Today, success is often judged primarily on external metrics such as affluence, social standing, and noteworthy accomplishments. However, true fulfilment lies in the harmonious blending of success, purpose, and happiness. The concept of SPARK: A Journey from Success to Significance emphasizes the transformative power of aligning these three elements, allowing individuals to lead lives of meaning and impact. In this blog, we will explore the profound connection between success, purpose, and happiness, and how they can synergistically elevate our lives.

Defining Success:

Success is often perceived as the attainment of goals and the accumulation of material possessions. While these achievements have their place, true success transcends external validation and encompasses personal growth, resilience, and self-fulfilment. It involves continuous learning, embracing challenges, and discovering one’s unique strengths and passions.

Discovering Purpose:

Purpose is the fuel that ignites our actions and gives our lives a profound sense of meaning. It involves aligning our values, passions, and talents with a larger cause that extends beyond ourselves. When we have a clear purpose, every endeavor becomes infused with a sense of significance, and we are driven to make a positive impact on the world.

Finding Happiness:

Happiness is often mistakenly equated with fleeting moments of pleasure or the absence of problems. However, true happiness arises from within and is not solely dependent on external circumstances. It is a state of contentment and well-being that comes from living authentically, nurturing meaningful relationships, and finding joy in the present moment. When we blend success and purpose with happiness, we create a sustainable foundation for a fulfilling life.

The power of blending success, purpose, and happiness is a transformative journey that allows individuals to transcend mere achievement and find true fulfillment. SPARK: A Journey from Success to Significance emphasizes the integration of these three elements, enabling individuals to lead lives of purpose, make a positive impact, and experience sustainable happiness. By nurturing this harmony, we can unlock our full potential and create a ripple effect of inspiration and empowerment for others, ultimately shaping a better world for all.

How can you be a leader with spark and significance?

*Find Your Purpose*

Once you find your life mission, the one thing you need to do, then fuse it with all of your activities—personal and corporate. By so doing, you unleash your potential and find fulfilment on your journey.

*Embrace a Principle-Centered Approach*

Listen and trust the voice of your conscience and work with integrity, principles, and respect.
You have a social conscience, and you ensure that your corporate work creates a better society all around. You do not engage in any activity that is detrimental to the overall well-being of society or the environment.

*Make a Difference*

It is not just what you have that matters; rather, the value of your life is determined by who you are and what you give. You treat life as a precious gift and use this gift to give and to make a difference.

*Embrace Life-Long Learning*

You learn from cradle to grave. You learn from all, including nature which offers immense wisdom. You know that, in order to succeed in life, competence is the key which comes from life-long learning.

*Have Faith in the Unknown*

You do not fear the unknown. You are willing to take risks and persevere in realizing your dreams.

*Persevere*

You never give up. You persist until you succeed in achieving what you believe in.
Perseverance and patience go hand in hand.

*Be Effective*

You are a role model inspiring your team through your example.
You eliminate insecurities by trusting and believing in the inherent abilities and gifts of team members.
You are results-oriented, not task-focused.
You empower your team—you do not overpower them.

*Keep a Positive Attitude*

You keep confident expectations. What you expect is what you invite into your life.
You are solution-oriented, not problem-focused.
You are non-judgmental, giving people the benefit of the doubt.
You do not worry about criticism. You believe in doing your best and leaving the rest.

*Invite Balance in your Life*

Real success is holistic and caters to your body, mind, and soul. You allocate your time wisely and do not compromise on a tight set of priorities, which brings you balance and synergy.

*Savour the Path*

You know that destiny lies in the path. You love the challenges and hurdles because they enhance your strength and tenacity.
You regard each day as the most important day of your life. Thus, every day—every moment—is a gift that you cherish and savour. You go with the flow without taking your eye off your goals.

*Tame your Ego*

You strive for positive pride and shun egotism.
You let the subject disappear in the object by letting the self disappear in the higher purpose of your work.
You accept your shortcomings. You do not have a need to become defensive or take things personally.

