Exploring Right Livelihood As A Way to Align Wealth With Your Career and Purpose
Let’s get real for a moment. In today’s world, it’s all too easy to get caught up in the daily grind, feeling like we’re just ticking off boxes instead of truly living. Work often feels like a chore, a means to an end, and many of us yearn for something deeper—something that fuels our souls and gives our lives real meaning.
As a holistic wealth coach, I’ve witnessed countless individuals searching for purpose in their careers. I believe that finding this purpose is essential for our personal well-being and is crucial for building wealth in a way that feels authentic. It’s time to ask ourselves some real, juicy questions that can guide us toward a life filled with passion and abundance.
The Four Questions of Purpose
Let’s break it down with four essential questions that can help you discover what makes your heart sing, how to align your career with your core values, and ultimately create a life that feels abundant:
What do you love?
What are you good at?
What does the world need?
What can you get paid for?
These questions aren't just for the sake of intellectual exercise; they’re a roadmap to discovering your purpose.
What Do You Love?
Start here. What lights you up? What makes you feel alive? I want you to dig deep. Think back to those childhood passions that sparked your imagination. For me, the joy of helping others navigate their challenges has been a constant thread in my life.
I remember sitting with friends as a kid, solving their problems like I was their own personal coach. This has always been my jam! If you can identify what truly excites you, you’re already halfway to finding your purpose. Jot down those things, those activities that make time slip away. What do you love doing?
What Are You Good At?
Next up, let’s talk about your strengths. What are you naturally good at? This isn’t just about what you’ve learned; it’s about recognizing your unique talents. Sometimes, we’re our own worst critics, dismissing the things that come easily to us as not special.
For instance, I’ve always had a knack for organization and strategy. I was the go-to friend who made plans and kept everyone on track. Recognizing this skill was a game-changer for me in my coaching business. So, take a moment to reflect on your strengths. What are the unique gifts you bring to the table?
What Does the World Need?
Now, let’s consider the bigger picture. What does the world need that you can provide? This question connects your passions and skills to the needs of society.
When we talk about Right Livelihood from the Buddha’s teachings, it’s essential to ensure that our work contributes positively to the world. Reflect on the problems that resonate with you. What are the issues that make your heart ache?
For me, it’s about empowering women to build wealth and confidence in their finances. We live in a world that often underestimates women’s financial power, and I’m on a mission to change that narrative. By addressing these societal needs, we can align our careers with a greater purpose, creating meaningful impact.
What Can You Get Paid For?
Finally, we have the all-important question: What can you get paid for? While this might seem like the most pressing question, it’s vital to approach it after you’ve contemplated the previous three.
You may find that your passions and skills align beautifully with what the world needs, but can you make a living doing it? Sometimes, this takes a bit of creativity. As I embarked on my journey as a coach, I discovered multiple income opportunities—coaching, consulting, creating online content.
Explore potential career paths that align with your strengths and passions. You’d be amazed at how many ways you can monetize what you love.
The Noble Eightfold Path and Right Livelihood
Now that we’ve explored these four questions, let’s delve deeper into the Noble Eightfold Path, specifically the fifth aspect—Right Livelihood. This principle is a game-changer in how we view our careers.
Right Livelihood
Right Livelihood means pursuing work that is ethical, beneficial, and does not cause harm to others. The Buddha taught that engaging in harmful trades can lead to negative consequences, not just for those affected but also for our own spiritual and emotional well-being.
Let’s be honest: we all need to make a living. But it’s crucial to consider the impact of our work. Here are some examples of harmful trades to avoid:
Dealing in weapons - Working in industries that promote violence goes against the very core of compassion.
Dealing in living beings - This includes professions that exploit animals or humans. This violates the principle of kindness and respect for life.
Dealing in meat - Professions that harm sentient beings can lead to disconnection from our spiritual selves.
Dealing in intoxicants - Promoting addiction harms not only individuals but also society as a whole.
Dealing in poisons - Working with harmful substances directly contradicts healing and compassion.
By steering clear of these harmful trades, we can ensure our work aligns with our values, contributing positively to the world and to our own sense of purpose.
Discovering Your "Why"
After reflecting on these questions and principles, you should have a clearer understanding of your passion and purpose. But let’s take it a step further: connect all this to your "Why." Your "Why" is your guiding light, the reason behind your actions and decisions.
Think about what drives you at your core. What motivates you to get out of bed every morning? For me, my "Why" is helping others find their path to financial empowerment and emotional well-being. When I’m connected to my "Why," it fuels my passion and purpose in my work.
Reflecting on Childhood Passions
Here’s a thought: What did you love doing as a child? Take a moment to reconnect with those memories. Did you love painting? Playing sports? Solving puzzles? The things we were drawn to in our youth can offer clues about our true passions today.
Overcoming Societal Expectations
Here’s the kicker: society often conditions us to believe that certain professions are superior to others. We’re led to chase jobs that promise financial stability or societal approval. But I challenge you to ask yourself: What truly matters to me?
Money is essential, but it shouldn’t dictate your happiness. You can find joy and fulfillment regardless of your income level. In my life, I’ve found that when I focus on what I love and what aligns with my values, abundance follows.
The Role of Money in Happiness
Let’s get one thing straight: money can enhance your quality of life, but it isn’t the sole source of happiness. Even in your dream job, there will be days when you feel unfulfilled. It’s crucial to recognize this reality and prioritize the emotional and spiritual aspects of your life.
In my own experience, I’ve learned that any work I do must light me up. I refuse to take on opportunities that don’t resonate with my values or make me feel good. So ask yourself, does your current work light you up? If not, it’s time to reassess.
There Has To Be The Right Energetic Alignment
When you’re working in a role that aligns with your values and passions, you’ll feel naturally energized and motivated. Here’s the thing: it’s all about saying “yes” energetically to opportunities that resonate with you.
Check in with yourself. How do you feel about your current job? If you’re feeling stuck or unfulfilled, it’s time to explore new avenues. You deserve to create a career that brings you joy.
Make More Conscious Career Choices
Now, I get it. Sometimes you need to take a job just to pay the bills. But that doesn’t mean you should lose sight of your dreams. Regularly check in with yourself and ask: What do I want? What is my "Why?" Keeping these questions at the forefront of your mind will help you stay aligned with your true self.
Don’t Be A Desperate Debbie
Desperation is a real beast. Many people find themselves in situations where they feel like they need to take any job, no matter the consequences. But let me tell you: that desperation can lead to poor choices that don’t serve your long-term goals.
When you’re in a state of desperation, it’s essential to step back and reassess. Yes, you may need to take temporary jobs to pay the bills, but ensure you're spending your time and energy wisely.
Seeking Fulfillment in Your Work
Ultimately, it’s essential to seek fulfillment in your work. You deserve to create a career that resonates with your values and passions. If you’re feeling lost or stuck, I encourage you to seek guidance. Finding purpose at the intersection of wealth and career is a journey worth embarking on. By reflecting on your passions, strengths, societal needs, and financial opportunities, you can uncover a path that feels authentic and aligned with your true self.
Remember, the teachings of the Noble Eightfold Path and the avoidance of harmful trades can only enhance your journey toward fulfillment.
Comment below and let me know your thoughts! Be sure to check out my YouTube channel for the video version of this blog post and if you're ready to take your financial wellness journey to the next level, then look below for additional coaching services and resources that can help you build lasting wealth and abundance.
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