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👏 Today, in 5 Minutes or Less, you’ll Learn

A successful creative leader who, despite achieving financial security and career success, questions his purpose and struggles with the "uncomfortable day of reckoning" about who he wants to be.

Case Study: Advik

Advik gazed at the glittering skyline from his sleek, high-rise apartment in New York. The cityscape shimmered, a testament to the economic boomtown he now called home.

Yet, a gnawing emptiness settled in his gut, starkly contrasting the plenitude surrounding him. Success, once a distant dream fueled by childhood poverty, now felt like a gilded cage.

He remembered the sun-baked streets of his childhood. Everything had value; nothing went to waste. There was no need for a proper trash can when everything could be recycled, repaired, re-purposed, or re-invented. 

His parents put all their resources into building a better future for their son. He made them proud when his exam results were the highest in the State, enabling him to attend and graduate from one of the top colleges in the country.

Now, at 40, he is a revered design expert. His name carries weight, and his bank account overflows. Yet, the thrill of creating has been replaced by a creeping fear of stagnation. He’s afraid he may have lost his drive to produce value in the future. He's scared that the leadership roles he’s expected to take on will be challenging in ways he no longer has the skill or appetite for.

The pressure to keep climbing the corporate ladder sends shivers down his spine. The drive that propelled him now feels like a foreign language. His soul yearns for something else, but he doesn’t know what. 

He craves the spark of discovery, the thrill of the unknown, not the burden of managing and influencing business leaders.

His success has led to an uncomfortable day of reckoning about who he has become. The chasm between his passion and his paycheck widens with each passing day.

• Could Advik abandon the security he's built and the expectations he's fostered? 

• Could he risk trading comfort for the uncertainties of a new path, one aligned with his true self?

Advik’s gaze drifted back to the cityscape, a tapestry of light and shadow. Abundance, he realized, wasn't just about material possessions. It was about the courage to live authentically, to weave passion into the fabric of his life. 

Perhaps the most significant challenge wasn't escaping scarcity but embracing the abundance within, the courage to redefine success on his terms.

• Who is he meant to be?

• What is his purpose?

• What does he genuinely want now?

Finding purpose and meaning after reaching significant achievements is a challenge. Here are some suggestions and practical examples to help you and Advik navigate this transition and discover a fulfilling path forward.

1. Who are you meant to be?

Understanding who you are meant to be speaks to your core values and strengths. Here are some ways you can connect with them. 

Spend Time in Self-Reflection:

Reach back to a peak moment and allow yourself to relive it fully. Allow any emotion to arise, then ask yourself:

• What made this peak experience so fulfilling for you?

• What values were you honoring at this time? 

• What challenges did you face but enjoy tackling? 

Seek External Perspectives:

Ask for feedback from trusted friends, colleagues, and mentors to share what they see as your strengths, weaknesses, and unique contributions. Your questions for them could be:-

• What qualities or actions do you see me exhibiting when I'm at my best?

• In situations where I could improve, what areas could I focus on developing further?

• What do you think sets me apart from others? 

• What unique perspectives or contributions do I bring to the table?

• Is there anything specific about my communication style, work approach, or overall interaction that you find particularly helpful or effective?

Identify your Superpowers:

Take assessments like the Myers-Briggs Type or Clifton Strengths Finder to gain insights into your natural talents and preferences. My superpowers include being a catalyst for a new way of thinking. I’m an innovative thinker motivated by my vision of a better future for everyone involved. (INFJ). I’m also a people connector and multiplier who builds surprisingly good teams. What are your natural strengths and superpowers?

2. What is your purpose?

Purpose goes beyond individual success; it's about contributing to something larger than yourself. These are some ways you can explore your purpose:

Examine the intersections:

Look for opportunities where your skills and passions intersect with the world's needs. Can you use your creativity to solve society's most pressing problems?

Get a coach:

Work with individuals who have found their purpose, like myself, who can support you on your journey quicker than going alone.

Volunteer:

Commit time to a cause you care about and see the impact you can have beyond your career by sharing your knowledge and experience with others. 

3. What do you want now?

It can be hard to know what you want when your days and nights are filled with work. Optimizing your time for working is unhealthy and unsustainable. Find a way to let the dust settle. Take a break, disconnect, and recharge through travel, nature immersion, or spending quality time with loved ones.

Impact and legacy:

You may be too young to worry about your legacy. When you realize the software you help create won’t be around ten years from now - how will your legacy serve as an example for future generations? What impact do you want to leave on the world? 

Personal fulfillment:

When you are fulfilled, you know what you do matters. You’ve figured out your dreams or ambitions and have found a way to pursue them. Letting go of past events that may have affected you is the first step to making a space for new and better experiences to get in. 

Second, learning to be in the present momentum, not running to the future or living in the past, will bring you peace and calm your mind. 

Lastly, practice self-care in all areas of your life (health, romance, your environment, personal growth, family, friends, money, career, and recreation). It helps you do your job, care for others, and accept that what you do with your life will impact others afuture generations.

💥 The Short Of It

Advik's story resonated deeply with many of us. Reaching significant achievements can bring a sense of accomplishment but leave us questioning our true purpose and yearning for something more. This is not a sign of failure but a powerful opportunity for growth.

Advik is taking the first step - acknowledging the gap between his current path and his inner calling. He actively seeks answers to the crucial question: "Who am I meant to be?" "What is my purpose?" and "What do I genuinely want now?"

This journey of rediscovery is not linear. There will be moments of doubt, fear, and uncertainty. But remember, Advik is not alone. We are all on this quest for meaning, each with a unique story.

That’s it for this week!

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With ❤️ from Sally

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