This monk never owned a Ferrari. Although he probably could, as he's the author of the worldwide best seller, The Monk Who Sold His Ferrari, and one of North America's most sought-after professional speakers.
Robin Sharma may not be an actual Monk, he is full of wisdom -- wisdom that has helped thousands of people find richer, more satisfying and more successful lives.
Sharma came to Toronto from Nova Scotia in 1990 with two law degrees and thoughts of becoming a professor.
But, after five years with the provincial Department of Justice, the compact-framed Cape Breton native was feeling dissatisfied and empty.
He was looking for answers to questions such as: What makes good leaders? What's at the heart of happiness? Why were he and many others feeling restless and frustrated? Sharma turned to books on wisdom of the ages, philosophy and personal development to find answers.
His research resulted in his first book, Mega Living. Self-published at Kinko's on Bloor St., it was a moderate success. Next came the book on the monk, again self-published and moderately successful. But this time luck was on his side.
While signing the mere three copies of his book at a Chapters in Toronto, he caught the attention of a shopper. That shopper was the president of HarperCollins publishing -- and the rest is history.
Sharma, 37, claims it's more than just luck. "When you do deep thinking and open yourself up to possibilities in your life, the world sends you wonderful opportunities."
The key is getting on to your life's path. "The more you're on your path, the more serendipity, or synchronicity that's possible," he said.
He not only preaches living your purpose -- he practises it. According to Marnie Ballane, an employee at Sharma Leadership, "Everything Robin does is about purpose. He's always thinking, always evolving and always striving to be better."
Theoretically, anyone can achieve a life/career full of satisfaction and serendipity.
Although everyone's path is different, there are common approaches to getting on it. These are some of the practices that Sharma recommends:
Link your paycheque to your purpose. Find what you love to do and then find a way to get paid for it.
Consciously surround yourself with great and interesting people.
Get an early start to the day.
Begin each day with a personal planning session. "I spend an hour first thing in the morning visualizing, journaling, or meditating to set myself up for success in that day."
Take at least one risk every day.
Surrender to change and see it as opportunity and possibility.
Read. "One idea from one book can transform your life."
Develop a fitness routine that includes a healthy diet.
Spend time at the end of each week reflecting on how you lived that week. How did you treat your friends, colleagues, boss, spouse, kids, etc? Recognize the truly exceptional acts or experiences from that week.
Investing in yourself in the ways described will make you better off personally, more marketable and desirable as an employee, and a better leader.
When asked, do you believe you can make money and be happy at the same time? Sharma replied, "Yes, absolutely. As a matter of fact, when you stop worrying about making the sale and worry more about creating value, that's when you create the sale."
And whether you call it more sales, wins, or successes it all translates into more abundance. Sharma is living proof of that.
Although the Monk in his book sells his Ferrari, Sharma says you don't have to. What someone owns is irrelevant when it comes to happiness.
"We live in an abundant world. The key to satisfaction is linking what you do to your life's purpose. If you think it's about accumulating things, you are in for an awakening."
And besides, ever try to meditate in a Ferrari? The seats are way too uncomfortable.
For further information on leadership, navigating change and transformation, check out www.robinsharma.com
(Ellen Goldhar is manager, people development at Sun Media Corporation, Canada's second largest newspaper publishing company. Send questions and comments to ellen.goldhar@tor.sunpub.com.)
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