CEO of R&B (KSA) & Vice President of Apparel Group, with a history of exponential growth in the Southeast Asian & EMEA retail industry.
Self-transcendence involves surpassing our identities and connecting to something larger than ourselves. It is a powerful tool that can help individuals discover meaning and purpose in their lives, even in challenging circumstances. I am thrilled to share my journey of how self-transcendence enabled me to transform my struggles into a sense of purpose.
Self-transcendence can empower business leaders and entrepreneurs to find purpose beyond personal struggles, aligning their actions with a broader vision. In my experience, it can foster empathy, compassion and a focus on societal value creation.
By embracing self-transcendence, leaders can inspire collaboration and inclusivity, enhancing employee engagement and productivity. They can navigate challenges with resilience, transforming setbacks into growth opportunities. I’ve found that pursuing self-transcendence enables transformative leadership, driving long-term sustainability and ethical practices. It empowers leaders to make decisions that benefit employees, customers and society, fostering enduring success and positive impact.
Practice mindfulness.
For me, practicing mindfulness was the first step toward self-transcendence. Meditation helped me become more consciously aware and allowed me to cultivate a sense of presence and connection to the present moment. Focusing on the here and now allowed me to stay grounded and centered, even when faced with difficult circumstances.
Meditation can be practiced in various ways; running is a form of meditation for me. Running teaches me to be more patient and focus on breathing and posture. I think one of our biggest challenges as humans is getting distracted by our competition. However, competition can be liberating as soon as you realize there is no one else but yourself to compete with.
Business leaders can incorporate mindfulness into their daily routine by grounding themselves before starting and ending meetings, practicing mindful pauses between tasks to reset focus and integrating mindful eating and breaks to savor the present moment. Mindfulness practices can cultivate presence, reduce stress and enhance decision making.
Develop your sense of purpose.
Another important step is developing a sense of purpose. When I came to the realization of what my purpose was, I connected with something larger than myself and found meaning in my struggles. This involved setting goals that aligned with my values and finding ways to contribute to my community. By focusing on something larger than myself, I was able to find the motivation and inspiration to overcome my struggles.
In my experience, not knowing the reason behind your actions will lead to the biggest source of disappointment. Sometimes the realization of what your purpose is can occur spontaneously based on specific events. For example, before the Covid-19 pandemic, I was like many other busy executives who dream of retirement in a quiet place. During quarantine, although I enjoyed being close to my family while we were stuck at home, I realized I also found fulfillment in the day-to-day struggles at work more than I ever thought I did. There’s no harm in admitting the “rat race” is fun.
Developing a clear sense of purpose in businesses and our roles requires business leaders to engage in introspection and reflect on their personal values, aligning them with business objectives. I suggest leaders evaluate the impact they aspire to make, focusing on positive change and contributions beyond financial success. Understanding the needs of stakeholders and how your actions can benefit them will also help you identify meaningful goals.
Identify your strengths to channel them toward a purposeful direction. Engage in ongoing dialogue and collaboration to refine the organization’s purpose by incorporating diverse perspectives. This clarity of purpose can inspire meaningful achievements and contributions, guiding the business toward success beyond mere accomplishments.
Cultivate gratitude and strong relationships.
Cultivating gratitude was also key in my self-transcendence journey. When focusing on the positive aspects of your life and expressing gratitude for what you have, you can cultivate a sense of connection and appreciation for the world around you. This can help you to stay positive and focused on your goals, even during difficult times.
Establishing meaningful connections with others also played a pivotal role in my transformative journey of self-discovery. Through nurturing relationships and cultivating a deep sense of empathy and compassion towards those around me, I embarked on a path of self-belonging. I discovered profound significance in my interactions with others. This invaluable connectivity kept me engaged with the world and gave me a profound sense of purpose, elevating the trajectory of my existence.
Make sure to foster an appreciative culture in order to cultivate gratitude and stronger team connections. Regularly recognizing contributions, practicing active listening and empathy and understanding colleagues’ concerns can help you encourage collaboration and personal growth. Prioritize appreciation, empathy and collaboration to create a valued, connected and motivated work environment where individuals contribute their best.
Challenge yourself and embrace the unknown.
Embracing opportunities and trying new things allows us to develop new skills and different perspectives that help us evolve as a person. In my case, this contributed to my personal growth and gave me a sense of accomplishment.
An integral part of the journey toward self-transcendence involves embracing the mysteries of the unknown. I suggest nurturing a sense of openness and curiosity by accepting uncertainty and releasing the desire for control. Stepping into uncharted territory and embracing new challenges can help you to savor novel experiences and gain fresh perspectives, leading to a deeper understanding of your purpose and meaning in life.
Self-transcendence is a personal journey and a different experience for each person. Take time to experiment with different practices and approaches until you find what resonates with you. Following these tips and staying committed to your journey can help turn your struggles into purpose and create a life filled with meaning and fulfillment.
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