Loving It

I had the pleasure of running into an interview with a friend's dad that was published on line a while back. He is in his 90's but has lived a full and successful life as a writer of comedy. Already you know he's one of the luckiest guys alive. What a way to make a living.

As I read the interview two things came to mind. First, success really is in part a measure of what you do. Not in the sense of "doctor, lawyer, Indian Chief" but, rather, being in love with what it is you are actually doing. Being in love with what you do for a living is really one of the greatest pleasures and good fortunes in life. Second, real success at work is being in love with the work you do rather than who you think it makes you. Too often it seems people are in love with themselves and their perceived role in the working world. Let's see, what do you call the latter type? Oh yah-- a big shot.

It's an old story: The guy who just can't get enough of himself whether it's in sales, film, medicine, or at the local big-box retailer. These are the people who rather quickly get in over their heads because they can't resist the sense of celebrity-- on any scale. The big boss. The guy or gal who usually has to prop up their sense of worth by walking on the backs of others. They do what they do in pursuit of some ethereal need for more. An insatiable need to be the center of it all. And usually, eventually, they fail. And usually, too, they are never satisfied.

Anyway, the interview is a good read and I think you'll agree you're reading about a man who, very early on, recognized what he loved to do, found a way to make it happen, and pursued no other agenda. Wholly satisfied to be doing the work. What a success and inspiration. Not to mention what a lot of funny material!