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Everyday Dharma: 8 Essential Practices for Finding Success and Joy in Everything You Do
Find your dharma--your inner calling--and learn to integrate ambition, work, and wellbeing to create a balanced, joyous life with this practical, life-changing guide from the beloved speaker, bestselling author, and co-founder of the Gross National Happiness Center.
We've been conditioned, from an early age, to believe that one day we'll reach a moment of "arrival." But no matter how much we achieve or acquire we still don't feel as satisfied or as fulfilled as we thought we would be. Exhausted, we become burned out and cynical, questioning the purpose of it all.
An expert on happiness and work, Suneel Gupta argues that for too long society has been fixated on the Future of Work and ignored the Future of Worth. We've compartmentalized work and well-being and ignored the fact that both are essential for sustained success. We've assumed that outer success leads to inner well-being-despite history showing us that this has never been the case.
In Everyday Dharma, Suneel helps us break this negative cycle. A captivating storyteller, he weaves personal stories, history, science, Eastern philosophy, and Western modalities in this engaging, enlightening, and prescriptive book. He begins by helping us identify our dharma, the essence of who we are. When you're in your Dharma, you feel confident, creative, and caring, with a sense of purpose, and that shines through your life and work.
Everyday Dharma provides an accessible three-step approach to discovering, understanding, and living your "sacred calling." At its center are self-assessments to help you identify your passions and powerful rituals for building new habits--ancient practices supported by science and found in diverse cultural sources, including Toni Morrison's novels, Jimi Hendrix's lyrics, and Frida Kahlo's paintings, and used by the likes of Nelson Mandela, Dr. Martin Luther King, and Mahatma Gandhi.
Finding your dharma empowers you to let go of anxiety, follow your wildest ambitions, produce your life's work, and experience true joy.
We've been conditioned, from an early age, to believe that one day we'll reach a moment of "arrival." But no matter how much we achieve or acquire we still don't feel as satisfied or as fulfilled as we thought we would be. Exhausted, we become burned out and cynical, questioning the purpose of it all.
An expert on happiness and work, Suneel Gupta argues that for too long society has been fixated on the Future of Work and ignored the Future of Worth. We've compartmentalized work and well-being and ignored the fact that both are essential for sustained success. We've assumed that outer success leads to inner well-being-despite history showing us that this has never been the case.
In Everyday Dharma, Suneel helps us break this negative cycle. A captivating storyteller, he weaves personal stories, history, science, Eastern philosophy, and Western modalities in this engaging, enlightening, and prescriptive book. He begins by helping us identify our dharma, the essence of who we are. When you're in your Dharma, you feel confident, creative, and caring, with a sense of purpose, and that shines through your life and work.
Everyday Dharma provides an accessible three-step approach to discovering, understanding, and living your "sacred calling." At its center are self-assessments to help you identify your passions and powerful rituals for building new habits--ancient practices supported by science and found in diverse cultural sources, including Toni Morrison's novels, Jimi Hendrix's lyrics, and Frida Kahlo's paintings, and used by the likes of Nelson Mandela, Dr. Martin Luther King, and Mahatma Gandhi.
Finding your dharma empowers you to let go of anxiety, follow your wildest ambitions, produce your life's work, and experience true joy.
185 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 5, 2023
146 people are currently reading
1033 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews
October 18, 2023
There are a lot of good points, but the first and last practices were the ones that most resonated with me.
Uncover your essence:
Michelangelo would just chisel away the bits of marble that aren't the statue. Our essence is a deep part of who we are and we need to cut away the bits that aren't who we are to discover our essence.
1. Bright Spots Chisel
What really brings you joy about your job? What is it about those things that bring joy?
2. Possibility Chisel
How can you express your essence? Keep your eyes open to all sorts of inspiration, but don't get too attached to a single idea. Walk down a magazine aisle and see what stands out, then ask yourself why.
3. Dharma Deck Chisel
Create a stack of cards with ways to express your essence. On the front, write what the expression is. On the back, write specifically why that expression excites you. Each week, take time to reorder your deck. Pay special attention to the cards that tend to stay at the top.
