Do What You Love to Do
Steve Jobs changed the world. Love him or hate him, no one can argue that his convictions led Apple to great success. Throughout his career, Jobs shared his thoughts on what success looks like. Today, we’re going to look at just one.
Do what you love to do.
In 2005, Steve Jobs delivered a commencement speech at Stanford University. During his speech, he said, “Follow your heart,” as he reminisced on his firing from Apple in 1985.
Jobs says, “Sometimes, life is going to hit you in the head with a brick. Don’t lose faith. I’m convinced that the only thing that kept me going was that I loved what I did. You’ve got to find what you love. And that is true for work as it is for your lovers. Your work will 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.”
Steve Jobs’ words ring true. We’ve all experienced rough days on the job - felt those familiar feelings of frustration, anger, and uncertainty. But it’s our passion for our work and our team that propels us forward. It’s what gives us the strength to push through the tough times.
But what happens when we are unable to emotionally engage in our work and feel like we don’t fit in? When we feel isolated and disconnected from our colleagues? This is a common experience for many employees, and it can harm their well-being and job performance.
We all have a deep innate need to belong, to be a part of something greater than ourselves. As human beings, we crave connection and community. This is especially true in the workplace, where we spend a significant amount of our time.
Research shows that a sense of belonging in the workplace is crucial for job satisfaction, motivation, and engagement. Employees who feel connected to their organization and colleagues are likelier to be happy and productive at work.
So, how do you find your tribe at work? How do you cultivate a sense of belonging and connection within your team?
The first step is to understand that you are not alone. Many individuals struggle with feeling isolated at work, even if it may seem like everyone else fits in perfectly. Recognize that others may also be looking for a sense of belonging.
Next, start by building relationships with your colleagues. Take the initiative to get to know them on a personal level. Ask about their interests, hobbies, and families. Share your own stories as well. This will help create genuine connections beyond just work-related interactions.
Don’t be afraid to reach out to others for support or guidance. This vulnerability can help build trust and deepen relationships. And if there aren’t any socializing opportunities, consider organizing an after-work activity or joining a work committee.
Another way to foster belongingness is by finding common ground with your co-workers through shared values or goals. This can create a sense of unity within the team and give everyone a common purpose to strive towards together.
If you try connecting with your current team or company culture and continue to feel excluded, it may be time to seek new opportunities.
Start by making a list of your needs and desires. Take some time to reflect on what truly motivates and inspires you. Consider ways in which you can positively impact others and help them succeed. Sometimes, this may involve creating new opportunities for yourself if you don’t see any available.
Perhaps you have already been fortunate enough to encounter inspiring people or experiences along your journey, or maybe a curiosity led you here. Now, imagine being able to rewrite your life so that you are doing what brings you the most joy and fulfillment. If you ever question a decision or direction, ask yourself, “Is this what I truly want?” or “Is this the right path for me?” Take a moment to think before answering these questions with honesty and clarity.
Have faith in your true self to lead the way. You have the power to choose your ambitions and have confidence in your chosen path. Commit to your journey. Select a meaningful route and take steps towards it. Discover the places that bring you fulfillment, and continue progressing towards them. Remember, you don’t have to settle for just any job. Look for new opportunities where you can love what you do and start taking strides in that direction.