Finding Balance In What You Do!

It’s More Than a Job

Researchers in Sweden have studied what makes us happy, and they’ve discovered something interesting about work: working to achieve a goal, even more than attaining that aim, is what makes people most satisfied.

Of course, there is a caveat. Hard work is satisfying, but only if it suits you, by using your particular strengths and skills. Otherwise, it can be downright demoralizing if you’re working at something you don’t enjoy.

A small business magazine recently interviewed Jim Koch, founder and chairman of what began as a craft beer producer, and is now a nationally-recognized company. Koch’s choice of career dismayed his father, and others thought he was crazy for trying to craft and market a great American beer.

However, his pursuit of what he loved ended up paying big dividends. While his success story might not be typical, he offers this advice: “I always tell people that if you are going to start a business, the chances that it is going to make you rich are actually very small, almost infinitesimal. But if you pursue something that you really love, the odds that you make yourself happy are really pretty good, and that’s the real prize.”

Hopefully, you love–or at least enjoy–your work, whether it’s writing, managing the household, or any variety of activity or employment. If not, you might need to reassess, and discover and pursue what it is that will make you happy. Don’t wait – start now!