Inspiration = Energy

Why do you work?

I mean really, beyond a paycheck and not being homeless and hungry, why do you do what you do?

You knew this, once.

On your first day of work you knew how you wanted to contribute and make things better. You were excited and saw everyone as a potential ally.

What happened?

You lost sight of your “why.”

That, and it may not have been what you thought at the outset.

That’s okay. You get to figure it out again.

So many people resist the idea of “knowing your purpose” and “finding their passion” because real life doesn’t really fee like that. We just don’t see how our job is akin to real purpose and passion, like Martin Luther King. Jr. or whomever you admire greatly.

I’m here to let you off the hook. To tell you that you don’t have to do that.

What I do suggest you do is get clear on what matters to you. Figure why you get up every day and do what you do.

And, just as it’s important for you to know why your work matters to you, find something outside yourself that matters. You must go beyond your Ego, goo outside yourself and connect your work, you labor, your effort with something more than just you.

When you do this you have more, and sustained, energy.

You’ll bring more of your best self to everything you do.

You’ll have greater satisfaction and be glad to have hard work to do, you’ll be grateful you get to work.

But only if you’re clear about why you’re doing what you’re doing – both in how it matters to you and how it makes a difference to someone other than you.

Similar Posts

  • Practice Makes . . . ?

    So many people have heard the old saw “practice makes perfect.” It’s wrong. Just. Plain. Wrong. I was watching a Tim Ferriss Four Hour Life video and he quoted a top chef who says: “practice makes permanent.” It’s true. Absolutely 100% true. What you train, you ingrain. Whatever you practice creates muscle memory and neural pathways…

  • The Charming Gardners

    Let us be grateful to people who make us happy; they are the charming gardeners who make our souls blossom. – Marcel Proust Who reminds you of your the happiness within you? Notice I took slight issue with Proust’s words and didn’t say “makes us happy?” To really believe that is to give away your…

  • Notice. Choose. Return.

    The above is the formula for using your thoughts and emotions in a way that serves you. A practice of thinking, feeling and noticing that will allow to be more content, fulfilled and prosperous. What do the three words mean though? How could just three words mean so much? *  *  * I was driving…

  • Because They’re Different

    Warning: more Seth-Godin-fawning ahead . . . . Today’s email from Seth had such a great message. It’s a great reason to employ the Platinum Rule (treat others how they would like to be treated). Treat people differently (i.e. in a way that honors and respects their uniqueness) because they are beautifully different. Create the skill…