The Path to Great Work: Finding Your Passion and Making a Difference
Hatched by Feranmi Olaseinde
Jul 26, 2023
3 min read
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The Path to Great Work: Finding Your Passion and Making a Difference
Introduction:
In the pursuit of doing great work, one must navigate through the complexities of finding their passion and choosing the right path. Whether it's in the realm of fiscal policy and tax reforms or personal projects, discovering what to work on can be a challenging endeavor. This article explores the process of identifying one's passion, the role of curiosity and ambition, and the importance of taking action and embracing luck.
1. Choosing a Field and Learning at the Frontier:
To embark on a journey of great work, the first step is to choose a field that sparks your interest. President Bola Tinubu's establishment of a presidential committee on fiscal policy and tax reforms highlights the significance of this initial decision. Once a field is chosen, it is crucial to immerse oneself in it and learn enough to reach the frontier of knowledge. Taiwo Oyedele's appointment as the chairman of the committee signifies the importance of expertise in driving impactful work.
2. Noticing Gaps and Exploring Outlier Ideas:
As knowledge expands fractally, it is essential to develop the skill of noticing gaps in existing information. Many groundbreaking discoveries have emerged from questioning commonly accepted notions. The article encourages individuals to boldly chase outlier ideas, even if they are not initially popular. By delving into overlooked possibilities and utilizing expertise to shed light on overlooked aspects, one can make significant contributions in their chosen field.
3. The Role of Curiosity, Delight, and Ambition:
Curiosity, delight, and the desire to do something impressive are powerful motivators in the pursuit of great work. When these motives converge, they create a potent force that drives individuals to work harder and achieve remarkable results. It is crucial to nurture these motives by pursuing projects and fields that genuinely interest and excite you. By aligning your work with your deep-seated interests, you will be driven to work diligently, surpassing the limitations of mere diligence.
4. Navigating the Challenges of Decision-making:
The process of figuring out what to work on is not without challenges. The article acknowledges the difficulty in making decisions, especially when it comes to committing to a field. The educational systems in most countries often require early commitments, which may not align with an individual's evolving interests and ambitions. It emphasizes that one should take control of their own path and actively explore various options before settling on a specific direction.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, the path to great work is a multifaceted journey that requires deep introspection, active exploration, and embracing luck. To embark on this path, one must choose a field of interest, learn enough to reach the frontier of knowledge, notice gaps, and explore promising ideas. Curiosity, delight, and ambition serve as powerful motivators throughout this journey. However, the decision-making process can be challenging, especially in the face of societal expectations. It is crucial to take action, embrace curiosity, and remain open to luck, as these elements can lead to unexpected opportunities and fruitful discoveries.
Actionable Advice:
- 1. Embrace curiosity: Try new things, meet new people, read extensively, and ask questions. The more curious you are, the more likely you are to stumble upon your passion and make valuable connections.
- 2. Pursue personal projects: Don't rely solely on external assignments or instructions. Take the initiative to work on projects that genuinely interest you. These personal endeavors can lead to great work and open doors to new opportunities.
- 3. Be open to luck: Luck plays a significant role in the discovery of what to work on. Make yourself a big target for luck by actively engaging in various activities and remaining open to unexpected encounters. Keep an open mind, as chance meetings and unexpected sources can provide valuable insights and opportunities.
Remember, the journey to great work is unique for each individual, but by following these steps and taking decisive action, you can find your passion, make a difference, and achieve remarkable results.
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