The Seven Spiritual Laws of Success and The Soul of Leadership
Deepak Chopra is known as an authority on mind-body health and spiritual wellbeing. Superficially, his work may seem unrelated to business. However, his books The Seven Spiritual Laws of Success, and more recently, The Soul of Leadership, are finding their way onto the bookshelves of countless professionals who find his advice both inspiring and elevating. And did we say lucrative?
Purpose
In his book, The Seven Spiritual Laws of Success, Deepak Chopra describes finding one’s life purpose as the seventh spiritual law. “You have a talent that is unique in its expression, so unique that there’s no one else alive on this planet that has that talent, or that expression of that talent… When you’re doing that one thing, you lose track of time” (98).
You are drawn to that which you are good at, and you lose track of time when you find your passion. This charge to pursue your passion is one of seven spiritual laws Chopra suggests we follow in order to achieve true success—a great guide in establishing one’s professional career. For example, if you’re good at numbers, than you likely work in an occupation that allows you to demonstrate that talent. But are you completely fulfilled in the manifestation of your life purpose, or do you wish to change direction, alter your focus, or become your own boss? Having the freedom to do what you like, when and how you like to do it, affords you the luxury of getting lost in your work.
In addition to this final law, called The Law of ‘Dharma’ or Purpose in Life, Chopra defines six other laws that are definitely worth studying and can enhance your approach to business:
1. The Law of Pure Potentiality2. The Law of Giving3. The Law of Karma (or Cause and Effect)4. The Law of Least Effort5. The Law of Intention and Desire6. The Law of Detachment
Leadership
His more recent book, The Soul of Leadership, which was published at the close of 2010, is written for the entrepreneurial minded, helping professionals start and launch businesses of their own. In an interview for Entrepreneur.com, Chopra explains, “I’ve written about physical well-being, emotional well-being, social well-being. And I just thought it was finally important to address business and organizational well-being because the long-term financial success of any business depends on its health and how it’s functioning.”
Chopra explains that an entrepreneur’s single most important goal should be to create a vision for their business’s success, and then work to make that vision a reality. Truly successful leaders, therefore, are able to articulate not only the vision, but their enthusiasm for that vision and the team’s ability to accomplish it. Thankfully, individuals can evolve into good leaders. Chopra says, “Leaders are not born that way. Circumstance, context, history, culture and precise timing bring out the leader… Among the many, there are always one or two people who realize the opportunity and their potential. We all have the potential. We all may not have the desire. If you don’t have the desire, then you’re not a born leader. Inherent in the desire is the potential for leadership.”
These two books are a great resource in establishing a healthy emotional/spiritual foundation for your business. If you’re looking for other valuable resources in establishing a healthy financial foundation, consider the following two books:
In the Black—Written by Universal president and CEO, Allen Bostrom, this book will guide you in effectively increasing your clients’ profitability using improved accounting and business metrics – a must for organizations of any size. Are you In the Black?
Red to Black in 30 Days—The recession is hitting small businesses hard, and many are failing right and left. Red to Black in 30 Days, also written by Allen Bostrom, will teach you the Universal Project Management Model, enabling you to help save failing businesses. Using this valuable book as your guide, you can add turnaround services to your offerings. Buy your copy today.
Resources
Chopra, Deepak. The Seven Spiritual Laws of Success. San Rafael: Amber-Allen, 1994.
Ransom, Diana. “Deepak Chopra on the Entrepreneurial Soul.” 16 February 2011 Entrepreneur.com