Working and Living Purposefully

Dear Yogesh,

How do I create purpose in the running of my business?

Sincerely,
Tushar

Dear Tushar,

Your question is insightful, and it could apply to more than just business—it could relate to many areas of life, from marriage and career to personal growth. At its core, what you’re really facing is a focus challenge, not necessarily a business challenge. If you’re asking us, then it’s likely that you’re feeling overwhelmed, perhaps even stressed or frustrated. However, there’s a deeper concern: the possibility of creating a life and business that no longer aligns with your values and long-term goals. This is the bigger issue you need to address.

I can relate to feeling misaligned in life. Over a decade ago, I was stuck in an unfulfilling job, deep in debt, unhealthy, and disconnected from my true desires. This wasn’t the life I wanted, but somehow, I had veered off track. I had to refocus, and in doing so, I realized that the same principles could help me focus not just on life but on my business. Here are the steps that helped me then, and they can help you now:

1. Listen to Yourself

Everyone has an inner voice—call it your intuition, your muse, or whatever resonates with you. The key is to listen. As Martin Luther King Jr. said, “Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter.” This applies not only to speaking out on social issues but to our inner struggles: the voice that says, “I don’t have time,” or “That will never work,” or “I’ll get to it later.” How often do we silence the ideas that could improve our lives and businesses?

To shift your focus, you need to start paying attention to those quiet nudges, the ideas that may seem insignificant at first. These could be the very things that help you transition from working in your business to working on it.

2. Change Your Environment

You likely already use various tools like calendars, apps, and emails to manage your day-to-day tasks. But if you’re feeling stuck, it may be because these tools aren’t helping you capture and prioritize the ideas that matter most.

When I started to change my life, I found that taking notes in a pocket-sized notebook helped me capture thoughts and ideas in a way that wasn’t drowned out by distractions. I changed my wardrobe to always carry the notebook with me, so it became a constant reminder to jot down ideas, reflections, and plans. You don’t have to do this exact thing, but assess your methods for capturing thoughts. If your current system isn’t working, try something new. A small change in how you organize your space or tools could make a huge difference.

3. Say Yes to Your Ideas

Once you start listening to your ideas, the next step is to act on them. For me, this meant saying yes to things like going back to school to study philosophy and starting to write, even though those ideas seemed unrealistic at the time. But saying yes to these ideas led to actions like enrolling in college and starting a blog.

When you say yes to your ideas, you’re affirming your values and giving them space to grow. These small acts will build momentum and help you develop new, actionable steps for your business. The key is to move forward—whether that’s registering for a course, scheduling a meeting with a mentor, or simply dedicating time to reflect on your business goals.

4. Say No to Distractions

To say yes to your dreams and goals, you have to say no to the things that aren’t aligned with them, even if those things seem important in the moment. Saying no can be uncomfortable, especially when it involves turning down people or opportunities you care about.

One helpful approach is to remind yourself that every no is also a yes. For instance, saying no to a meeting or request might mean you can say yes to working on your business or reading that book you’ve been putting off. This is what’s known as JOMO—the joy of missing out. Instead of feeling anxious about what you might be missing, embrace the opportunity to focus on what truly matters.

You can also visualize how saying no to less important tasks will lead you to a more fulfilling business and life. This mental exercise can help you make decisions more confidently and create space for what truly matters.

5. Stay Committed, Even When Results Are Unclear

This process isn’t a quick fix, and you won’t always know exactly what to do next. Sometimes you’ll have clear steps to follow, and other times, you’ll be taking a leap of faith. While you can’t control outcomes, you can control the effort and attention you put into your goals. Even though I didn’t write the great philosophical novel I once imagined, I still gave it my best effort—and that’s the key.

In essence, your path forward is about two things: getting clear on what you want to achieve and making daily decisions that align with that vision. The outcomes won’t always be immediate, but with consistent effort, you’ll find your way.

I hope these thoughts help you focus on the things that will bring you closer to your goals. Keep giving your best, and the results will follow.

Best regards,

Yogesh