Why do we work? What is the purpose? The most common answer would be – to make money for a living or to pay bills. To offer a better life for our family. We always have that next car or house we want to buy. We always have the next role we are vying for in our work. Materialistic upgradation in life and higher positions in the work/ society are often confused as our growth.
Recently in an interview, Elon Musk was asked what advise would he give to youngsters and he said “‘Try to be as useful as possible to the rest of society‘. Follow your passions in a way that can benefit other people.”. But this doesn’t answer it all. There is a big missing piece that Elon didn’t address.
I was constantly seeking this missing piece in the puzzle since I started working in a corporate. It took me a decade or two to complete that puzzle and here is what I learnt. And that is the Big idea am talking about. What is the best advice I would give to a younger myself?
The Big Idea is – ‘Choose Freedom’
Sam Zell the real estate billionaire investor is somebody I had learnt a lot, listening to his interviews and book. But recently I was listening to founder podcast by David Senra who had a chance to meet Sam Zell. He speaks about different lessons learnt from Sam Zell in this podcast : https://lnkd.in/e6UvvwYi . Its a must listen one and the podcast itself is worth subscribing to.
But what really resonated with me was this same idea that he speaks about – “Go For Freedom”. This is what David posted on Twitter about this idea directly coming from Sam Zell.
“Go for freedom.
Freedom allows you to control what you work on
If you control what you work on then you can work on what you love.
If you love it you will do it for a long time.
If you do it for a long time you will get really good at it.
Money will come as a result.”
Nobody could have said this better! So finally, what is the solution to the whole puzzle?
Choose Freedom. When you have freedom, you have the power to choose the work you are passionate about, that you think has an impact and be purposeful to the rest of the society. Choosing freedom also helps us to be happy most of the times.
Think over it. ‘Freedom’ is the ultimate happiness in all aspects!!
Now choosing freedom over money or status is not an easy game for human beings though!
