How To Do Great Work
Maybe it happened for you. However, growing up not everyone gets introduced to the idea of finding meaningful work. Many lessons in a typical american household do not happen in others. Different families with different origins will have different conversations. Some households, no conversation or lessons at all. How to find meaningful work is certainly an important lesson to learn at home, as young as possible. It starts when parents love what they do and their kids can see that. But what if you’re working for the wrong thing? What if you’re doing something you hate or don’t enjoy?
Entrepreneur Paul Graham writes on how to do great work. And by learning how to do great work, you’ll end up finding work you love.
“It’s essential to work on something you’re deeply interested in. Interest will drive you to work harder than mere diligence ever could. The three most powerful motives are curiosity, delight and the desire to do something impressive. Sometimes they converge and the combination is the most powerful of all.”
You cannot approach work for the rest of your life as a solution to your life or a problem you have. You end up unsatisfied with your work and where you work. So, you’ll end up bouncing from job to job looking for greener pastures. Additionally, you cannot approach work transactionally. Meaning, you’re going to work to get the money, bonus, reward or status.
Work approached as Graham describes is a great recipe to end up finding meaningful work. Regardless of college degrees or what you do. For each of us individually, meaningful work gives us purpose in life. Other than having enough money to pay the bills or keep food in the pantry or fridge. We are designed to serve others in many capacities. It’s true, there will be moments in your working life you’ll take on work you don’t enjoy. Don’t have this be a forever approach. You’ll certainly regret it and live an unhappy life.
Be curious. Approach work with delight. And desire. The ingredients of how to do great work and how you end up finding work you love.
Thought Provoking Questions : What is your meaning of “work?” If you could do something tomorrow and success is guaranteed, what would you do?
Dan Roman is a philosopher (lover of wisdom) and a writer that releases a daily meditation. A quick read. Sharing wisdom and asking thought-provoking questions. Influenced by the obstacles, success and failures in his life and of others. Using history, books, current events, philosophy, and ancient wisdom. These writings are actionable, thought-provoking, designed to make your life better.
These writings are a survey course of different thinkers, ideas and insights. Some will apply to you and some simply won’t. The point is not to lock you into a way of thinking, a certain philosophy or methodology—but to develop a mindset—a process by which we are constantly challenged. To allow your mind to be opened and expanded. Flexibility in learning. To give you the tools, based on the experiences of others.
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