment that I have. I can travel and do things that I like. I try to see the good things my career is doing for me, and others.
Rebecca // 2012-01-31 14:54:59 // 0 Like(s) // -
I once had my passion and joy in life, a nursing job that I loved, was great at and respected in, then it was taken away with an illness, now I feel lost in life and have no other passion.
Connie Buffington // 2012-01-31 14:53:06 // 0 Like(s) // -
I would agree Stephanie, and have followed a similar path. Read Robert Kiosaki`s book - The Business of the Twenty-First Century. It may be for you or may not, but it addresses your predicament exactly.
Rabbit // 2012-01-31 14:42:12 // 3 Like(s) // -
The key here would be do your regular job that gives you a paycheck so that you can pay your bills extremely well, with passion. If you are frustrated with your current job then that will cloud your vision to see your true life`s purpose. Meditation and being in contemplation helps to bring your awareness about your unique talents. The more tumultuous that your life is the more you separate yourself from awareness.
Poonam Dronamraju // 2012-01-31 14:38:59 // 3 Like(s) // -
good question
Mary Summerskill // 2012-01-31 14:33:30 // 0 Like(s) // -
We are lovers, Just love what you are doing. Soon you will find life is your passion. Lovers Love.
Manjit // 2012-01-31 14:33:23 // 2 Like(s) // -
I love to explore this area of life purpose. I did a program in Yoga and Enlightenment studies last year with an amazing community of people all learning and growing and struggling in our own ways together. One of the first assignments we were given was to explore and delve into our life purpose as the foundation for all the work that would follow throughout the year. What an incredible exercise and one I wish every child would have an opportunity to explore starting from their earliest years and throughout their lives. Exploring my life`s purpose is something I return to over and over as I cultivate new understandings of myself in relation to my work, others, personal goals, desires, my spiritual self. But i changes very little once you know what it is and hit upon it. What a revelation! I`ve come to realize that my life purpose (and life purpose in general) is not actually about anything that is outside of myself (such as what kind of career I choose (or that chooses me) - although it can help me move towards a certain kind of career. My life`s purpose is what I bring to every situation and relationship in my life. It represents who I am at my core and what I am here to strive towards ...it is enduring rather than contextual. One example of one person`s life purpose was "to be happy", another person`s was to "know love", and that came to inform everything they are and everything they do in all contexts - kind of like a guidebook or road map, I guess. It was a revelation to me to understand that career choice is secondary to this more enduring quest to know who I am and what I bring in all situations. I honestly feel like this should be the basic work carried out in all schools - before interest inventories or exploring college options. Some of the questions we used to draw out our life`s purpose through paired and individual contemplation were: "When do you feel closest to your deepest purposes in life?; Complete this sentence, "In my life, what I really want to do is (fill in the blank)"; "When do you feel that you`ve truly served others and your God-Given talents?"; "In a perfect world, what do you see yourself doing?"; "What are you here in life to do?"; Put in a sentence the essence of these life purposes. Tell me a goal you can do to further your life purpose. It`s most helpful to have someone read these to you and write out your responses as you contemplate each one and relay back to you as you work through and build on your life`s purpose together. ....a Clearer can help with this process. As I say, discovering my life`s purpose has been an amazing exercise to know who I am and what drives me in every situation, including my work..... and one I think so many people could benefit from the opportunity to investigate their life`s purpose.
Penny // 2012-01-31 14:26:16 // 5 Like(s) // -
good question! Im` near my 40`s and I`m in the same dilemma :( Thanks for your answer :)
Silvina // 2012-01-31 14:01:44 // 1 Like(s) // -
I came here to create the Affirmations Mirror, the real life mirror mirror on the wall. We are on http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/affirmationsmirror/affirmations-mirror-the-talking-mirror-by-meyevu-i?ref=live and could really use the support and love of your community to make the dream and my life purpose a reality. Please help if you are inspired after watching our video and share it with others so we can make a difference and help others find their reason for being alive. :-)
MeyeVU // 2012-01-31 14:01:27 // 1 Like(s) // -
I have found this to be true. At 34 I have not yet found a career path I am passionate about. In my spare time, I have gone introspectively in search of what makes me happy. I have found that through trying Transcendental Meditation, listening to music, trying things I used to enjoy in my teen years like painting, learning to cook new things and practicing being kind to people during my day has helped me have new realizations that I believe will lead to my purpose. I hope you discover your happiness within you.
Jenny Pacific Beach // 2012-01-31 13:59:34 // 3 Like(s) // -
meditation, listen to our souls. you teach us that!
Loló Martinez // 2012-01-31 13:58:44 // 1 Like(s) // -
I have recently been contemplating the same question. One area that helped clarify this question for me was to consider that there are internal as well as external purposes. Your internal purpose is an inner harmony of being and it comes before anything external. By the way, this is something that I read in Eckhart Tolle`s "Awakening to your Life`s Purpose, a guide to spiritual enlightenment". Eckhart would say your internal purpose comes first, and then your external purpose flows out of this place of being.
Nick // 2012-01-31 13:57:59 // 0 Like(s) // -
Darma?
AEng Tensile A // 2012-01-31 13:56:29 // 0 Like(s) // -
thanks :)
Silvina Zitto // 2012-01-31 13:52:22 // 0 Like(s) // -
A great way to clue in to your purpose is to start noticing what people thank you for - these are the places where you`re already providing something of value. Another way is to explore your deepest fears - like Rilke says, they`re often hiding our greatest treasures. Best of luck on your journey - and don`t worry, there`s no deadline - it`s all a lifeline :)
Kellie Brooks // 2012-01-31 13:48:50 // 3 Like(s) // -
Deepak, this is so depressing!! i am 25 and this question describes me EXACTLY!! The thought of working 9-5 (8 hours of my day!!) for 50 weeks a year and disliking it, meanwhile enjoying the rest of my life sounds like a death sentence!!
StephanieR // 2012-01-31 13:48:38 // 15 Like(s) // -
Look in the mirror ...:-)
Garry White // 2012-01-31 13:42:44 // 1 Like(s) // -
Good thoughts!
Ian Brown, ND // 2012-01-31 11:31:39 // 10 Like(s) //
Top comments
Deepak, this is so depressing!! i am 25 and this question describes me EXACTLY!! The thought of working 9-5 (8 hours of my day!!) for 50 weeks a year and disliking it, meanwhile enjoying the rest of my life sounds like a death sentence!!
StephanieR // 2012-01-31 13:48:38 // 15 Like(s) // LikeGood thoughts!
Ian Brown, ND // 2012-01-31 11:31:39 // 10 Like(s) // Like