4. Picasso Chisel
When considering an expression, would you do it for free? If yes, there might be something there.
Action Leads to Courage:
Bias yourself toward taking action. That's what will lead to change, and as you take action, you will grow more comfortable and courageous in this new direction
Two-way doors:
Some choices are irreversible; you'll never be able to return to where you were. These should be carefully weighed before moving forward. But most choices are reversible: two-way doors. You can make the choice, take the step, then decide to go back having only spent a little time/energy/money.
Tiny contracts:
Set yourself a check-in, then give yourself wholly to an endeavor until that check-in. Only upon reaching the check-in should you take time and energy to consider whether you've made the right choice. The concentrated effort will allow yourself to go further than you would have otherwise, and you'll be able to walk away (or onwards) without the nagging voice saying that you didn't fully try.
Use a compass, not a map:
A map gives you the exact route to get to your goal. A compass helps you know the direction you need to move. You may find, upon reaching your goal, that it wasn't quite what you were after in the first place. But by pursuing a direction, you'll eventually end up where you want to be.
Uncover your essence:
Michelangelo would just chisel away the bits of marble that aren't the statue. Our essence is a deep part of who we are and we need to cut away the bits that aren't who we are to discover our essence.
1. Bright Spots Chisel
What really brings you joy about your job? What is it about those things that bring joy?
2. Possibility Chisel
How can you express your essence? Keep your eyes open to all sorts of inspiration, but don't get too attached to a single idea. Walk down a magazine aisle and see what stands out, then ask yourself why.
3. Dharma Deck Chisel
Create a stack of cards with ways to express your essence. On the front, write what the expression is. On the back, write specifically why that expression excites you. Each week, take time to reorder your deck. Pay special attention to the cards that tend to stay at the top.
4. Picasso Chisel
When considering an expression, would you do it for free? If yes, there might be something there.
Action Leads to Courage:
Bias yourself toward taking action. That's what will lead to change, and as you take action, you will grow more comfortable and courageous in this new direction
Two-way doors:
Some choices are irreversible; you'll never be able to return to where you were. These should be carefully weighed before moving forward. But most choices are reversible: two-way doors. You can make the choice, take the step, then decide to go back having only spent a little time/energy/money.
Tiny contracts:
Set yourself a check-in, then give yourself wholly to an endeavor until that check-in. Only upon reaching the check-in should you take time and energy to consider whether you've made the right choice. The concentrated effort will allow yourself to go further than you would have otherwise, and you'll be able to walk away (or onwards) without the nagging voice saying that you didn't fully try.
Use a compass, not a map:
A map gives you the exact route to get to your goal. A compass helps you know the direction you need to move. You may find, upon reaching your goal, that it wasn't quite what you were after in the first place. But by pursuing a direction, you'll eventually end up where you want to be.
April 9, 2025
This was more career-focused than I would’ve liked but still has valuable tips for life in general and staying focused on things that bring you joy
October 28, 2023
This was just what I needed to hear this month. Now I need to sit down and take notes instead of running while listening :D
November 7, 2023
I loved this book because it is about finding your path. Success is not always what people think it is.
April 23, 2024
Recommend to anyone having an identity crisis/shift and feeling aimless or stuck about their career and job. Very good stories and helpful perspectives!
September 7, 2023
Suneel Gupta has written a marvel of a book. Amplifying age old wisdom with modern anecdotes, this is the rare book that is beautiful, will inspire to action, and will change your life for the better. The author illuminates a path to fulfillment while managing the pragmatic - balancing dharma and duty. I’ve reference it daily since I read it. I cannot recommend Everyday Dharma highly enough.
February 24, 2025
I often spend spurts of my life reading self-help books and then get a bit burned out of them (or, I find them repetitive and frankly, dumb or below me in some ways). Then, I forget a lot of the lessons I learned and perspective I got from these books and wind up crawling back, realizing these books were not below me! Everyday Dharma is the first self-help book I’ve read over the last year or so and I enjoyed it.
