Goal Setting for Spiritual Growth: Aligning Your Work and Spiritual Life for Greater Productivity
Volume 23, Chapter VII, Number 025
Hello!
This Week’s One Great Thing: Goal Setting for Spiritual Growth: Aligning Your Work and Spiritual Life for Greater Productivity
The beginning of my journey into the realm of spirituality was nothing short of a roller-coaster. There were times when I felt like I was floating centred in a sea of peace, and other times when I felt like I was tumbling through a never-ending cascade and wave of questions and angst. But one thing that became apparent quickly was that my work life and spiritual life were, like two parallel lines, never meeting.
It was as if I had two separate selves: the professional self and the spiritual self, and I felt torn between the two. That's when I realised something needed to change. I needed to find a way to blend these two parts of my life, to make them work together in harmony and integrity.
Now, I'm not saying it was easy. It wasn't. But by setting goals for spiritual growth and aligning these goals with my work life, I found a balance that I never thought possible. And I want to share with you how you can do the same.
Let's start with goal setting. It's cognitively simple enough, right? Decide what you want to achieve and set a plan in motion to make it happen.
But when it comes to spirituality, it's not so straightforward. Spirituality is personal, it's deep, it's psycho-emotional. So oftentimes, setting goals for spiritual growth isn't about reaching for tangible outcomes. Instead, it's about cultivating a particular state of being. It's about growth, understanding, and self-realisation. It might be as simple as striving for inner peace, or being a better contemplative, or being more grounded and patient.
Once you have your spiritual goals in mind, the next step is to align them with your work life. Now, this might sound tricky, especially if you're in a job that doesn't exactly scream 'spirituality.' But here's where the lesser-known advice comes in: it's not about what you do; it's about how you do it.
Remember, spirituality is a state of being, and you can cultivate this state no matter what your external circumstances are. I borrow from Ignatian Spirituality’s concept of Contemplatives-in-Action, where action and contemplation are seen as an infinite loop happening in the every day.
For instance, if one of your spiritual goals is to cultivate a sense of calm and tranquility, you can incorporate this into your work life by creating a serene and peaceful workspace, or by taking short breaks throughout the day to practice mindfulness. I do this by starting the day with a guided meditation from youtube or spotify. I make sure to create a peaceful environment by keeping my desk clean and clutter-free (you should see how I obsessively hide wires away from my desk!). I also take regular breaks to go for a walk outside and connect with nature.
Another way to align your work and spiritual life is by bringing intention and mindfulness to your tasks. Whether you're answering emails, attending meetings, or working on a project, approach each task with a sense of awareness and purpose. This can transform mundane work into a meaningful and spiritual practice. I do this by praying a rote prayer (in my tradition it’s an Our Father, or a Hail Mary) WHILE I’m checking my email. The prayer doesn’t distract me, rather it keeps me focused on what’s happening, and infuses the event with purpose.
Furthermore, finding opportunities for growth and learning within your work can also enhance your spiritual journey. Seek out projects or tasks that align with your values and allow you to contribute to a higher purpose. This can help you feel more connected to your work and bring a sense of fulfilment and spiritual nourishment.
Similarly, if you're aiming for greater understanding, you can bring this into your work by taking the time to understand your colleagues, your clients, or the mission of your organization at a deeper level. You can have coffee with a colleague and ask deeper questions - questions that go beyond work.
Or if your spiritual goal revolves around kindness or compassion, look for opportunities in your work day to show these qualities. Even a simple act like offering to help a stressed-out colleague or showing understanding to a difficult client can be steps toward your spiritual growth.
So, you see, it's possible to align your work and spiritual life. It doesn't mean you have to quit your job and retreat to a Zen monastery (although, if that's your calling, more power to you!). It just means you need to find ways to infuse your spiritual goals into your everyday work life.
You might need to get creative. You might need to try different things to see what works. But in the end, you'll find a balance that not only makes you more productive but also feeds your soul. You'll see that your work life and spiritual life, instead of being two separate entities, can complement and enhance each other. And this, my friends, is where real growth happens.
Once you have found that balance between your work and spiritual life, you will begin to experience greater productivity and fulfilment. You will no longer feel torn between the two aspects of your life, but rather, they will work in harmony to support and nourish each other.
Remember, setting goals for spiritual growth is a personal and introspective process. It's not about achieving external milestones, but rather, it's about cultivating a deeper sense of self and connection with the world around you. It's not a race. It's not about who gets there faster. It's a personal journey. So, take your time, be patient, and enjoy the process. Because the journey itself is just as important as the destination.
To wrap it up, don't be afraid to dream big when it comes to your spiritual goals. Don't be afraid to strive for growth, patience, understanding, and inner peace. But also don't forget to ground these lofty ideals in your everyday life. After all, as the Zen proverb goes, "Before enlightenment, chop wood, carry water. After enlightenment, chop wood, carry water."
In other words, spiritual growth and everyday life are not separate. They are one and the same.
So, chop your wood, carry your water, do your work. But do it with mindfulness, with compassion, with a sense of calm. And see how your work and spiritual life can come together to create something beautiful. Because, at the end of the day, that's what it's all about: creating a life that's not just productive, but meaningful and spiritually fulfilling too.
And remember, you're not alone in this. We're all in this together, striving for growth, for understanding, for peace. So, let's support each other. Let's learn from each other. And let's grow together. After all, we're all just walking each other home.
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More Great Stuff:
How the American Dream Convinces Us That Loneliness is Normal
This article highlights how the pursuit of the American Dream can contribute to feelings of loneliness and emphasizes the need to reevaluate societal values to prioritize social connections and combat loneliness.
- The American Dream perpetuates the idea that individual success and achievement are the ultimate goals, leading people to prioritize personal goals over social connections.
- This emphasis on individualism and material success can result in feelings of loneliness and isolation, as people prioritize their own ambitions and neglect the importance of social relationships.
- The article argues that it is crucial to challenge the notion that loneliness is a normal part of pursuing the American Dream and instead prioritize building meaningful connections and community support.
This is one of those really deep spiritual discussions disguised as a discussion on work.
- The article challenges the perception that moving or changing jobs is a sign of failure, arguing that it can actually be a positive and necessary step for personal and professional growth.
- Moving or changing jobs allows individuals to explore new opportunities, learn new skills, and find a better fit for their talents and interests.
- Robin Rendle -- the author -- also emphasises the importance of prioritising personal happiness and fulfillment over societal expectations or the fear of being perceived as unstable.
- The article encourages individuals to embrace change and view it as a valuable experience that can lead to personal and professional development.
- Moving or changing jobs should be seen as a proactive decision to pursue opportunities rather than a negative reflection of one's capabilities or circumstances.
Ok! Now pause, get yourself to a window, look up to the sky, smile, and have a great day! Look forward to send you another letter next week!
☕ eric santillan