Follow your purpose, even though you may be far from perfection

An ornate edition of the ‘Bhagavad Gita’ graces my office in our Mumbai HQ. A gift that I have truly cherished over the years. Many who visit me, have marveled at it and it has often been a conversation starter. Sometime ago, while reading the book - Think like a Monk by Jay Shetty, I came across a beautiful verse quoted from the Bhagavad Gita that touched a chord -

"Better to practice your own purpose, or your own calling, or your own life, imperfectly than to impersonate another's perfectly."

So simple and yet at times so difficult to practice. Or is it? During the pandemic, when people restricted their socializing and weren’t scurrying as much, it presented an opportunity to reflect on what makes one truly happy. For many, it was a blessing to have good health and family by their side. Personally for me, I realised the beauty of a simple life; I realized that to be content in life, you actually don’t need much. If you surround yourself with things that truly matter like love, empathy, care, then your passion for life is driven by your purpose.

To acknowledge that this is difficult to achieve is easier said than done. However, if we keep this thought alive in our minds every single day, we would approach situations, conflicts and even look at life differently. It will not only have a positive impact on the interaction but on one’s own state of mind. Probably that of peace. And above all, if it is your purpose that drives you, that single minded focus will drive all your actions.

I see this coming to life almost every day at Cipla. When we are at a crossroads or about to make a difficult decision, our purpose always leads the way.

I hope each one of us finds our own purpose, our own calling and make the most of our talents and skills, for ourselves and for the greater good. Sometimes you find your purpose, and sometimes your purpose finds you. Whichever it may be, I am certain that it will lead to positivity and peace. After all it is what the world needs today. For when you pursue your purpose, you will begin to live, the life you were meant to live, bringing a sense of happiness and fulfillment.

If you can’t figure out your purpose, figure out your passion. For your passion, will lead you right into your purpose. – T. D. Jakes