Everyday Dharma is a really fun, easy, and helpful book. I have little experience with Indian/Hindu culture and I learned a lot from the book. The style reminded me a lot of David Epstein’s book Range, with frequent stories and anecdotes. Suneel Gupta is very likeable and a great writer.
The book gave me good perspective and a deeper understanding on how to connect with myself and with my goals better. It also had several pretty helpful ideas for focusing and reducing anxiety including:
1. 55/5 Rule: Set a timer for 55 minutes and focus solely on work, when it goes off, set another timer for 5 minutes and spend that doing focused, deliberate rest. Frequent breaks allow you to avoid burnout and stay more focused for the other 55 minutes.
2. Wandering Time: Schedule time every week (or even day) where you are doing basically nothing (walking without headphones allowed!). This allows your mind to rest and be more creative
3. Energy Matching: When examining a task, don’t just consider how much time it will take—but the quality of energy it will need. Bring awareness to the periods of your day when you feel the most sharp and match those to the blocks of time that need your energy the most.
Gupta argues we must connect with our dharma (the essence of who we are) and align what we do and how we act with who we are. The book argues life is a Wheel of Dharma:
“In the Wheel of Dharma, you win, you lose—you win, you lose. The cycle never stops, but with every turn you become more aware of who you are and how you want to show up in the world. Your character builds, your compass sharpens, and your courage deepens for that next trip around the wheel,” (164).
Our goal, then, is that: “We must find our way back to the center,” (170).
Gupta provides several ways in which we can connect with our dharma and begin feeling a deeper sense of purpose. It is possible, he claims (and I believe!) to be both ambitious and happy. We can achieve our goals while connecting with our essence. In fact, if we correctly connect with who we are, we will be more successful because of it. Overall, I enjoyed the book and it helped calm me down and give me better perspective about myself and life. But then again, maybe I am giving it 4 stars because I haven't read a similar style book in a while.
Everyday Dharma is a really fun, easy, and helpful book. I have little experience with Indian/Hindu culture and I learned a lot from the book. The style reminded me a lot of David Epstein’s book Range, with frequent stories and anecdotes. Suneel Gupta is very likeable and a great writer.
The book gave me good perspective and a deeper understanding on how to connect with myself and with my goals better. It also had several pretty helpful ideas for focusing and reducing anxiety including:
1. 55/5 Rule: Set a timer for 55 minutes and focus solely on work, when it goes off, set another timer for 5 minutes and spend that doing focused, deliberate rest. Frequent breaks allow you to avoid burnout and stay more focused for the other 55 minutes.
2. Wandering Time: Schedule time every week (or even day) where you are doing basically nothing (walking without headphones allowed!). This allows your mind to rest and be more creative
3. Energy Matching: When examining a task, don’t just consider how much time it will take—but the quality of energy it will need. Bring awareness to the periods of your day when you feel the most sharp and match those to the blocks of time that need your energy the most.
Gupta argues we must connect with our dharma (the essence of who we are) and align what we do and how we act with who we are. The book argues life is a Wheel of Dharma:
“In the Wheel of Dharma, you win, you lose—you win, you lose. The cycle never stops, but with every turn you become more aware of who you are and how you want to show up in the world. Your character builds, your compass sharpens, and your courage deepens for that next trip around the wheel,” (164).
Our goal, then, is that: “We must find our way back to the center,” (170).
Gupta provides several ways in which we can connect with our dharma and begin feeling a deeper sense of purpose. It is possible, he claims (and I believe!) to be both ambitious and happy. We can achieve our goals while connecting with our essence. In fact, if we correctly connect with who we are, we will be more successful because of it. Overall, I enjoyed the book and it helped calm me down and give me better perspective about myself and life. But then again, maybe I am giving it 4 stars because I haven't read a similar style book in a while.
May 18, 2024
Half way through the book, the chapter on "Upekkha - Comfort in discomfort" is a valuable lesson we tend to ignore early in our careers. The CEO of Nvidia, Jensen Huang also brought it up recently during his speech at Stanford which became a rage online. This book teaches you through 8 lessons based of Suneel Gupta's life experiences including his interactions with the wise. Very well written and once again an excellent book to listen to in the author's own voice. Sometimes wonder if these are life lessons that can also be taught as part of an early schooling curriculum. Not every child is fortunate to get such learnings from parents or wise ones that surround them.
