Mercenary or Missionary?

Dear life amplifiers,

During my time at Amazon, I once had a meeting with Jeff Bezos where he shared something that left a lasting impact on me. He said there are two types of people: missionaries and mercenaries. Missionaries are driven by passion—they focus on creating something meaningful, providing value, and making a real impact. Their work is fueled by a deep sense of purpose.

Mercenaries, on the other hand, are in it for quick wins. They chase short-term gains, moving from one venture to the next, without much concern for lasting value. What struck me most was Bezos' belief that in the long run, missionaries are not only more successful but lead more fulfilling lives.

If you would like to adopt a "missionary" mindset, here are five thoughts I wanted to share with you:

• Purpose Over Profits: Focus on making a meaningful impact and providing real value rather than chasing short-term gains.
• Build for the Long Haul: Invest in projects that stand the test of time, even if it means taking the harder, slower, and more uncertain road.
• Passion Plus Perseverance: Passion is a powerful starting point, but lasting success also requires hard work, commitment, and staying the course.
• Consider Others' Needs: Take the needs and experiences of others into account—true value is created when your work serves a purpose beyond yourself.
• Be Prepared to Be Misunderstood: Missionaries often take paths others don’t see right away; be ready for skepticism and stay committed to your vision.

So, the question is: are you chasing short-term success, or are you building something meaningful that will last—even if it means it's harder to achieve?

Wishing you the best,

Andreas von der Heydt

https://andreasvonderheydt.com

#mindset #attitude #character #leader #leadership #vision #commitment