That is one way of looking at it. But a slightly negative and outer way of looking at it. There are plenty of things we do which do not involve success or failure. We do it because we find a natural joy in it. This spontaneous joy in undertaking any activity is itself an indication of Swadharma. It is something ingrained in the depths of the heart and draws and pushes us towards a certain line of thought, response to the world and will and activity. We can use the word innate temperament for it.
To take an example, there are persons whose deepest passion is to read, study, understand, reflect, probe for the deeper causes of things. They are seekers after knowledge, especially philosophy and knowledge of the principles of existence. Then there is the Warrior type of human being, who tends to be driven by ideas of conquest, justice, rights and such thoughts. Sacrifice, chivalry, leadership comes easily and naturally to them. There are others who are largely transactional in their outlook and dealings, with profit and loss as their main consideration in all their ventures and undertakings. Finally, there are those who are naturally subservient and service-oriented. They love to work with tools and equipment and are at home with different kinds of physical work, be it carpentry or technology.
The work we choose and enjoy should be aligned with this inner temperament. Generally, such an alignment brings inner joy in the work and actually increases the chances of success, even though it doesn’t necessarily ensure it.
Affectionately,
Alok Da