Suneel started off as a speech writer which also comes across during the story telling in the book. They are easy to relate to and filled with pleasant surprises. Some of them can also get you hooked emotionally.
Suneel started off as a speech writer which also comes across during the story telling in the book. They are easy to relate to and filled with pleasant surprises. Some of them can also get you hooked emotionally.
March 15, 2025
I picked up Everyday Dharma thinking it was another self-help book, but within a few pages, I was laughing at how much I needed it. Vishen Lakhiani’s foreword alone made me rethink my approach to success. Suneel Gupta’s writing is crisp—no fluff, just practical wisdom.
The book lays out eight principles rooted in dharma (your true path) with real-world applications. Standouts? “Don’t fake it, find it” flips imposter syndrome on its head, and “Play the game you actually want to win” is a wake-up call.
Best story? Gupta’s mom, a medical student turned CNN’s “world’s happiest woman,” showing that joy isn’t found—it’s built. Worth reading if you want success and sanity.
The book lays out eight principles rooted in dharma (your true path) with real-world applications. Standouts? “Don’t fake it, find it” flips imposter syndrome on its head, and “Play the game you actually want to win” is a wake-up call.
Best story? Gupta’s mom, a medical student turned CNN’s “world’s happiest woman,” showing that joy isn’t found—it’s built. Worth reading if you want success and sanity.
April 8, 2025
This book is 6 stars!! I found myself wanting to write down little gold nuggets as well as thinking and rethinking about them throughout the day/weeks. It really helped shape and rethink how I go about life. I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves self improvement, needs a little insight or change in their life, or needs some guidance after a big change.
April 1, 2024
A quick and profound read. I enjoyed it a lot!
September 26, 2025
I read this on a friend’s recommendation, and I’m so glad I did! The book felt very relatable, especially as an Indian American—the author’s personal stories and anecdotes resonated deeply.
My key takeaways:
- The Wheel of Dharma — life spins faster and faster, but the goal is to return to the center.
- Outer vs. Inner Success — money, fame, and achievement won’t lead to lasting fulfillment or growth.
- Future of Worth vs. Future of Work — we need to ask what makes life worthwhile, not just how we earn a living.
- Dharma = Essence + Expression — your essence is who you truly are; your expression is how you show it in the world.
- Finding Essence — ask deeper questions: What gives you energy? What would you do for free?
- Expression as Adventure — once you know your essence, discovering the right expression can be playful and creative.
- Value of Tension — don’t run from tension; striving for worthwhile goals brings possibilities.
- Frankl’s Insight — between stimulus and response lies a space, and in that space is freedom.
- Flow — pay attention to what feels like play.
- Change through Fun — habits stick when they’re enjoyable.
- The Hendrix Example — play for yourself first; don’t depend on external validation (similar to Stoic “preferred indifferents”).
- Dharma through Service — often found in helping others.
- Action > Talk — just take the next step.
- Map vs. Compass — goals are useful but can change; values (your compass) are the true guide.
- Authenticity in Dharma — better to fail at your own dharma than succeed at someone else’s.
Overall: A thoughtful and practical book. It offers great reminders about living with authenticity, purpose, and joy. Definitely relatable and worth recommending!
My key takeaways:
- The Wheel of Dharma — life spins faster and faster, but the goal is to return to the center.
- Outer vs. Inner Success — money, fame, and achievement won’t lead to lasting fulfillment or growth.
- Future of Worth vs. Future of Work — we need to ask what makes life worthwhile, not just how we earn a living.
- Dharma = Essence + Expression — your essence is who you truly are; your expression is how you show it in the world.
- Finding Essence — ask deeper questions: What gives you energy? What would you do for free?
- Expression as Adventure — once you know your essence, discovering the right expression can be playful and creative.
- Value of Tension — don’t run from tension; striving for worthwhile goals brings possibilities.