*Ignite your Spirituality*

You make spirituality the centrepiece of your life, including your corporate life, so that 24 hours of your day are grounded in spirituality.
You know the corporate soul—the real reason for the corporation’s existence.

*Understand the interplay of Life and Death*

You realize that there is a beginning and an end to everything in life. Every beginning is an end of the old, and every end is a beginning of the new.
When you die, you know that you do not take what you have but, rather, what you gave.

*Experience the Divine in Corporate Life*

You know that all success happens by the Divine’s work. Hard work and struggle pay dividends, but without grace, you cannot go too far. You invite the Divine into your corporate life and make the Divine your partner in everything you do.
You become co-creators with the Divine by creating something beautiful in this world through your work.
You see divinity in all. You understand that everything and everybody is a signpost to the Oneness of creation.

These principles are universal and practical. They are founded on love and act as a bridge between your personal and corporate life. If these principles are implemented by you and other leaders in your team, your corporation will be a more happy, peaceful, and loving place where each person is given the space and the opportunity to flower to his or her potential and to contribute to society and to the world.  Your corporate life will, thus, be materially rewarding, as well as spiritually enriching.

In today’s fast-paced and competitive corporate & entrepreneurial  landscape, many individuals find themselves grappling with a fundamental question: “What is my purpose in the competitive corporate & entrepreneurial landscape?” It’s no secret that businesses often prioritize profits and targets, leading some to feel disconnected from their deeper values and aspirations. However, amidst the deadlines and spreadsheets, there lies a profound opportunity to find purpose and meaning in your work. In this blog post, we will explore how one can navigate the corporate maze and discover a sense of purpose that goes beyond mere success.

1. Self-Reflection: The Starting Point

To embark on a journey of purpose in the world of work, it is crucial to engage in deep self-reflection. Take the time to explore your personal values, passions, and long-term goals. Identify the activities that energize you and the issues that resonate with your core beliefs. By understanding yourself on a deeper level, you can align your career choices with your purpose.

2. Seek Alignment with Company Values

It’s essential to align yourself with organizations that share your values. Research prospective companies to ensure their missions and values resonate with your own. When you work for an organization that aligns with your beliefs, your work becomes an extension of your purpose, allowing you to make a meaningful impact.

3. Embrace Growth and Learning

The world of work offers numerous opportunities for growth and learning. Embrace these opportunities by seeking out new challenges, acquiring new skills, and taking on projects that stretch your abilities. By continuously developing yourself, you can find purpose in the process of personal and professional growth.

4. Find Meaning in Your Work

While not every task may seem directly aligned with your purpose, there is often potential to find meaning in even the smallest responsibilities. Look beyond the immediate tasks and consider how your work contributes to the bigger picture. By understanding the impact of your efforts, you can find fulfilment in knowing that your work contributes to something greater.

5. Cultivate Work-Life Balance

Maintaining a healthy work-life balance is vital for finding your purpose. Dedicate time to your personal interests, hobbies, and relationships outside of work. By nurturing your well-being, you bring a renewed sense of purpose and energy to your professional life, fostering a more fulfilling and balanced existence.

Finding purpose in the corporate or entrepreneurial world is not an easy task, but it is certainly possible. By engaging in self-reflection, seeking alignment with company values, embracing growth and learning, finding meaning in your work and cultivating work-life balance, you can navigate the corporate maze and uncover a sense of purpose that drives you towards both personal and professional fulfilment.

Do you find yourself working endlessly, completing tasks, checking off to-do lists, but not quite internalising what it is all for? Do you struggle to connect your daily actions to a greater life purpose?

One of the ways to bring urgency to your life purpose is to imagine what would you like to tell your Creator about your life or what would you like to be written in your obituary.

Looking back, what would be an amazing life well lived for you?

