Maybe you’ve noticed it too. Some people are good at what they do. Others hate what they do.
A wise teacher once explained that to me: “If you find something you really love to do, you’ll never have to work a day in your life.”
Surveys have tried to quantify that wisdom. For instance they talk a lot about the need for recognition, self-actualization and growth on the job.
I don’t know about the surveys. I do know that some of the people least likely to love what they do actually do.
For example, the other day I got a cab driver whose vehicle was a rhapsody of posh cushions, sweet music and fresh flowers. I mean, this guy had proudly made his cab a traveling living room. There’s also the occasional tollway cashier who truly seems to take a personal interest in giving me my change. I’ll bet you’ve had a few too.
Then there’s my mail carrier who–I swear this is true–has never failed to hand me my mail without a smile and a personal greeting.
To my knowledge not one of these people makes a lot of money, nor gets a lot of recognition.
And as for the psychologists’ theory about self-actualization, I’m not sure they would buy it. What counts is that they seem legitimately happy at what they do. Happy enough to share their happiness.
Can you imagine a whole city like that?
Well neither can I, but it sure is a great dream. What does it take to make a dream come true? Dreamers, I think.
