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Many of us find ourselves oscillating between moments of surrender and the drive to become the best versions of ourselves. It’s a delicate balance, and one that’s beautifully encapsulated in the sentiment, “I surrender and I work to be the best version of myself, for God can use me to the best of me for his Godly need.” This profound statement brings together two seemingly disparate elements: surrendering and striving. By examining the interplay between these forces, we can gain insight into how they can lead to increased productivity, calculated risk-taking, faith, and happiness.

The Art of Surrender

“Surrender” can often be mistaken for passivity or giving up, but in many spiritual traditions, it’s about relinquishing control and allowing a higher power to take the lead. When we surrender, we accept that there’s a bigger plan at work, one that’s often beyond our comprehension.

In the Bhagavad Gita, a seminal text of Hindu philosophy, Lord Krishna advises Arjuna to perform his duty without attachment to the outcome, essentially emphasizing the act of surrendering the results of our actions to the Divine. By doing so, we remove the weight of expectation and the fear of failure, opening ourselves up to experiences and outcomes we might not have foreseen.

Striving for Excellence

At the other end of the spectrum is the drive to be the best version of ourselves. Personal development and self-improvement are laudable goals, leading many to seek continuous growth in their personal and professional lives.

A study conducted by the University of Pennsylvania found that the pursuit of personal growth and self-acceptance correlates strongly with increased well-being. The more we align with our authentic selves and harness our innate talents, the more we find ourselves in the “flow” state, a concept identified by psychologist Mihály Csíkszentmihályi. In this state, we’re fully immersed in our activity, leading to heightened productivity and a sense of fulfillment.

The Divine Interplay

When we meld surrender with the pursuit of excellence, we’re presented with a powerful approach to life. By striving to be our best while understanding that there’s a higher power at play, we align ourselves with a divine purpose, ready to be used for a greater good.

This perspective encourages calculated risk-taking. Knowing that there’s a divine plan at play allows individuals to take chances, secure in the knowledge that they’re guided by a higher force. According to a study in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, those with strong religious faith are often more willing to take calculated risks. Their faith acts as a safety net, providing assurance and confidence.

Faith and Happiness

There’s considerable research suggesting that individuals with strong spiritual or religious beliefs report higher levels of happiness and satisfaction. For instance, a Pew Research Center study found that actively religious people are more likely to describe themselves as “very happy” compared to those who are not affiliated with any religion.

By surrendering and simultaneously striving for personal excellence, we find a deep-seated sense of purpose and joy. We recognize that our efforts are not just for personal gain, but for a purpose that transcends our individual existence.

In Conclusion

The delicate dance between surrendering and striving is a pathway to a life filled with purpose, productivity, and happiness. When we work to be the best version of ourselves while recognizing the divine force at play, we position ourselves to be instruments of a higher power. By integrating these principles into our daily lives, we can foster a sense of faith and fulfillment, driving us towards a future that aligns with our truest, divinely-inspired self.

In Di Tran’s soon-to-be-released book, “Drop the FEAR and focus on the OTHERS”, Tran reflects on an Earl Nightingale quote that has served as a driving force in his life and career: “If you think you can enrich yourself by deluding others, you will find that you are only deluding yourself.”

Known for his deep reflections and profound teaching, Tran frequently emphasizes that he works not for others, but for himself, regardless of his position in a company or the boss he reports to. According to Tran, this mindset enabled him to deliver his best effort under any circumstances. He strongly believes that one’s workplace is an unparalleled learning platform, with opportunities surpassing those offered by acclaimed institutions such as Harvard, Stanford, or MIT.

Echoing Nightingale’s wisdom, Tran asserts, “I never work for anyone else, but self, even when I work in a company.” This maxim does not imply a selfish attitude, but rather a dedication to personal growth and learning. His philosophy proposes that every job in any company is a vast university, providing real-world problems and hands-on experiences that no textbook can equate. These challenges serve as essential stepping stones to co-creation, knowledge development, and ultimately, personal enrichment.

In his forthcoming book, Tran further cements this perspective by proclaiming, “If you have a job today anywhere and in any type of company, that is the best UNIVERSITY there is, even better than Harvard, Stanford, or MIT. It is an actual job, an actual problem with an actual opportunity that you can be hands-on and be part of the solution and fixing.”

For Tran, diluting your effort in your work equates to depriving yourself of the chance to learn and acquire knowledge. By doing so, you sabotage your self-growth and potentially limit your future opportunities. Instead, Tran advises giving 100% at all times because “you earn what you give and that’s the law of nature,” a sentiment that harks back to Nightingale’s insightful quote.

Tran’s reflections serve as a powerful reminder that personal enrichment cannot be achieved through deceit or by undervaluing others. On the contrary, it comes from embracing challenges, seizing opportunities, and dedicating oneself wholly to learning and growth. His insights offer a profound roadmap for all who aspire to rise above mediocrity and strive for excellence.

As we anticipate the release of “Drop the FEAR and focus on the OTHERS,” we can expect more insightful gems from Tran. His experiences and insights promise to inspire readers to transcend their limitations, embrace learning in all its forms, and understand that their career is more than just a job—it’s a university in its own right. The power of this perspective lies in its transformative potential, not only for personal and professional growth but also for the enrichment of those around us. Because, in the end, enriching others is the true path to enriching ourselves.