Finding Fulfilment at Work (and in Life)

Origins: Confucius | One of my all time favorite quotes.

Life is a game that is often played in a multiplayer/competitive setting.
Society tells us: Go compete for more money, bigger house, higher education.
We’re always competing against each other to live up to society’s expectations.

We’ve become so externally programmed and driven that its leading us to compete against ourselves internally.

We compete against ourselves because we are driven by “should’s” rather than “wants.”
I should get a masters to make my parents happy.
I should live up to my friends’ expectations because I don’t want to be lonely.
I should work in a mediocre accounting job because it pays the bills.

When was the last time you asked yourself what you want in life?
What do I want to do?
Who do I want to do it with?
When do I want to do it?
Where do I want to do it?

Figuring out what you want to do in life is a single-player game.
Our definition of happiness is singular.
Our interpretations of life are singular.
Our drives and motivations are singular.
Therefore, finding fulfilment in life should be a single-player game.

Stop competing on extrinsic motivators and start identifying your intrinsic values by answering the following questions:

1. When in my life (and career) have I found myself performing at peak levels, filled with genuine passion and purpose?
2. When do I feel like I could keep doing the same things over and over again and be happy?
3. What are my core passions, strengths, and abilities?
4. In what environments do I seem to perform at my best?
5. When do I feel drained or depleted?

I found the first question via a post written by Brad Smith. For the first time in my life, I was asked to reflect on when I felt a genuine sense of fulfillment, happiness, and purpose. I realized that I performed at peak levels when I was helping others find meaning at work (and in their lives). In 2016, I started a company, DreamUP, in response to the oil crash a few years prior to. The goal was to help blue collar workers find employment in the tech sector. In 2017, I was working with students to help them understand that a 9to5 isn’t the only career path available to them. Throughout the years, I’ve also consulted a number of my friends/peers to help them figure out what’s next for their career. I didn’t have all the answers but I was the underdog, fighting against climbing corporate ladders and while doubling down on channeling your Ikigai.

Question two helped me realize how much I love being a social butterfly. I love talking to people and learning about their history, goals, strengths, weaknesses, and etc. Working within a community of peers was energizing — I can do it all day long and be happy. This helped me understand that no matter where I work or what company I start, I’d like to be at the forefront, working with people directly.

The third question reminded me of my childhood. My mom used to complain that I would get bored of everything. Every activity, book, game, or event seemed dull. I was always looking for the next challenge or adventure. As an adult, this helped me realized that I performed my best in fast pace environments that are riddled with multiple deliverables, challenges, and opportunities. In turn, this helped me understand that I was best suited to work in early-staged startups.

The last question helped me built clarity on what I would never want to do. It forced me to think about the spaces that depleted my energy. I’ve always struggled to work in overly procedural and slow-moving environments like governments. I spent one year working at a municipal government in Canada and I hated the experience. Although I loved the people I was working with, nothing ever moved forward and I was constantly bored. Never again.

My North Star was clear: To level the playing field of opportunity for all who possess the ambition and resilience to change their career narrative, build a personal career moat, and design a fulfilling life.

I have a long road ahead of me.
I don’t have all the answers.
I expect to fail countless of times.
Yet, I wouldn’t have it any other way.

Defining my intrinsic motivators have helped me understand what purpose and fulfillment mean to me.

I hope they can do the same for you 🕊️

Hi there! Thanks for reading 🙏🏽
I don’t write often but when I do it’s usually about my entrepreneurial journey. My goal is to share actionable advice, examples, and perspective with people who want to build a deeply fulfilled career via independent work. Feel free to follow me to learn more.