According to an article, titled “A Sister’s Eulogy for Steve Jobs,” Jobs’s last words were “OH WOW. OH WOW. OH WOW.” For many, they can be viewed as an unvarnished reflection of a life, a final summation.

To bring it home, what would your ‘wow’ life look like? Many people haven’t actually given much thought to what their ‘wow’ life would look like and hence have no clear vision of what they should be aiming for. 

In case you are finding it difficult to imagine your vision, here are four simple steps to define your ‘wow’ life:

Identify Your Birthday Gift:

What are the skills, talents, and expertise that set you apart? Identify your “birthday gift” – that special gift that you were born with, something that you do or offer better than anyone else. This could be a unique skill, a passion, or a combination of qualities that define your excellence.

Specify how your gift will help you and others. How does it solve a problem or fulfil a need? Communicate the unique features, expertise, or approach that make your solution irresistible. Emphasize the positive impact you can bring about.

Define your inner purpose:

What is your inner purpose? Now, this is a question that will take significant inner reflection and time to answer. Answering these questions can help you arrive closer at your inner purpose:

–     What is it that gives you a deep sense of fulfilment, your reason for
being?

–     What are the beliefs and values most important to you? What do you think they say about you? How do they influence your daily actions?

–     What do you care about the most and why?

Remember, a strong inner purpose is the driving force for exceptional outer work.

Keep It Short and Impactful:

Now create a WOW statement that can be delivered in four sentences or less. By keeping it short & succinct, you ensure it is memorable and impactful. Choose words that captivate and inspire, you and convey your value compellingly and concisely. This is also your personal affirmation statement which refreshes your inner belief about your worth every day-  hence make every word count.

Repeat and Reinforce:

Once you have crafted your WOW statement, internalise it. Memorize it and repeat it to yourself first thing every morning and the last thing before you sleep. Reaffirm your unique value and keep it at the forefront of your mind. This repetition helps build confidence and helps guide your outer approach and actions. Let your daily actions, however small, be proof of your personal best. Remember, it is acceptable and normal to fail, but unacceptable to not even try.

Once you find a way to blend your passion, talents, and care for the world, you find a way to create your ‘wow’ life.

In the pursuit of security and comfort, humans often form attachments to people, possessions, or situations. There are important benefits of attachment for survival and there is nothing wrong with relying on others. However, attachment, especially unstable attachment can lead to anxiety and suffering. 

Buddhists use the phrase ‘detachment’ to describe the idea that you are the sky and your circumstances, emotions, possessions, and experiences are just the passing clouds. 

So, how do we cultivate this detachment or ‘non-attachment’?” And why does attachment that may initially bring a sense of safety, can also lead to anxiety and suffering? Let’s explore:

Attachment and the Need for Possession:

Attachment arises from the desire to possess and cling to things that bring us a sense of security and familiarity. It becomes our comfort zone, giving us a false sense of stability. However, this very attachment becomes the seed of suffering.

The Cycle of Anxiety and Jealousy:

When we are attached, we constantly worry about losing what we hold dear. Anxiety creeps in, fueled by the fear of change or uncertainty. Jealousy may also arise, as we fear that others might gain what we consider ours. These negative emotions consume our present moment, hindering us from fully experiencing and appreciating the beauty of now.

Shifting Focus to the Present:

The key to breaking free from attachment-induced anxiety and suffering lies in redirecting our attention to the present. By releasing our grip on what we cling to, we open ourselves up to the richness of the present moment. Letting go allows us to fully engage with life and embrace its ever-changing nature.

Embracing Non-Attachment:

Non-attachment does not mean detachment or indifference. Instead, it is a mindset of acceptance and surrender. By cultivating non-attachment, we acknowledge that everything is transient, and change is an inherent part of life. We learn to appreciate the impermanence and beauty in each moment without clinging or grasping.

