Ever wonder how some people just seem to know what they want to do with their lives from a young age?
You know, those folks who were coding before they could talk or building intricate Lego structures while still learning to read. They’ve got this one big passion that guides them through life.
We’ve all heard about these prodigies. The kid who was programming computers before he could form full sentences. The girl who was solving engineering problems while still in diapers. The teenager who published a 100,000 YouTube subscriber channel before they could drive.
These people just seem to have it all figured out. But what about the rest of us? Their stories can make us feel a bit lost, maybe even inadequate.
Why can’t we find something we’re that passionate about? Why do we want to be astronauts, scientists, writers, adventurers, businesspeople, and athletes all at once?
We dabble in everything but never fall deeply in love with any one thing (be careful with this, I’ll explain in a minute). If this sounds like you, you’re not alone. And guess what? There’s nothing wrong with you.
The problem is that we’re trying to sustain a passion that’s just not sustainable. We’ve been conditioned to believe that we need to find that one thing we love and stick to it. But here’s the truth: if everyone felt that way, it wouldn’t be newsworthy. The media focuses on these stories because they’re rare, not because they’re the norm.
So, when our passion starts to fade, we quit and move on to the next thing, thinking we just haven’t found the right fit yet. But this cycle keeps repeating. Why? Because love and passion are powerful emotions that can be hard to maintain long-term.
It’s tough to stay motivated when you’re not sure what you’re working towards.
The solution? Change how you think about this. Stop looking for that one thing you’ll always be passionate about. It’s a mirage.
I want to introduce you to the concept of an “Eulerian destiny.” It’s a powerful idea that might go against some of your long-held beliefs. But remember, even Warren Buffet says you should try to get rid of at least one bad idea every year. Sometimes, it’s the things we’re sure about that hold us back because we’re too stubborn to let them go.
Trying to follow your dreams and do what you love is admirable, but finding that one thing you’ll always love is nearly impossible. Love and passion come and go. What’s sustainable is liking something. The idea of an Eulerian destiny is about finding something you’re good at and like at the same time.
Love is too intense to maintain for a lifetime. Instead, look for something you like. Liking is sustainable and can lead to a happy job, marriage, and life. Build your career and life around things you like, not just things you’re passionate about.
Now, let’s talk about finding your destiny. In the past, people didn’t have much choice. They often did what their parents did. But today, we have so many options that it’s overwhelming. This leads to well-meaning but misguided advice like “do what you love” or “spend your twenties finding yourself.” Instead, I suggest picking an industry early and sticking with it. People usually reach their peak earning potential by mid-age, so starting late can put you behind.
So, how do you find your Eulerian destiny? Think of it like a Venn diagram (overlapping circles) with four circles representing different aspects of your life. Here’s what you need to consider:
- What did you grow up around?
- What have you been doing for the past 10 years?
- What do strangers compliment you on?
- What do you talk about with your friends on a Saturday night?
Fill in these circles and look for where they intersect. That intersection is your Eulerian destiny. It should be something you can explain in one simple sentence, even to your grandmother.
For example, if you were raised by teachers, have been in university for the past 10 years, strangers tell you you’re good at explaining things, and you love discussing teaching methods with friends, then teaching might be your calling. This is a simplified example, but you get the idea. Take your time with this process; it’s crucial for your happiness and fulfillment.
Forget about chasing the job that makes the most money. Instead, focus on what you enjoy. You’re more likely to succeed and be happy that way.
Once you’ve found your destiny, boil it down to one simple sentence. Mine is, “To use, innovate, and leverage technology to help people reconnect with themselves and the world around them.”
This method isn’t the only way to succeed, but it’s a great tool to help you organize your thoughts and find your path. If you already know what you love and it feels right, go for it. Just remember, passion alone might not be enough to sustain you.
Some of you might think you don’t have the time for this. But finding your purpose is one of the most important questions in your life. Take the time to do it right. Once you know your purpose, you’ll be ahead of most people in the world. So, take your time and get it right.
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