Doing work that matters

Our education system has us focus on what will be on the test.  When we later extend that to our work, we find ourselves in a lifelong cycle of catering to a boss, or the few people who most influence our work lives.

We can choose to ask better questions than “what will be on the test?” and “what’s the least I have to do to pass?”  How about:

1. What work can I do work that matters?

2. What unique mix of skills, interests and capabilities allow me to make the most impact?

Play vs. practice

For the few skills at which I excel, I noticed that I never viewed the intense hours I devoted as “practice”. I obsessed over the activities themselves and became interested in the challenge.  There’s a reason you don’t hear: “Gimme a minute mom, I’m working on video game skill acquisition!”

The quality of hours spent mastering a skill is influenced by what we believe we’re doing during those hours.  It’s all practice of course, but doesn’t “playing” and “doing” feel like something we’ll continue long-term?

You will persevere and excel if what you’re doing is an enjoyable challenge and not an obligation.

You are what you think you are

Your operating system reinforces your belief (bias) that the Universe conspires for you or against you.  That people are trustworthy or they’re not.  That you are lucky or unlucky.

Your standards and your quality of life improve with a bit of self-reflection, and an effort to upgrade your self-talk (e.g. “things always work out for me”).

The placebo effect is strong, and doesn’t only apply to medicine.