When I studied law/engineering, I remember all too clearly being asked on the first day, “Why did you decide to study law?” and one student responded, “I chose law because I didn’t get into medicine.” He later mentioned that he just wanted to study something that looked impressive. If he couldn’t get into medicine, law was second best. Some parents say, “You can do anything you like with your life, provided it’s law, medicine, or engineering.” If only this were merely comedy and not the reality for many children.
You enter the world endowed with a specific gift to share. But then you are told to “keep your options open” and to choose a secure job at a well-established company. Elite performers, in contrast, focus on one thing, not multiple options. They choose the path that helps them grow the most, even if there is a risk that things won’t work out the first time.
Every time you trade growth for stability, you also enroll in boredom and tedium. Is that a good deal? Worse, you rob the world of the gifts you possess. Don’t shortchange humanity by sitting on the sidelines. Step up. The world cannot wait to hear the music that you have to share.
Psychologist Abraham Maslow has famously said, “A musician must make music, an artist must paint, a poet must write, if he is to be ultimately at peace with himself.” You might be someone different.
A photographer must capture moments. A journalist must uncover the truth. A mediator must foster common understanding.
What is it that you must do?
This article is an excerpt from Chapter 8 of Choose Your Work
Footnote
Psychologist Abraham Maslow has famously said, “A musician must make music, an artist must paint, a poet must write, if he is to be ultimately at peace with himself.” Abraham H. Maslow, Motivation and Personality (New York: Harper & Row, 1954), 46.
Dan Dobos writes about decision making, personal growth, human potential, fulfillment and helping people choose the work that they are meant to do. He is the author of Choose Your Work.