Passion and enjoyment are two key factors that contribute to success and fulfillment in life. Both Jeff Bezos and psychologist Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi emphasize the importance of pursuing something that you are passionate about. Bezos advises individuals to focus on something they find interesting and that has the potential to create real customer value. Csikszentmihalyi, on the other hand, argues that enjoyment is a result of personal effort and engagement in activities that bring a sense of accomplishment.

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Jul 01, 2023
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Passion and enjoyment are two key factors that contribute to success and fulfillment in life. Both Jeff Bezos and psychologist Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi emphasize the importance of pursuing something that you are passionate about. Bezos advises individuals to focus on something they find interesting and that has the potential to create real customer value. Csikszentmihalyi, on the other hand, argues that enjoyment is a result of personal effort and engagement in activities that bring a sense of accomplishment.
Passion is what drives individuals to go above and beyond in their pursuits. When you are passionate about something, you are more likely to put in the necessary time and effort to excel in that area. This is evident in the early internet companies that Bezos mentions, which were focused on doing something they found interesting long before the internet became popular. By staying true to their passions, these companies were able to ride the wave of success.
Choosing enjoyment over pleasure is another crucial aspect of living a fulfilling life. Pleasure is fleeting and often superficial, whereas enjoyment is a deeper and more meaningful experience. Csikszentmihalyi explains that enjoyment is something that individuals create through their own efforts. It is a sense of effort, forward movement, and accomplishment that brings about a lasting sense of satisfaction.
In today's society, there are external factors that can hinder our ability to truly enjoy life. The pressure to present oneself in a positive light on social media, for example, can diminish the enjoyment we derive from experiences. Studies have shown that those who voluntarily shared their photos online enjoyed the experience less than those who kept the photos for their own memories. This is because sharing online creates a pressure to showcase happiness, which can be detrimental to our overall well-being.
Additionally, an excessively practical worldview can also hinder our ability to enjoy life. When we view activities as wasteful or unproductive, we tend to derive less enjoyment from them. This mindset of efficiency and constantly seeking productivity can rob us of the simple joys and leisurely moments that make life truly fulfilling. As the German philosopher Josef Pieper notes, leisure is only possible when one is at peace with oneself. It is in these moments of leisure and enjoyment that we find true fulfillment and create the life we desire.
In light of these insights, here are three actionable pieces of advice to incorporate into your life:
- 1. Follow your passions: Identify what truly interests and excites you. Choose a path that aligns with your passions and has the potential to create real value. By pursuing something you are passionate about, you are more likely to find success and fulfillment.
- 2. Prioritize enjoyment over pleasure: Seek out activities that bring you a sense of accomplishment and fulfillment. Focus on creating meaningful experiences rather than chasing fleeting moments of pleasure. Embrace leisure and allow yourself to fully savor and enjoy the present moment.
- 3. Let go of excessive practicality: Avoid falling into the trap of constantly seeking productivity and efficiency. Embrace the value of unproductive time spent with loved ones, engaging in hobbies, or simply enjoying your own company. Recognize that these moments of leisure and enjoyment are essential for your overall well-being.
In conclusion, passion and enjoyment are key ingredients in achieving success and fulfillment in life. By following your passions, prioritizing enjoyment over pleasure, and embracing leisure, you can create a life that is truly meaningful and satisfying. Remember, it is through these pursuits that you declare independence from your base impulses and pave the way for a more fulfilling and purposeful existence.
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