The Biggest Win in Life

My career philosophy has always been, “pursue creative skills that make you come alive, and the life you want will follow.” “Make your work to be in keeping with your purpose,” Leonardo da Vinci once said.

The most fulfilling moments in life are when we do things that matter to us, even if they seem scary or challenging at first.

If you’re like most people, you tend to focus on all the areas in your life where you feel unfulfilled and lacking.

You might also constantly worry about what others think of you, which can lead you to try and impress others rather than be yourself. Sure, focusing on these things is important as we grow and develop as individuals.

But more often than not, we let these things take up so much space in our minds that there’s not much left for something else: things that truly make us happy. Things that we care deeply about. Things that give meaning to our lives.

“To forget one’s purpose is the commonest form of stupidity,” argues Friedrich Nietzsche.

One of the significant challenges we face in life is figuring out what it is that we care about and how to find fulfilment.

The things that excite you are no longer just hobbies — they are potential career options or clues to a meaningful life. For a truly satisfying life, you need to find your own true north.

Time spent pursuing things we deeply care about is the biggest win in life

“Winning is only half of it. Having fun is the other half.” — Bum Phillips

If you’re doing things that make you feel good, have a purpose, and go against the grain, then you are winning. Life will generally feel like a chore if you are stuck in a job you hate or hate Mondays.

The more you focus on finding and doing projects, activities, and events that make you come alive, the more fulfilment you will find in life.

Be your own best friend — do things that make you feel better about yourself. Learn new skills and build connections with people who share your interests. Pursue experiences that make you come alive.

The more you do these things; the happier and more fulfilled you will feel. And the happier and more fulfilled you feel, the more likely you will keep doing them.

If there’s one thing we know for sure, it’s that happiness is contagious. So if you want to be happy, start by being kind to yourself. Be patient with yourself when things don’t go as planned.

Every time you do something you deeply care about, you set yourself up for a good win, no matter how small. Don’t settle for anything less than what makes you feel good about yourself. Your happiness depends on it.

“Free yourself from the complexities and drama of your life. Simplify. Look within. Within ourselves we all have the gifts and talents we need to fulfill the purpose we’ve been blessed with,” says Steve Maraboli.

There are no guarantees in life, but your happiness is totally in your control. However busy you are, make time for experiences that make you lose yourself. It’s the best way to play the game of life and win it.

People who make winning a habit in life are in the business of pursuing experiences they care about and projects that make them come alive.

These people know how to play the game of life — and win almost every single time. Meaningful pursuits are not something they do once in a while or on special occasions. Life is a continuous process of learning and growing. Choose to design your experiences on purpose.

“The purpose of life is a life of purpose,” says Robert Byrne.

For every task, experience, activity, or event you choose to do, ask yourself: does this get me closer to or further from what I want in life or everything I care about? Question your choices and decisions.

Choose your experiences carefully.

It’s not always easy to win in life. It’s hard, messy, and not everyone wins their own game — especially not with ease. But if you plan to live on purpose and put some of your free time to great use, you will find meaning and fulfilment.

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This post was previously published on Thomas Oppong’s blog.

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