The first time that I used a lawn mower was in Scotland.

Coming from Singapore, I never had a garden before so it was a new experience.

It was hard for me having to kill all the flowers (yes I know the locals call them weed but they are so beautiful 😊) so I kept stopping and apologizing to them.

My partner was puzzled as to the length of time I was taking to complete what’s perceived as a simple task.

Till he asked me what challenge I was facing. Here is a great example of unconditional positive regards on his side which we spoke about in a previous Sunshine Inbox at play.

After discovering my great difficulty and reluctance in killing the flowers, we agreed that it was going to be the first and last time that I cut the grass. Instead, watering our plants and flowers plus replanting/ clearing will be my duties.

Job fit which includes alignment to preferences and values is important in ensuring sustainable and joyous work life. In the case of leaders, knowing and deploying this ensures a performing culture and positive individuals.

John was a super hands-on operational guy who always completes his job scope exceedingly well. To reward him for his excellent performance, his management decided to promote him to a leadership position. He was given a desk and now managed a team. He became increasingly unhappy and wasn’t performing as well.

Fortunately for him, his management noticed and had a conversation with him. He returned to being out there on an operational level and continued working happily for the company for many more years.

For us to flourish and be happy at our work places, it will be so useful to understand our core non-negotiables. It is awesome to stretch and learn new things. At the same time, there will be some roles that even if we are super great at it, it just depletes our energy. Cutting the grass was an example.

Another is having to do the same role and routine every day will cause me to wither. I thrive with variety and I speak, consult, coach, write and facilitate in a fair balance.

Being open to understanding yours and if you’re a leader; your team members’ preferences and exploring ways to redesign the role is a useful way to support growth and development.

Knowing your values, your triggers, what energises you, and having the courage to speak up will give you the energy to flourish.

With an abundance of energy to flourish, you can then focus on being a magnet to attract the destiny (outcomes/ goals/ dreams) that you want.

I first heard the phrase ‘Magnet to Your Destiny’ in 2007 from a new acquaintance who soon became a dear friend and mentor. As I continued my journey of discovery, new learnings and change; one theme kept popping up.

The power of compassion as a way to attract even more goodness into one’s life.

It is said that compassion is often seen as the highest state of receivership because it opens the heart and mind to abundance; not just material wealth, but deep connections, opportunities, and fulfilment.

When you act with genuine kindness, you create a flow of positive energy that naturally attracts support, trust, and even unexpected blessings.

Think about it: when someone is truly compassionate, they don’t just give. They also receive in ways they never anticipated. Compassion fosters reciprocity, strengthens relationships, and aligns people with their purpose.

It’s a magnet to destiny because it shifts focus from self-centred ambition to collective growth, which paradoxically leads to greater personal success.

For example, leaders who prioritize compassion over control often find themselves surrounded by loyal teams and unexpected opportunities. Entrepreneurs who build businesses with a heart-centred approach often attract customers who resonate with their mission. Even in personal relationships, those who lead with empathy tend to experience deeper, more meaningful connections.

It’s not just philosophy, science backs it up. Studies show that compassion reduces stress, enhances emotional intelligence, and even rewires the brain for resilience. When you operate from a place of compassion, you’re not just giving. You’re creating an energetic field that draws in the very things you need to fulfil your destiny.

Ancient and timeless wisdom has long emphasized compassion as a force that shapes destiny. Across cultures, spiritual traditions teach that kindness and empathy create a ripple effect, bringing abundance and fulfilment.

The Upanishads: The Upanishads, ancient Hindu scriptures, speak of interconnectedness –how every action influences the universe. They teach that compassion aligns us with our true nature, leading to inner peace and purpose. When we act selflessly, we receive unexpected blessings.

Buddhist Teachings: Buddhism highlights karuna (compassion) as a path to enlightenment. The Dalai Lama often says, “If you want others to be happy, practice compassion. If you want to be happy, practice compassion.” The idea is simple: kindness attracts positive energy, shaping one’s destiny.

Confucianism: Confucius taught ren (benevolence) as the foundation of a harmonious life. He believed that those who act with kindness naturally earn respect, trust, and opportunities. Compassion isn’t just moral: it’s practical wisdom that leads to success.

Another strong magnetic force is that of gratitude. It is just as powerful as compassion as it shifts your mindset, attracts abundance, and aligns you with your destiny. Gratitude isn’t just about saying “thank you”. Like compassion, it’s a magnet for abundance, shaping your destiny in ways you might not expect.

Stoic Philosophy: The Stoics believed that gratitude was key to resilience. They taught that appreciating what you have, even in hardship, creates inner strength and attracts opportunities. Marcus Aurelius, a Roman emperor influenced by Stoicism, practiced daily gratitude to maintain clarity and wisdom.

Hindu Teachings: In Hinduism, gratitude is deeply tied to seva (selfless service). The Bhagavad Gita teaches that when you act with gratitude and devotion, life naturally rewards you. Gratitude isn’t just an emotion; it’s a way to align with the flow of the universe.

Samkhya Philosophy: Ancient Indian philosophy speaks of the gunas; Sattva (purity), Rajas (activity), and Tamas (inertia). Gratitude enhances Sattva, bringing clarity and balance. When you cultivate gratitude, you shift your energy toward abundance and fulfilment.

Native American Wisdom: Many Native American traditions incorporate gratitude into daily life, expressing thanks for nature, community, and spiritual guidance. They believe that gratitude fosters harmony and attracts blessings.

Recently, I met a spiritual teacher who shared with me that the karmic debts that I brought with me to this life are heavy ones. But because I have learnt from a young age especially from being around my grandmas; the importance of gratitude and compassion, these powerful energies have consistently helped me to attract the help that I need. I wasn’t aware of that.

My beautiful grandmas showed me how to think, feel and be compassionate towards others and to have gratitude in spite of what comes our way. It just felt natural trying to be as kind as possible.

I am super grateful that unknowingly, I activated my magnet to attracting my destiny.

What do you think? Have you seen the power of compassion and gratitude play out in your own life?