I had the pleasure of seeing my friend, the CEO of a successful internet startup, speak tonight about the journey he’s had as a serial entrepreneur, and his tips for young, budding business people. One example he gave stood out to me as a fundamental key to success for anyone, doing anything, regardless of industry or practice, so I thought I’d pass it along.
My buddy talked a fair amount about how much time he puts in to his company, citing multiple experiences where friends would encourage him to take more time off, and stop spending all day, every day at his office. Many people told him it wasn’t healthy, and that he needed more work/life balance. His response to his friends, who coincidentally were all soccer players, was this: if someone payed you a lot of money, to spend all day, every day playing soccer, would that be something you’d be interested in? They of course replied affirmatively. Well that’s what I’m doing. Starting companies is what I’m passionate about, so all day, every day I’m doing what I love. It’s not work, it’s just… Fun.
By now you know where this is headed. Do what you love and you’ll never work a day in your life. But beyond that… Finding whatever “soccer” is for you, and getting out there and playing a lot of it, will not only give you a fun way to make a living, but it will make you truly great at what you do.