This really resonated with me. “You want what you actually do” is a great mantra. In this age of comparison on social media etc, it’s easy to guilt trip yourself into wanting what you think you should want. Multiply that by gazillions people thinking the same thing and we end up in a place where everyone’s not truly being themselves. Thank you for this piece, Paul!
Pathless path is a great read, I've recommended it to a couple of friends having a bit of a career crisis. Looking forward to starting The Good Work soon (once I finish up a couple of fantasy books 🤣)
Great post. It resonates with me. Essentially, i experience this as conflicting commitments.
BTW, you mind sharing which software application you use to write (in the photo). I am writing a book and organizing my content is a challenge at time. Looking for something where i can have a sidebar of content or chapters to reference. Enjoy Koi Samuai my fav spot there.
I really appreciated this insight, Paul. It's so true, what you do is where you put your attention, and where your attention goes is what will grow! It's a very sound principle for life.
This take is refreshingly honest and thought-provoking, a kind of gentle wake-up call that challenges the illusion many people live under, that our stated goals reflect our true desires. It strips away the “shoulds” we impose on ourselves and invites us to look at our behavior without shame or denial.
This made me think of gratitude and being happy with our present moment. It also helped me realize that I am happy with my life BUT need some necessary changes at the moment career and finance wise. I'm making those changes as we speak because if not, that means i'm ok with my current situation. Period. Thanks for this!
I found you from Justin Welsh and this is the first reading I have done and can't wait to read more. I loved this!
Two things:
One the mental reframe for those around us, "people want what they want to do". Such a simple way to approach what can be very difficult.
Two, definitely going to have to save the response for when people want you to talk to someone they know. The way you phrased, “No, but you can send him my stuff and if he actually wants to connect, he will reach out.” is so polite and really puts the action in the other person's field so your energy can be saved for those who are actually interested in working together.
I think you hit an excellent issue here. Society at large reinforces certain narratives, and ideals about how work should be done, and which goals. When we stray away from these ideals we are sanctioned. But when we stay within the path, with low quality motivation (the drive you mention), we are again sanctioned for poor results. In both cases we see a sort of "blaming the victim" for not wanting to play the shared rules we have agreed on regarding what work is, and what it isn't.
Looking at what we actually do, as a means to reveal our true motivations, is a great spin on the "look at what they do, not what they say". Only, we are looking to understand ourselves.
I'll try to take this on as an exercise for the next 30 days and see where it takes me.
This really resonated with me. “You want what you actually do” is a great mantra. In this age of comparison on social media etc, it’s easy to guilt trip yourself into wanting what you think you should want. Multiply that by gazillions people thinking the same thing and we end up in a place where everyone’s not truly being themselves. Thank you for this piece, Paul!
Pathless path is a great read, I've recommended it to a couple of friends having a bit of a career crisis. Looking forward to starting The Good Work soon (once I finish up a couple of fantasy books 🤣)
Wow thank you!
Great post. It resonates with me. Essentially, i experience this as conflicting commitments.
BTW, you mind sharing which software application you use to write (in the photo). I am writing a book and organizing my content is a challenge at time. Looking for something where i can have a sidebar of content or chapters to reference. Enjoy Koi Samuai my fav spot there.
thanks!
Google docs
Can't wait to read your book about money !! Any news on the french version of the Pathless Path ?
no but it was sold to: LES ÉDITIONS LA COMÉDIE FRANÇAISE
maybe you can help me search?
With pleasure ! How can I help ?
Search to see if it’s out?
Not yet… I'll keep you posted when I see it published. Let me know if I can help you further
I really appreciated this insight, Paul. It's so true, what you do is where you put your attention, and where your attention goes is what will grow! It's a very sound principle for life.
This take is refreshingly honest and thought-provoking, a kind of gentle wake-up call that challenges the illusion many people live under, that our stated goals reflect our true desires. It strips away the “shoulds” we impose on ourselves and invites us to look at our behavior without shame or denial.
Wow, this reframe is wild. In stating that you want what you're actually doing creates opportunity for momentum. Will have to remember this one.
Welcome to Thailand!!!
Thank you!
This made me think of gratitude and being happy with our present moment. It also helped me realize that I am happy with my life BUT need some necessary changes at the moment career and finance wise. I'm making those changes as we speak because if not, that means i'm ok with my current situation. Period. Thanks for this!
I found you from Justin Welsh and this is the first reading I have done and can't wait to read more. I loved this!
Two things:
One the mental reframe for those around us, "people want what they want to do". Such a simple way to approach what can be very difficult.
Two, definitely going to have to save the response for when people want you to talk to someone they know. The way you phrased, “No, but you can send him my stuff and if he actually wants to connect, he will reach out.” is so polite and really puts the action in the other person's field so your energy can be saved for those who are actually interested in working together.
Thanks for sharing!
Years of trial and error haha
"You want what you actually do" - this started a highly uncomfortable selfreflection.
I said one thing, but didn't follow thru. There's a lot to unpack - thank you.
Can’t wait for the new books dude!
Excited for your upcoming books!
love this - I want what I actually do. Thanks Paul
I think you hit an excellent issue here. Society at large reinforces certain narratives, and ideals about how work should be done, and which goals. When we stray away from these ideals we are sanctioned. But when we stay within the path, with low quality motivation (the drive you mention), we are again sanctioned for poor results. In both cases we see a sort of "blaming the victim" for not wanting to play the shared rules we have agreed on regarding what work is, and what it isn't.
Looking at what we actually do, as a means to reveal our true motivations, is a great spin on the "look at what they do, not what they say". Only, we are looking to understand ourselves.
I'll try to take this on as an exercise for the next 30 days and see where it takes me.
Let me know what comes up.
So true. Every word of it. About 20 years ago, I started repeating a similar mantra: “I’m always doing what I want.” Thanks for writing this, Paul.