When we consider the possibilities of what could make our lives satisfactory, we should remind ourselves daily to “Do what you love.” However, every so often I receive concerned looks and hear worried comments about my own pursuit of what I believe to be effort, great work, and success. My immediate response is to begin sharing those worried feelings and wallow shamefully with the idea of approaching success in their seemingly more “sensible” manner – one that doesn’t line up with my personal fulfillment.
To do what you love, regardless of the outcome, is a confident response to any uncertainty. It is a sign that you’re willing to go out of your way, to avoid distractions, in order to gain satisfaction through the means of great work. As Steve Jobs perfectly put it, during his Stanford Commencement address, “Your work is going to fill a large part of your life. And the only way to be truly satisfied is to do what you believe is great work, and the only way to do great work is to love what you do. If you haven’t found it yet, keep looking and don’t settle.”
In my own little analysis–since I’m quite reactive instead of proactive–I believe what he means by “don’t settle” is to not give in to distractions. Do not settle with the “I’m covered” mindset. Do not settle for a job in high demand. Do not settle for work that leaves you empty. I would even go on further and say not to settle even when you have found it. Besides, what meaning will your work have if you’ve gained nothing but a pocket full of money and a life devoid of satisfaction? If money is your satisfaction, then what will you do if you do not receive it?
You cannot receive true satisfaction through money if you do not love your work. I can’t imagine doing work I despise and then getting paid for its insignificance in my life. Therefore, as a passive-aggressive statement, I propose to only do what you love and do great work. Follow in Steve Jobs’ footsteps. Even if your work goes unpaid and unnoticed for a while, do not settle. Not everyone is able to step into his shoes and empathize exactly in accordance with his perspective. Our feet size may be individually different, but at least we’re able to follow along with his path.
As a final remark, I will admit that my own path does not sound as financially promising as I make it out to be. I want to be an influential writer and communicate with the youth and people my age. I may be a work in progress and don’t precisely know what direction I am headed, but I know where my passion lies. Sufficient money is just a temporary necessity that is barely within my grasp; I could care less if it slips away. My passion will always be in my hands, and I know I am within God’s hand.
