A usual October morning in Bangalore, slightly chilly yet pleasant. It was the kind of weather when one would just want to sleep in, grab a cup of coffee (or in my case, Bournvita), read a good book and spend the entire day oblivious to the world. But I was fidgety and extremely nervous as it was my first interview. It wasn’t for a job but it was something that I considered equally important then. I was nominated by my principal to represent my institution for a Leadership award and I was going to be interviewed by the board of directors and the founding members of my institution. I was told that the interview would be very casual and nothing out of the blue would be asked. But the 17-year-old me wasn’t ready to take that for a reply.
Soon it was my turn to walk into the room and the moment I walked in, a young lady with a warm smile welcomed me and asked me to take a seat. I became a little calm as I wasn’t being interviewed by the entire board. She ensured I was relaxed and comfortable and she began the interview process with a few basic questions and she asked me, “What is your passion in life?” The next words that popped out of my mouth even before she could finish her question were “Music and art.” She was impressed with the way that I hardly took any time to answer her question. I was surprised that she was very eager to hear about how much music and art meant to me. I spoke quite a lot about how they have changed me as a person and how they have influenced my priorities in life. She asked one last question, “What do you think is your purpose in this world?” I answered rather diplomatically assuming that it would be what my interviewee would have wanted to hear.
Regardless of what the outcome of the interview was, that last question made me search for a more convincing answer. (An answer that would convince me at least.) Although it made me uncomfortable when someone asked what I am doing with my life, it was high time I stopped avoiding these questions. It made me feel unfulfilled and lost not having known it. To my surprise, I found a very interesting outlook for the word “purpose” a few days ago.
In my perspective, there are 4 different kinds of talents in the world
- Things that you love
- Things that you are good at
- Things that you can be paid for
- Things that the world needs
Now when you combine that what you love and that what you are good at, you get what is known as ‘passion’. Combine the things you are good at with the things that you can be paid for, you get to know your ‘profession’. The things that you can be paid for along with what the things that the world needs, you find a ‘vocation’. When the things that the world needs and that the things you love are put together you get your ‘mission’. Fuse passion, profession, vocation and mission you find your purpose in life.
Sounds very simple to work forward with, doesn’t it? Sadly, the world isn’t that open to all mindsets in order for us to find each of these and follow them with great zeal. Take passion, for instance. Most people find this one without much hassle, but pursuing it and taking it one step further is what they miss out on. If one believes in their passion, no matter what comes in their way, they’ll ensure they go after them. An inextinguishable fire will burn in your soul to quench your obsession for your interest. The way you work on your likes and interests brings out how you perceive yourself and a sense of peace automatically sets in and keeps you going to do more. Imagine you are 85 years old, what will you be proud of leaving behind? What would you want the world to remember you for? It can be as small as the inventor of the salt shaker or someone as big as every CEO you can think of. What makes you proud of being alive? Ask yourself; does this agree with my principles and values? Answers to these questions will help you find your passion.
There are other cases where a person is ready to pursue his/her passion but the typical Indian attitude of ‘log kya kahenge’ comes into the picture or something even worse, negativity from themselves which is a result of demotivation from their social circle. It is twice as hard to boost your enthusiasm to work towards your objective and further up to find your purpose in life when you have people trying to put you down and demoralizing your work.
Mark Twain has said, ” Keep away from people who try to belittle your ambitions. Small people do that, but the really great make you feel that you, too can become great.”
Although I agree with his words,, I think the ones who put you down aren’t the only ones to be blamed. People learn how to treat you based on what you accept from them. Learn to say ‘no’ to people without having to explain yourself. Oh yeah, this is a biggie. But eventually, we’ll have to accept this and push ourselves to stop worrying about how much something matters to others. Know that you aren’t defined by your mistakes or criticism. Understand that your self-worth depends on you, and not what others say about you. Be ready to rake comments and criticism in a constructive way. It will help you understand yourself from the perspective of an unbiased person. At the same time, do not let these critics bring you down. Comprehend what is right and what goes alongside your values. No matter how hard we try, we cannot be liked by everyone. Let go of your approval seeking behavior and live life the way you want it to be. Cherish the tiny sparkles, the beautiful bubbles that float in occasionally. Put on a brave face and confront those fears and kick it right out of your life. Make this a habit and you’ll unequivocally agree that you have found your purpose in life.
I’m working on mine, will you join me in the race?
The curly haired girl says 