As I thought about it, I realized there was one more thing I deeply enjoyed about the work I am doing now.
Success.
I've spent a lot of time thinking about success - and like most people, I've spent a lot of time looking for it, often in the wrong places. I can tell you what success isn't.
Success isn't Mt. NeverRest, as it was called in my parents' house.
Success isn't a job that keeps returning the same problems to you day after day, year after year.
Success isn't a job that you already know how to do - you just have to keep doing it.
Success isn't making a lot of money.
Success isn't graduating from a school that never really made you try.
Success isn't graduating from a school when you're just going on to more school.
Success is getting something done.
Success can be different for different people - but for me, right now, success is looking out at the harvested fields of buckwheat. I can see them. They're right there. They are done. I don't have to harvest them again. No one has to harvest them until next year - and while harvesting them, we learned things, and we made small changes that will make next year easier - that will make next year a year of less weeds.
But for now, we're done. No more harvest.No more work on that problem. That is success, and it feels wonderful every time I look at it. I'll look at this ebook I'm writing - and the website for it - that way when it's done. I'll go back to the page again and again - because it'll feel great that it's done. I think authors stare at completed books that way.
All you desk jockeys who come back to the same problems day after day, I wonder if you honestly have that feeling. If you don't, you're missing out.
I had a whole response written and the computer wigged out. Alas!
ReplyDeleteBasically I was responding to the idea of success...I think this would make a much better note somewhere. I will tag you in it, and notify you of my thoughts. Being what some would call "an office drone".