Working with Purpose

During his graduation speech at Princeton University, Jeff Bezos explained how we should prioritize our time and work mentality. When we reflect on life while on our deathbeds, we’ll remember the choices we made over the accomplishments we earned.?

This mentality contrasts with a common assumption many students accept. Whenever I hear the saying “enjoy the moment,” I groan inside.?It sounds like a Hawaiian-themed bobblehead stranded in a thrift shop somewhere, or hasty advice called out on your wedding day.

This mantra’s greatest vice implies that working hard can’t be fulfilling. Heck, if the moment is what actually matters, why would anyone take a hard job or try something risky in pursuit of a bigger dream? Facing fears, confronting adversity, or acting out of our comfort zones couldn’t be valuable. And if we tried those things, other people who actually “enjoyed the moment” would have reason to scorn us.

During my time at college, I have confronted many difficulties and challenges that have helped me grow as a person. I’m not near graduation day yet, but what I have learned has been an incredible experience for the real world. Education is an investment that rewards hard work far into the future. If my experiences don’t meld with this mantra, what is the correct mentality to adapt?

To read the rest of my blog post, please visit Working with Purpose – Susanne Thomas (ssusanne.com)