Cada uno tiene su propio reloj para encontrar su lugar en el mundo | Daniel Bonifaz | TEDxLima

Summary

In this emotional narrative, Daniel Bonifaz recounts his transformative journey of self-discovery and finding purpose. At 24, disillusioned after leaving the seminary, he grappled with existential questions and a sense of lost time. Inspired by Viktor Frankl's teachings, Daniel embarked on a three-step path: self-knowledge, responsibility, and generosity. Through small actions, reading, and nurturing relationships, he gradually uncovered his vocation – sharing knowledge to simplify complexities. His story encourages embracing personal growth timelines and recognizing life's challenges as opportunities for self-realization.

Takeaways

• 😇 Don't be overly harsh on yourself for past decisions or perceived wasted time; have self-compassion and embrace your journey.
• 🔍 Self-knowledge through genuine curiosity about oneself and openness to feedback from others is essential for personal growth.
• 🎯 Take responsibility for your actions, as they reflect and shape your identity - make choices aligned with who you want to be.
• 🥇 Small, consistent actions can lead to big changes; focus on building helpful habits rather than relying solely on motivation.
• 👐 Generosity and contributing to others is paradoxically the path to finding your true purpose and fulfillment.
• ⏱️ Respect your own timeline; comparisons to others' paces are unhelpful - your journey unfolds at its own rhythm.
• 🧭 Difficult experiences that feel like knots can eventually untangle and reveal their purpose when you embrace self-knowledge, responsibility, and generosity.
• 🙏 Reframe perceived setbacks with gratitude, as they have shaped you into who you are today.
• 💡 Read books like 'Man's Search for Meaning' to gain perspective on maintaining inner freedom amid external challenges.
• 🌳 Be patient and trust that living by these principles will ultimately lead you to discover your unique path and vocation.

Q & A

What was Daniel's experience when he left the seminary at the age of 24?

Daniel went through a crisis when he left the seminary at 24. He felt lost, unsure of what he wanted in life and his place in the world after spending 6 years studying to be a priest. He had to start university from scratch while his peers were more advanced in their careers.

What was the moment that made Daniel break down in tears?

Daniel recalls coming home one night at 11 pm after working as a replacement driver for a security company. He felt stuck, not making any progress, and unsure of his purpose in life after spending 6 years studying to be a priest. This existential crisis made him break down in tears outside his home, questioning why God made him waste 6 years of his life.

What book helped Daniel during this difficult time?

The book that illuminated Daniel a lot during this period was "Man's Search for Meaning" by Viktor Frankl. Frankl, a Jewish psychiatrist, survived the Nazi concentration camps and wrote about the "last freedom" - the inner freedom that no one can take away from you, which maintains your identity intact.

What three steps did Daniel outline to find one's place in the world?

The three steps Daniel outlined were: 1) Know yourself, 2) Take responsibility, and 3) Generosity.

What does Daniel mean by "knowing yourself"?

Knowing yourself, according to Daniel, is not just introspection but a genuine curiosity to understand oneself better. He mentions the Johari Window model, which suggests there are things you see about yourself, things others see that you don't, and things neither you nor others see.

How does Daniel define "responsibility"?

Daniel defines responsibility as having two components: responding (to your true identity) and ability (to take small actions). He emphasizes that motivation follows action, not the other way around, and that small actions can lead to bigger changes.

What is the significance of "generosity" in Daniel's three steps?

Generosity, according to Daniel, stems from the Latin word "genus," meaning genes, nature, family, or race. He believes that everyone is inherently noble and magnanimous, seeking the well-being of others without expecting anything in return. Only by giving to others can one find their true vocation.

What small actions did Daniel take during his crisis?

The small actions Daniel took were: 1) Pursuing the girl he had a crush on since childhood (who became his wife), 2) Cultivating the habit of reading 10 pages a day, and 3) Setting a non-negotiable daily task for himself.

What is Daniel's perspective on finding one's vocation and timing?

Daniel believes that everyone has their own clock for finding their place in the world, and it doesn't matter when you start a family, pursue entrepreneurship, or finish your education. What matters is living by the three ingredients (knowing yourself, responsibility, and generosity) with patience to discover your vocation at your own pace.

How does Daniel feel about the 6 years he spent studying to be a priest now?

Initially, Daniel questioned God about wasting 6 years of his life studying to be a priest. However, now he is grateful for those 6 years because the decisions he made during that time shaped him into the person he is today.