- Frankl’s Insight — between stimulus and response lies a space, and in that space is freedom.
- Flow — pay attention to what feels like play.
- Change through Fun — habits stick when they’re enjoyable.
- The Hendrix Example — play for yourself first; don’t depend on external validation (similar to Stoic “preferred indifferents”).
- Dharma through Service — often found in helping others.
- Action > Talk — just take the next step.
- Map vs. Compass — goals are useful but can change; values (your compass) are the true guide.
- Authenticity in Dharma — better to fail at your own dharma than succeed at someone else’s.
Overall: A thoughtful and practical book. It offers great reminders about living with authenticity, purpose, and joy. Definitely relatable and worth recommending!
November 11, 2025
I really loved this book. Everyday Dharma isn’t just another self-help guide, it’s a thoughtful reminder that success and joy don’t have to be at odds. Suneel Gupta does a great job of taking big spiritual ideas and making them feel approachable and relevant to real life. Something that I can relate to.
What stood out to me is how practical the book is. Each of the eight practices is something you can actually apply day to day, without needing to overhaul your life. The personal stories, especially Gupta’s own moments of failure and reflection, made the lessons feel honest and relatable rather than "preachy."
I also love that the tone is calm and encouraging. It feels like you’re talking to a friend who’s walked the same path of burnout and confusion and found a better way forward. By the end, I found myself rethinking what “success” really means and how I can bring more purpose into the work I already do.
I'd recommend this to anyone.
What stood out to me is how practical the book is. Each of the eight practices is something you can actually apply day to day, without needing to overhaul your life. The personal stories, especially Gupta’s own moments of failure and reflection, made the lessons feel honest and relatable rather than "preachy."
I also love that the tone is calm and encouraging. It feels like you’re talking to a friend who’s walked the same path of burnout and confusion and found a better way forward. By the end, I found myself rethinking what “success” really means and how I can bring more purpose into the work I already do.
I'd recommend this to anyone.
December 18, 2023
* Like a cleanse for the mind and spirit.
* An interesting, encouraging, inspiring, even joyful if not celebratory read.
* Feels insufficient and reductive to view this book as self-help. Perhaps more accurate to say that it offers reassurance, affirmation, and motivation.
* Certainly, there are many books in this vein; coincidentally, also read Arnold Schwarzenegger's "Be Useful: Seven Tools for Life" in the past week. But, this one strikes a chord with its deeply personal tone and unabashed positivity.
* If more people spanning every level and corner of our community and society would slow down - or, stop entirely - to take a breath and take in the author's exhortations, we would have a world worthy of the beautiful, fragile planet on which we all reside.
* An interesting, encouraging, inspiring, even joyful if not celebratory read.
* Feels insufficient and reductive to view this book as self-help. Perhaps more accurate to say that it offers reassurance, affirmation, and motivation.
* Certainly, there are many books in this vein; coincidentally, also read Arnold Schwarzenegger's "Be Useful: Seven Tools for Life" in the past week. But, this one strikes a chord with its deeply personal tone and unabashed positivity.
* If more people spanning every level and corner of our community and society would slow down - or, stop entirely - to take a breath and take in the author's exhortations, we would have a world worthy of the beautiful, fragile planet on which we all reside.
June 21, 2024
Definitely enjoyed all the anecdotes he had quoted. The concepts themselves were nothing new as I grew up in India where the community itself was pretty spiritual by default without a label on it and we all have similar stories with our grandparents! :) However, I did learn how Buddhism took those concepts that originated in India and gave it a new term :D (which the book didn't intend to throw a light on but this is what I felt) That apart, overall a good read!
So glad the author grew up in the US and had teachers who believed in him, encouraged him to follow his calling and that he had the avenues to explore his interests! Loved those parts!
So glad the author grew up in the US and had teachers who believed in him, encouraged him to follow his calling and that he had the avenues to explore his interests! Loved those parts!
November 17, 2023
While a bit outside my comfort zone, I thought this was a good book. It's a lot of examples and case studies of people who found success by getting towards their essence. It also talks about stripping away things you don't need, and really examining your routines. I liked that the book was overall positive - you're to examine what you're doing, and adding positive habits. It's not about what you currently do wrong.
