Life is Purposeful, Not Easy
It has been a while since I last wrote a blog. Today is the 25th of October, 2024, and we’ve just celebrated Deepavali. So much has happened in such a short period, and while it can feel overwhelming at times, I find myself excited and energized—physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. Why? Because my life is driven by purpose.
Life is tough. In fact, it’s incredibly challenging, but that’s exactly what makes it meaningful. We do not seek an easy life. An easy life, full of expectations of comfort, will ultimately lead to dissatisfaction. Expecting life to be easy is a sure path to misery. Instead, we should expect life to be purposeful.
No matter how simple or privileged our lives may seem, challenges always arise. Consider this: We have food on the table and a roof over our heads, yet life still feels tough. Meanwhile, in other parts of the world, children live in constant fear, not knowing what the next moment will bring or if their families will remain intact. Life is unpredictable and fragile, but purpose gives us direction.
For instance, imagine someone born and raised in Malaysia but celebrating holding a Filipino passport. Imagine the joy of an undocumented child finally receiving the documentation that grants them an identity and a future. If I were to have my Malaysian passport replaced with another country’s, it would be distressing. Yet for someone else, this change can be a moment of overwhelming gratitude and relief.
The reality is that even when life is “easy,” we can easily lose sight of our blessings. It’s human nature to focus on what’s wrong instead of appreciating what’s right. That’s why it’s crucial to live with purpose. As we pursue excellence and progression, we must not allow those pursuits to overshadow our values or turn us into people we don’t want to become.
Recently, I’ve had the privilege of working with business owners. As a strategy coach, I help entrepreneurs gain clarity in their businesses and provide strategies to scale ventures that matter. My passion, however, is as an edupreneur—someone dedicated to creating meaningful educational institutions. Education is not limited to schools; it can extend to any field, from technology to hospitality. Meeting entrepreneurs who are talented yet lost has made me realize that many pursue excellence without finding true purpose.
What is Purpose?
Purpose is greater than ourselves. It involves growth and progression, but it’s not solely about personal achievement. It’s about being equipped to contribute to something far bigger than ourselves. True purpose continues long after we are gone. The real death is not the day we stop breathing, but the day our impact ceases.
I often reflect on this: What is the impact I am leaving behind? If today were my last day, how would I feel about the legacy I’ve created? As long as my impact endures, a part of me will continue to live. I measure my life not by years, but by the influence I leave on others. That influence spreads from the people I directly impact to those they go on to affect, creating a ripple effect that extends far beyond my immediate reach.
Purpose Brings Hope
I recently learned that a young undocumented Malaysian girl received her Filipino passport, bringing her family overwhelming joy. Having a bank account was once an unattainable dream for them. While many of us complain about banking systems, this family could only dream of such privileges. We take so much for granted, yet to them, this milestone represents hope and possibility.
When I was asked if Stellar would consider employing this young lady, I didn’t hesitate. I saw in her an opportunity to be an icon of hope for others who are undocumented. It’s moments like these that remind me of the purpose-driven path we are on—to impact lives and create change, one person at a time.
Abraham Lincoln once stood against slavery, a pivotal moment in history. But what about now? Have we done anything to challenge the injustices of our time? Purpose is about standing up for what’s right, even when it’s uncomfortable or difficult. Each of us has the power to create history and make lasting change, but it requires the courage to act.
Purpose and Parenting
This reflection extends into my role as a father. Recently, I’ve faced challenges with my son, who struggles with resilience and discipline. Like many children of this generation, he craves instant gratification and becomes easily frustrated. It’s a reflection of our fast-paced, technology-driven world. But I’ve come to realize that these challenges are not unique—they’re opportunities for growth, both for him and for me.
I’ve also learned that resilience cannot be bought with comfort. Giving our children everything they want does not build strength. On the contrary, adversity builds character. We must strike a balance between providing for them and allowing them to face challenges that foster resilience.
Purpose in Leadership
As I reflect on my journey, I recognize that true leadership starts with self-growth. Before we can help others, we must first ensure that we are mentally, emotionally, physically, and spiritually healthy. Then, we extend that care to our families—our spouses and children—ensuring that they are thriving under our leadership.
Beyond our families, we look to our teams and communities. Is the community better because of our presence? Leadership isn’t about being in the spotlight; it’s about empowering others to shine brighter, as defined by Stellar’s core belief.
I recently spoke with our head chef, whose life motto is to bring joy to those around him. His positive energy makes others look forward to coming to work. His impact may seem small, but it’s significant. It’s a reminder that purpose doesn’t always have to involve grand gestures—sometimes it’s about being a positive presence in someone’s day.
In conclusion, purpose is about impact. Whether we are guiding a company, raising a family, or simply showing kindness, every action contributes to a greater legacy. As a leader, a father, and an educator, I strive to create a meaningful and lasting impact on the people around me. My purpose is to help others grow, and I will continue to use my experiences and wisdom to do so.
The beauty of purpose is that it extends beyond ourselves. It’s about planting seeds today that will continue to grow, long after we are gone. This is what drives me, and this is the reflection I leave with you today.
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