Do What You Love, Love What You Do

My story of how I ended up where I am is unique, a little scary, and can be eye-opening. As it did for many others as well, September 11, 2001, forever changed my life. That morning I was attending an industry training when the World Trade Center was attacked, and thankfully, I escaped the 61st floor of the South Tower. That event gave me the first-hand experience that life is too short, and I vowed to myself that I would never settle. Living and loving life to the fullest, both personally and professionally, is vital to me.

For a long time, I did what I loved, and loved what I did… until I didn’t. I started to feel unfulfilled, complacent, and even slightly resentful. My wife and I had a heart-to-heart conversation, and through that, I found the courage, discipline and excitement to leave corporate America – venturing out on my own as an independent wealth advisor. While jumping into the unknown was scary, I felt a passion for my work like I had never felt before.

After reflecting on my experience and reading about the experiences of others, I noticed four commonalities of those that truly do what they love and love what they do: inspiration, success, realism, and making a difference.

Inspiration

Since I started my entrepreneurial journey, I often hear people say something like, “Good for you. I wish I had the courage to leave my job,” or “I’d love to do something different, but I only have X numbers of years until I retire, so I am going to stick it out.” For others to acknowledge and commend me is a reminder I am living my truth. The only way to be an inspiration to others is to follow your dream.

Success

Studies show that happy people tend to earn higher salaries, due to their extra motivation to meet their goals, in turn leading to greater success. Additionally, when you’re happy, you exude positivity, and your upbeat vibe invites more opportunity, which also leads to more success.

Realism

The concept of loving what you do and doing what you love does not always equate to continuous happiness and ease. There are always going to be some aspects of your job that you do not particularly enjoy; that’s life! However, focusing on the overall experience is what makes it all worth it. Plus, a lack of challenge and growth in your career leads to boredom, complacency, and eventually, less happiness and success.

Making a Difference

When you ask those doing what they love and loving what they do why they do it, you will often find a common theme: making a difference. It’s wonderful to love your job, but loving the impact your work has on others is taking it “next level.” The sense of pride, accomplishment, and fulfillment found through making a difference in others’ daily lives gives work meaning and purpose.

Life is too short to live for the weekend and dread Monday morning. Loving what you do and doing what you love brings more happiness, success, money, and longevity.
The late Steve Jobs summed it up well; “You’ve got to find what you love. 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.”

In addition, JP Williams is the Founder of Pillar Wealth Group who lives and works near Columbus, Ohio. JP founded Pillar Wealth Group with over 17 years of experience and specializes in financial planning, retirement planning, investment management, risk management, college planning, and estate planning. Contact us today to get started with your financial wellness journey. Contact us today to schedule an introductory meeting!