It's a slim read, with some practical applicable advice.
It's a slim read, with some practical applicable advice.
January 17, 2024
I really enjoyed this book. I found it to be a great reminder of life's truths. The author's humility and vulnerability is very refreshing. In a world where everyone is obsessed with the image of success and perfection, Suneel has shared personal stories of life's ups and downs, successes and failures. It helps release ourselves from judgement, knowing we are not alone in these struggles. This is a very comforting and inspiring read.
June 17, 2024
I really enjoyed this simple read. I loved the way the author delivered the 8 practices with stories and his experiences. This read was digestible and written with a sense of lightness, inviting all readers especially those new to the concept of dharma. I also loved how the author thanked individuals that were apart of his journey. I felt inspired, that if I were to write a book someday, this is how I would present thoughts,life lessons and journey.
July 5, 2024
Beautiful, refreshing read. Gupta is definitely harnessing his dharma throughout the composition of this book which translates beautifully for the reader. I found the anecdotes to be perfectly tied to each topic he was discussing. While not every chapter may fully speak to you (or simply just in the moment), they each share an important message you can tell someone/anyone/yourself needs to hear at the right time. Recommend!
September 3, 2024
it’s better to fail at your Dharma, then to succeed at someone else’s. I really enjoyed this book! I listened to it on Libby. I did find myself getting a little lost but I think that maybe because of the different terms I wasn’t used to. It has an incredible teachings and has shifted my perspective on a lot of things. I really enjoyed each story that gave you insight as to how something can be practiced.
December 29, 2023
I enjoyed this book while reading it but none of its contents were particularly life-shattering. I don’t feel like I learned much from the lessons in this book but it was nonetheless an enjoyable read. Suneel’s stories are easy to follow and he keeps things nice and concise which I really appreciate.
January 23, 2024
This is really 3.5 stars in my mind, and would have been 4 had I not already heard the author interviewed about the book on a podcast (don't remember which). I found the interview more intriguing/inspiring than book, but the book is certainly not a waste of time, and I will probably reflect on it in the future.
October 14, 2025
I appreciate the clear, concise, and step by step nature of this book. It follows Stephen Cope’s The Great Work of Your Life journey well. Great connection to yogic principles. I plan on using the work to work with both yoga clients and therapy clients as a framework for exploring a life of meaning and purpose.
September 21, 2023
Easy breezy read, although thought written more for career generation.
Dharma Meaning says it all:
A sacred duty/Energy/Kindness/Joy/Purpose/Gift/Essence/Expression/Calling.
All about balance in life, staying centered.
Love, Serve, Believe cycle will always uplift❣️
Dharma Meaning says it all:
A sacred duty/Energy/Kindness/Joy/Purpose/Gift/Essence/Expression/Calling.
All about balance in life, staying centered.
Love, Serve, Believe cycle will always uplift❣️
February 4, 2024
I’ve been telling so many people to read this book!! In daily conversations, I hear how so many people are not fulfilled in what they are doing (me included) and this book helps with igniting the spark again in a major way. Loved it!!
May 6, 2024
A great book with ideas on how to live your life and ways to find your dharma (your essence). The author gave examples from his own life as well as others to explain different concepts in each chapter so you can see how it can be applied in your life.
February 27, 2025
Filled with a lot of the basics and a decently enjoyable read but not that impactful for me. I thought it was just like reading a journal post of the author but it was not very motivational for me, just rehashing the dharma pillars into personal anecdotes.
August 21, 2025
This was a pleasant and insightful read that had me nodding my head as moments of clarity rang true in this book.
I’m a big believer in find your passion/purpose then give it away .
This is the kind of book to reread once or twice a year to make sure you stay on the right path.
I’m a big believer in find your passion/purpose then give it away .
This is the kind of book to reread once or twice a year to make sure you stay on the right path.
November 19, 2023
Incredible, inspirational, and special!
December 4, 2023
Favorite read of the this year, what a encouraging way to go towards the new year. To stop and reflect.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews