The second session of the Yearn Phase begins with a reminder of the true meaning of success. Othman emphasizes that modern society often defines success in materialistic terms—money, status, and prestige—while Islam frames success differently, prioritizing our relationship with Allah (SWT) and our commitment to salah (prayer).

Key Themes:

1. Redefining Success Through Salah

   • True success, as described in Surah Al-Mu’minun (23:1-2), is for those who humble themselves in their prayer.

   • Salah should be the foundation of our daily routine, not something we fit in when convenient.

   • Structuring the day around prayer—beginning with Isha in the masjid, preparing for Fajr, and maintaining Dhuhr and Asr as unmovable priorities—leads to optimal performance in both worldly and spiritual matters.

2. Aligning Passion with Purpose & Allah’s Pleasure

   • The Yearn Phase is about discovering the intersections between passion, purpose, financial sustainability, and service to the ummah.

   • The key questions to ask:

     • Will this bring me closer to Allah?

     • Will this benefit the ummah?

3. Framework for Finding Passion & Purpose
   The speaker introduces a structured five-step process for uncovering and aligning one’s passion with purpose:

   • Curiosity:

     • Explore interests and identify what naturally excites you.

     • List 10 things that spark curiosity.

   • Passion Identification:

     • Experiment with different activities to see what energizes you.

     • Keep a journal of activities that bring joy and motivation.

   • Purpose Connection:

     • Align passion with a greater cause that pleases Allah and serves the ummah.

     • Constantly ask: Will this help me on the Day of Judgment?

   • Autonomy & Mastery:

     • Achieving purpose requires the freedom to act on it.

     • Dedicate structured time to developing expertise.

     • Strive for excellence and become a leader in your field.

   • Building a Sustainable System:

     • Establish consistent habits and routines to sustain progress.

     • Salah remains the anchor of this journey, ensuring spiritual and practical alignment.

Action Steps for This Week:

1. List 10 things that spark your curiosity. Take this survey to identify what sparks your interest: https://sparketype.com/

2. Experiment with new activities to identify your passion.

3. Keep a journal of what energizes and excites you.

4. Ask yourself if your pursuits align with Allah’s pleasure and benefit the ummah.

5. Commit time to deepening your expertise in your chosen field.

Here is a document that gives this framework from Steven Kotler in a table format, in case that helps: https://docs.google.com/document/d/11UC-8EJyXcBJF5_Y1ckjIQGo2T04PWtM2uovtqcyF4Y/edit?usp=sharing

The session concludes with an encouragement to keep reflecting on these questions and to yearn for a life that pleases Allah.