The little fellow's puddle!

"I know very well all those things that I DON'T want to do, but... can't figure out, what I really want to do?"

How many times have you heard this statement? How many people? 

More importantly, what to do?

So, first, the path of easiest entry:

Do whatever you enjoy... 

For example: this little fellow in the picture below and his puddle of free flowing water! Simply paradise! 😊

Therefore, first path: Move as per your raw instincts and get into anything that you feel shall bring you instant joy. Sheer joy!

Mind you, this is the path of easiest entry, which will surely bring some short-term fun, however, then eventually shall land you into some big trouble as well.

For instance, what do you feel shall be this little fellow's mother's reaction on seeing him enjoy his splash with the gutter water? Besides, he may actually catch some serious infection.

Nevertheless, this is the path of easiest entry. It shall surely bring some short-lived entertainment, which shall though necessarily be followed by some serious trouble and once you get trapped in that, then you shall automatically start thinking in a different manner!

This is how most people learn in this world. Your own sorry situation then shall show you what you may truly be wanting to do.

Read ahead and this point shall get further clarified...

Second Path - The most difficult one!

This option is similar to crossing a river with the help of a boat. (See figure below)

Every individual, in their life, has some obligatory or mandatory works. 

For example: obligatory work of a student would be to try do their best in their studies.

Hence, if feeling confused about what you should be actually doing in life, then, simply focus on the work at hand; that would mean, say in case of a student - study with your most sincere effort. Similarly, as suitable, for other people.

This sincere effort in your obligatory or mandatory work shall gradually on its own bring you the insight on what you may truly be wanting to do or must do in your life. This transformation happens very silently almost like magic. The only thing required is to keep enough faith.

The virtues of obligatory works have been explained in its complete detail in Bhagavad Gita as well.

Ideas such as - "work is worship" or sayings such as, "as you sow, so shall you reap", originate from this concept only.

The basic premise here is that - truly sincere people eventually find a way to build their destiny.

This is not some hypothetical theory, instead there have been several such success stories.

The founder of ISCKON, Sri Prabhupada was an accountant for his whole life. It was after his retirement that he got blessings from the universe to start the ISCKON movement.

Amrish Puri, the famous Bollywood villain worked in a Government organization and did weekend theater for years before finding fame in cinema.

Boman Irani, too has a similar story.

Chef Pankaj Bhadouria would be another similar case.

In business world also there have been several such stories. In sports too, as you would note, in golf, several successful golfers were originally, mere caddies.

Therefore, this option works very well, provided one has the strength to be truly sincere to whatever work or opportunity life may have presented to them at any given moment.

Naturally, this is a difficult path since it may demand elephentine patience.

Therefore, let's now speak of a middle path...

Meaning, the one that may neither be too long nor be demanding unimaginable patience!

Ask yourself - what excites you?

Whatever that is, think now, how it can be made meaningful.

Once, you can build a meaningful statement around whatever you find exciting, then simply go after it!

Give it your 100%.

I shall quote here 3 real-life examples from among the people I have known over the years.

Case 1:

Several decades ago, a son who was rather friendly with his father, confided in him that he felt excited by knives! If given a choice, he would want to carry one all the time, the way crooks, robbers and thugs were shown carrying them in the movies. 😊

The father smiled and gave son an homework. The son was to go around and find out all such people who used knives legally as part of their daily life.

A few days later, the son returned with a short list - butchers, chefs & cooks and surgeons!

The father then said that you could choose to be anyone of them to let yourself, legally and respectfully, fulfill your passion! 

That day onwards, the boy got truly serious with biology, physics and chemistry; cleared medical entrance after class 12th and subsequently went on to become an exceptional surgeon.

Though, it's another story now that his current professional fame has more to do with non-invasive surgery. 😊

Case 2:

A young man took a year off after graduation to figure out what he wanted to do with his life. Having interest in playing guitar, he began learning playing the instrument.

Certainly, his thoughts went against the wishes of his family; nevertheless, promised his parents that he would join MBA in the subsequent year. 

Thereafter, for one year, he practiced guitar truly hard. For this purpose had located the most suitable teacher after detailed research.

A year later, went on to join MBA, as promised. Played guitar in the college fests. As did also into a few jobs that he kept for a few years.

Now teaching guitar full-time to others as well as composing music for short-films and theater.

Case 3:

A middle aged man ashamed of his drinking habit decided to transform himself. Not only turned sober himself, but also, set up what is now, one of the country's finest and most successful de-addiction centres.

Thus, whatever excites you, can be turned into a meaningful opportunity, with a little pragmatic thinking and your willingness to give it your 100%.

Now, finally... the worst case scenarios...

Problem 1: Multiple things excite me!

Answer: Pick one. Take help of a teacher or coach, for the purpose, if required.

Problem 2: Nothing excites me!

Answer: Go and speak to a qualified clinical psychologist. 

Problem 3: Only Bad Things excite me!

Answer: We have already discussed a few cases above in the write-up of this order. Thus, if needed, take help of someone duly experienced to help you build a meaningful expression around your natural source of excitement.

Problem 4: Can't give my 100%.

Answer: Then simply learn to be satisfied with what you have. 

You may try learning yoga, meditation, Bhagavad Gita, etc. These shall help you improve your internal composure.

Although godforbid... please don't stand in the path of those who may be trying to offer their 100% to their chosen objective!

Conclusion:

I don't think that I can make it any further simpler. So now, here onwards, it's your life, your mind, your choice.

However, if still needing support in the matter, then please feel free to call me. Although, please don't expect any free counselling. 🙏😊

Therefore, on that note: 3 Final Points:

1. Every individual has the power to find a truly meaningful opportunity for themselves within their given resources, situation and talents in life.

2. This confusion: "I don't know what to do..." may come to an individual at any stage in life. Thus, it can be with youngsters, middle-aged as well as elders alike.

3. Finally, if this question is not suitably addressed, then the situations arising there upon shall certainly bring, only plight.

This is the truth. Beyond this, it's an individual's choice.