“Do what you love, and you’ll never work a day in your life.”
That’s a bold claim. And one that many of you agree is unrealistic. More than half of the 1,100-plus leaders who responded to our LinkedIn Valentine’s poll on the intersection of love and work say that even when you love what you do, it still feels like work, at least some of the time.
Good. It should. No matter how well you marry your passions to your paycheck, if you pour all your energy, effort, and heart into work, you may begin to associate both your identity and your value with it, as well.
Creative leaders recognize the importance of healthy boundaries and embrace opportunities to explore aspects of themselves outside of their careers. Take up woodworking. Learn a new language. Try a meditation practice. Go to the movies with your kids. Volunteer in the community. All of these and myriad more not only make us more well-rounded, happier people, they make us more relatable, empathetic, and effective leaders. That breadth of experiences allows us to gain insight and inspiration, infusing the work we love with renewed appreciation and confidence.
To create a fulfilling life, you need to do more than make a living. Leaders who are committed to personal development, in addition to professional advancement, will ensure that their marriage of passion and profession is a lifelong union.
View Poll Results
See the post and read what our followers had to say about love and work in the comments, and be sure to follow us on LinkedIn to be part of our next poll!
It’s great to love what you do, but it’s also okay to have days where it’s not your favorite. True passion involves perseverance and dedication even during challenging times. Ultimately, finding a career that aligns with your values and brings fulfillment is the key to loving what you do most of the time.
Absolutely! Well said, Coach John.