Finding Inner Peace:

By releasing attachment, we create space for inner peace to flourish. We free ourselves from the weight of expectations and the constant turmoil of worrying about the future. Embracing the present moment, we discover a profound sense of contentment and fulfilment.

Attachment, driven by the need to possess and cling, traps us in a cycle of anxiety & suffering. By releasing our attachments, we open ourselves to the richness of each moment and allow ourselves to experience the freedom and joy that come from living without the burden of attachment

Are you feeling lost in your own life and unsure of what the next course of action should be?  

During the past three years we have had the COVID19 pandemic, the war in Ukraine, inflation, interest rate hikes, and a real surge in mental health challenges. Also, we all personally struggle through our own challenges. Going through a divorce, losing your loved one, feeling stuck in a job you hate, battling a health condition….

Trying to have hope at a time like this can often feel futile when many of our circumstances can be out of our control. But a time like this can also be an opportunity to realise that we need to change something in our lives. 

Alternatively, the idea of ‘active hope’ is that we focus on our own mindset and actions, which we can control. We shift from a passive stance of wishing for a better future to an active and empowered mindset that propels us forward. Here are three essential tips to practice active hope, fostering resilience and positivity:

Create a Burning Desire:

Active hope starts with a burning desire—a strong commitment to a specific vision. Reflect and define what ignites your passion. Nurture this desire by revisiting and reaffirming it regularly.

Commit to Focused Effort:

Hope without persistent effort weakens self-belief. Break down goals into manageable steps. Dedicate time and energy each day to move forward. Embrace challenges as growth opportunities.

Keep the Faith:

Maintaining faith is crucial for active hope. Trust that the universe supports your journey. Cultivate belief in the goodness of life. Practice gratitude and surround yourself with supportive individuals.

By practicing active hope, we take a proactive mindset and intentional actions. Remember, active hope is not merely a wish but a deliberate choice to engage with life’s possibilities. Embrace the power of active hope and witness the transformative impact it can have on your life.

Embracing each day in your precious life with joy can help each of us unleash our inner SPARK.

However living in the present is easier said than done, and you may be struggling  to cultivate joy and a zest for life. Many people ask me: “What does it really mean to live in the present?” 

One of the ways to do this is to live in ‘day-tight compartments’ which can help you gradually get better at removing the baggage of the past and the future. Here are three practical and powerful ways to live intensely and joyfully, transforming ordinary moments into extraordinary ones.

1. Recite to yourself “Today is the Best Day of my life”:

Imagine waking up each morning and embracing the day as the best day of your life. Allow yourself to fully immerse in the present moment, appreciating the opportunities and blessings it holds. Embrace a positive mindset and seek out moments of joy, gratitude, and growth. Approach challenges with curiosity and see them as stepping stones to personal development. By treating each day as the best day, you open yourself up to new possibilities and experiences

2. Understand that “Today is the Only Certain Day of my life”:

Life is filled with uncertainties, and tomorrow is never guaranteed. Embrace the reality that today is the only certain day of your life. Let this awareness ignite a sense of urgency to make the most of each moment. Engage fully in the activities that bring you joy and fulfilment. Express love and appreciation to those around you. Pursue your passions, dreams, and goals without hesitation. By recognizing the fleeting nature of time, you empower yourself to live with purpose and make the most of the present.

3. Believe that “Today is the Last Day of my life”:

Contemplating the idea that today could be your last day can be a powerful catalyst for living intensely and joyfully. Reflect on what truly matters to you and prioritize those aspects in your daily life. Mend broken relationships, express gratitude, and let go of grudges. Engage in acts of kindness and generosity. Embrace each experience, no matter how small, with mindfulness and presence. By living as if it were your last day, you savor each moment and create a legacy of love and joy.

Living joyfully is a choice we make each day. By embracing each day as the best day, the only certain day, and the last day of our lives, we invite a sense of vibrancy, purpose, and appreciation into our lives. Live with intensity and joy – for in doing so, you unlock the extraordinary within the ordinary.