The #1 Key to Success and Significance

It’s About Learning to Love What You Do

Once upon a time, I sold my soul to employers for a token, bi-weekly paycheck. In my late 20s, I decided I had to take a leap of faith, which made all the difference in my life, even though it wasn’t easy at first.

I always believed it would be possible to find work that I could love, and I did. If you follow your passions and heart and learn to shed the head trash your parents, relatives, and teachers unleashed on you, you’ll know who you are and what you LOVE to do, and you will never stop.

The #1 key to success and significance is love.

Love Is the Way

How do you learn to love what you do for work?

You need to know who you are. You need to know yourself, and that takes daily practice.

We all need income. That means most of us to work. Human resource studies tell us that about 70% of us aren’t “engaged” at work.

We wonder why there are many Fight Clubs. People work dead-end jobs, two or three jobs at a time to make ends meet, and the rich get richer.

How so?

B is learning to love ways to create value for others and get paid handsomely.

Discover Your Ikigai

Retirement was replaced by a new concept called living and working with purpose. After all, if you love what you do and can make a great living helping others, why would you ever want to stop?

The Oxford English Dictionary defines Ikigai as “a motivating force; something or someone that gives a person a sense of purpose or a reason for living.”

1. What is your purpose?
2. What makes you feel excited about living?
3. How can you apply what you learn about yourself to make a better living for the rest of your life?

Reality Check

Steve Jobs said, “The only way to do great work is to love what you do. If you haven’t found it yet, keep looking. Don’t settle. As with all matters of the heart, you’ll know when you find it.”

Take a moment now to observe yourself. Conduct frequent reality checks. If you’re honest, and you don’t love your work now, and you don’t feel deeply connected to the community of people around you, maybe it’s time for you to shift into higher gear.

Here are some simple steps to become more mindful, reflective, and aware of our true passions, gifts, and interests, and what it is we want based on what we love to do:

1. Setting aside time for daily reflection.?Schedule dedicated time each day for quiet reflection, introspection, and self-exploration. Block at least fifteen to twenty minutes dedicated to you being more still.
2. Being more mindful.?Being mindful is about improving your self-awareness and well-being. It’s learning to practice meditation, yoga, or mindful breathing to help calm your mind and become more aware of your thoughts, feelings, and sensations.
3. Keeping a journal.?Write down your thoughts, feelings, and reflections in a journal. This can help you identify patterns, clarify your values and goals, and gain insight into your passions and interests. Journaling is a form of stillness and meditation.
4. Paying attention to your emotions.?Practice observing yourself. Notice how you feel when you engage in different activities. What brings you joy, fulfillment, and satisfaction? What leaves you feeling drained, stressed, or fulfilled?
5. Seeking new experiences.?Step out of your comfort zone and try new things that interest you. This can help you discover new passions and interests and broaden your perspective on what’s possible.
6. Connect with others.?Solitary confinement is a cruel form of punishment. It’s best not to do it to yourself. Seek out like-minded people who share your interests and passions. This can help you gain new insights and perspectives and provide a supportive community to help you pursue your goals.
7. Set a realistic goal.?Focus is essential. Choose one primary goal at a time, with the power of clear intention. Start with simple, daily goals.
8. Take daily action.?Once you better understand your passions and interests, take action toward achieving them. This can help you feel more fulfilled and purposeful in your life.

In conclusion, finding your true passion and purpose in life is not always easy, but it is essential for living a fulfilling and purposeful life. It requires introspection, self-awareness, and the courage to take action toward what you love.

Following the steps outlined in this article, you can become more mindful, reflective, and aware of your true passions, gifts, and interests. Once you discover your Ikigai, your motivating force, and what gives you a sense of purpose, finding the love and joy in what you do every day becomes simpler and better.

Remember, taking daily action towards your goals, staying focused, and seeking a supportive community can help you achieve your purpose and live a meaningful life.

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This article was originally published on Medium. Thanks for reading my article and sharing or commenting. Check out my latest e-book if you’re stuck in your career or life,?Reinvent Yourself: A Do-It-Yourself Guide for Strategically Designing Your Life.

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