How to Do What You Love
You’ve probably heard the old saying yourself: “Do what you love and you’ll never work a day in your life!” It is repeated over and over to young people as they try to decide what their careers will be, and to the nearly 70% of Americans when they say they hate their jobs. There’s even “Do what you love” quotes from successful people like Steve Jobs.
Well, as it turns out — they’re wrong.
The “Do What You Love” Myth
Although “Do what you love…” comes from a place of well meaning, many of us have realized (some much too late) that it isn’t really true. Forbes even released an article listing “…Reasons to Ignore the Advice Do What You Love,” and more recently Miya Tokumitsu, PhD, wrote an entire book explaining why “Do what you love” is a myth. Sadly, few of these resources offer a good alternative to finding happiness in your work.
So what gives? So many happy people seem to be doing what they love in their profession. You see it all the time on Netflix shows featuring blissful mechanics or chefs immersed in their profession almost to a point of peace. We’ve all met someone who is incredibly happy at their job. They make it look so easy, but when you ask them what their secret is they just shrug or even repeat “Do what you love,” again.
Here’s a personal example: over a decade ago, I discovered that I really enjoyed being an author. However, after I graduated college and attempted to write full time as my profession, I quickly lost interest in writing for myself. After a day of crafting copy for various publications I couldn’t ever bring myself to pick up a pen for pleasure. Instead of finding a place of peace, “Do what you love…” had instead destroyed my interest in the task altogether. Sound familiar? After speaking with many people on the subject, it seems that this is a sadly common experience.
However, at 33Vincent we believe we’ve found a route to workplace happiness. It does involve doing what you love — but there’s more to it than that.
Finding Your “Zones of Brilliance”
But, as it turns out, there is a solution! Soon after joining 33Vincent, I was lucky enough to meet with their partner, Crafted Leadership. We had sessions on various management techniques that were very helpful, but one in particular stood out: “The Zone of Brilliance.” At first I thought the exercise would be more of the simple “Do what you love” stuff, but I discovered something different.
Through group coaching, Crafted Leadership helped us (as a team) identify the work-related tasks at which we excelled individually, but didn’t actually enjoy doing for work. This work gets put into your “Zone of Excellence,” while you focus on finding the work you both love and excel at. It turns out, “Do what you love” is only a small part of the equation.
It sounds so simple on paper, but completing the exercise as a group and then handing off certain tasks to others who enjoy them more as work (aka their “Zone of Brilliance”) was a game changer. It was great for 33Vincent as a whole too: many studies show we work harder when we are happy!
This Crafted Leadership exercise on finding your “Zone of Brilliance” really piqued my curiosity, so I decided to do a bit more research. It turns out, the Japanese have practiced a similar concept for decades, called “Ikigai,” a concept that literally means “Reason for Being.”
The Ikigai Method
The purpose of Ikigai isn’t simply to do what you love, but also to find a sense of direction, meaning, and general wellbeing around your work. In the Ikigai method, there are several important factors to consider though, not just happiness. You’re also prompted to brainstorm what you can be paid for, what you’re good at, and what the world needs. Each of these factors overlap to form your “Ikigai.” Scientists have studied the concept and found that practicing Ikigai affects the frontal lobe of the brain, reducing stress and anxiety. Ikigai has even been suggested to help people stop stuttering. It turns out happiness in youFeer work is a very, very good thing.
However, choosing work that falls within certain combinations on the Ikigai diagram can have drawbacks.These drawbacks are things like happiness but no wealth, or being comfortably wealthy but with a sense of emptiness. Others are feeling happy but not important, and excitement but with uncertainty. Any of that sound familiar?
Ikigai
This concept of how to really do what you love takes the “Zones of Brilliance” one step further, and I found it incredibly insightful. Of course, it’s easy to just say, “Study Ikigai, and you’ll really do what you love,” but it isn’t so easy in practice.
So how can you start being happy at work today?
While you’re discovering your own personal intersections of passion, importance, wealth and enjoyment, here’s how you can do more of what you love at work today.
1. Find Your Zones of Brilliance - and Trade!
The exercise from Crafted Leadership is a great place to start: figure out what certain tasks you really don’t enjoy doing, and try to find a coworker who enjoys them and trade! This is a bit of an oversimplification, but you can find out more about the process here.
2. Figure Out What Really Motivates You and Do More of It
Take a moment to think about where you personally find success and fulfillment, and try to incorporate more of that into the projects at work you’re engaged with. Studies show when we find work fulfilling, it really does feel less like work! Work with your supervisor or team to develop a plan to help each team member work on more of what they love. This will make your team more effective, efficient, and happy – which is ultimately good for your organization!
3. Start the Day Off On the Right Foot
Another study showed that people who begin work with a feeling of wellbeing tend to ride that happiness throughout the day. It psychologically primes you to feel better throughout the entire day. Try planning some activities you enjoy in the morning and treat yourself to a nice breakfast; you’ll be surprised how much it impacts your day.
4. Make Fewer Decisions Throughout the Day
While this might be a difficult thing to do in certain team roles, there is a very real psychological concept called “Decision Fatigue.” Each time you make a decision, it uses up your brainpower. This is why there are always snacks and candy near the checkout line in supermarkets — they’re taking advantage of the fact you’re likely fatigued from many purchase decisions to sell you things you don’t really need.
How is it realistic to make fewer decisions? If you’re a CEO this one is hard. Try making your biggest decisions early in the day, and try not to offer input on things that aren’t high impact or strategically important in your role. We also recommend “batching” your decision-making: every time you encounter a choice you need to make, add it to a list and tackle them all at once when you’re feeling energized.
5. Reward Your Progress With Positive Reinforcement
The effects of positive reinforcement are extraordinary. In the morning write down a few things you want to get done that day, and reward yourself in some small way when you complete them. It’ll help you stay positive and give you more happiness throughout the day.
6. Find an Executive Assistant So You Can Focus on What Makes You Happy
Of course, we would be remiss if we didn’t mention the major benefits of an Executive Assistant. Our talented professional Executive Assistants can help carry the load by managing your emails, planning events or travel, streamlining operations and so much more. With an Executive Assistant you’ll be able to spend much more time on the work you’re good at and actually enjoy — instead of focusing on day-to-day upkeep. You’ll be able to really do what you love in no time!
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