The Power of Finding What You Love in Work and Creating Meaningful Products

The Power of Finding What You Love in Work and Creating Meaningful Products

In his famous commencement speech at Stanford University in 2005, Steve Jobs emphasized the importance of finding what you love in life. He believed that it is not always possible to connect the dots looking forward, but only when looking backward. Jobs encouraged the audience to trust in something, whether it be their gut, destiny, life, or karma. This approach, he claimed, had never let him down and had made all the difference in his life.

Jobs firmly believed that loving what you do is crucial for personal and professional fulfillment. He stated that your work is a significant part of your life, and the only way to be truly satisfied is to do what you believe is great work. Doing great work requires a deep love and passion for what you do. If you haven't found it yet, Jobs advised, keep looking and never settle.

Reflecting on his own mortality, Jobs shared that the thought of death served as a powerful reminder to focus on what truly matters. He believed that when faced with death, all external expectations, pride, fear of embarrassment or failure fall away, leaving behind only what is genuinely important. Embracing the fact that life is finite allows us to shed our inhibitions and follow our hearts without hesitation. Jobs learned this lesson firsthand when he was just 20 years old and nearly died from a subdural hematoma.

Time, according to Jobs, is a limited resource. He urged people not to waste it living someone else's life. Going against societal norms and dogmas, he emphasized the need to listen to our own inner voice and intuition. Jobs believed that our hearts and intuition already know what we truly want to become, and it is crucial to have the courage to follow them. Everything else, he asserted, is secondary.

In another perspective, Kenichiro Hara, in his article titled "The Difference Between Function, Product, and Company," explores how even the largest companies often start with small functions. Hara suggests that entrepreneurs and product managers who can clearly explain and strategically introduce functions that are closely linked to user behavior and awareness are successful. It is important to drop unused functions and focus on those that align with user actions and cognitive processes.

Hara also highlights that companies like Google and Facebook started from simple functions. They gradually built their platforms based on the needs and behaviors of their users. This approach reinforces the idea that starting small and focusing on creating the best possible functions is a key aspect of building successful companies.

Combining these two perspectives, we can see a common thread. Both Steve Jobs and Kenichiro Hara emphasize the importance of starting small, focusing on what truly matters, and continuously evolving based on user needs and behaviors. Both stress the significance of finding what you love and having the courage to follow your intuition.

To apply these insights in our own lives, here are three actionable pieces of advice:

1. Reflect on what you truly love: Take the time to introspect and identify what genuinely excites and motivates you. It could be a particular field, a skill, or a cause. Finding your passion will provide the foundation for meaningful work.

2. Embrace change and evolution: Be open to change and continuously adapt based on feedback and user behavior. Don't be afraid to let go of functions or ideas that are not serving the greater purpose. Stay agile and responsive to market needs.

3. Trust your instincts: Listen to your inner voice and intuition. Have the courage to follow your heart, even if it means going against the opinions of others. Your intuition often knows what is truly best for you.

In conclusion, Steve Jobs and Kenichiro Hara offer valuable insights into the power of finding what you love in work and creating meaningful products. Both emphasize the importance of starting small, continuously evolving, and having the courage to follow your intuition. By incorporating these principles into our own lives and work, we can find fulfillment and success in our endeavors.