I like this post. I think all of us want to do something that really matters. I feel that pull anyway. But then I think about what that would look like professionally: Now I have on my CV this product that impacted the world. Now what? Am I happier? Does the accomplishment change me in such a way that I am always fulfilled? I really doubt it. (But I'd still like to verify. :) )
I've had some realizations over the years of things to keep my satisfaction / happiness level higher. It's funny to me that I do not even know the factors which make me unhappy personally, and I must discover them by observing and reflecting on my interactions with others. Don't get me wrong, I'm not one for non-sense -- I want to know practical things like "why is this person upset by my actions?" "why do I dread going to work?" "why am I depressed today?" "why did I do this obviously-bad thing (again)?" I have realized that part of me is like a machine, programmed by my experiences at the subconscious level. I am destined to continually reverse-engineer myself to discover my optimal operating conditions. But even then, I still have to choose not to sabotage individual moments with a bad attitude or taking for granted what I'm getting to experience right now.
That's just the personal level. I think relationships are key to another level of satisfaction, plus the primary vehicle for personal discovery. (This is being said by an introvert.) Well, healthy relationships anyway. :)
Anyway, sorry for the voluminous reply. This has been on my mind lately.
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I like this post. I think all of us want to do something that really matters. I feel that pull anyway. But then I think about what that would look like professionally: Now I have on my CV this product that impacted the world. Now what? Am I happier? Does the accomplishment change me in such a way that I am always fulfilled? I really doubt it. (But I'd still like to verify. :) )
I've had some realizations over the years of things to keep my satisfaction / happiness level higher. It's funny to me that I do not even know the factors which make me unhappy personally, and I must discover them by observing and reflecting on my interactions with others. Don't get me wrong, I'm not one for non-sense -- I want to know practical things like "why is this person upset by my actions?" "why do I dread going to work?" "why am I depressed today?" "why did I do this obviously-bad thing (again)?" I have realized that part of me is like a machine, programmed by my experiences at the subconscious level. I am destined to continually reverse-engineer myself to discover my optimal operating conditions. But even then, I still have to choose not to sabotage individual moments with a bad attitude or taking for granted what I'm getting to experience right now.
That's just the personal level. I think relationships are key to another level of satisfaction, plus the primary vehicle for personal discovery. (This is being said by an introvert.) Well, healthy relationships anyway. :)
Anyway, sorry for the voluminous reply. This has been on my mind lately.