Steve Jobs said, “the only way to do great work is to love what you do.”
It’s so important to your long-term health to love what you do. If you don’t, there can be undue stress from everything like the Sunday anxiety, the stress of leaving your family for hours on end, long commutes, and so much more. People have become so complacent in their discomfort that they are afraid of pursuing anything that might present risk, even if it’s liberating or much better for their health.
If this behavior and these attitudes become chronic, it can be detrimental to both mental and physical health.
The bureau of labor statistics survey says that people between the ages of 25-52 change jobs 7 times. That statistic alone can bring on lots of stress of changing employers and making sure your family is provided for. Whether you are making the change for an improved lifestyle or not, that stress is bad for you in so many ways. Along with the stress come issues such as the increased risk of heart attacks, stroke, weight gain, and weakened immune system. A single stressful or intense day of work might even leave you feeling short of breath. Consistent negative thoughts can seriously harm the body physically, emotionally, and spiritually and will most certainly get in the way of you being a more productive worker.
I recently talked on my Health & Wealth podcast with Josh Holt, a local creative who started his own video production company, Stateside media.
They specialize in creating solutions through videos for companies large and small to communicate their message effectively. This adventure started for him with a passion at age 15 for storytelling through a camera lens. Fast forward 10 years, post-college and MBA program, he is now creating high-quality videos that tell incredible stories through the use of artistic and inspiring imagery. His passion has taken him worldwide at a very young age. Recently he was asked to travel with and document his church’s mission trip to Zambia as his most recent trip. He has traveled to multiple countries with his work, each yielding a personally inspiring and unique experience. He certainly loves what he does and who wouldn’t when you get to take on new and exciting projects? During our podcast, Josh shared his early desires to be an entrepreneur and how his lifestyle is something he loves, and he has made many sacrifices early on to be where he is now. We talked about the stress of a “normal” job and how having the excitement of doing something you love can greatly improve your health and longevity. The difference between a job and a passion is significant. One adds to your life while the other can take from it.
As we age in our careers or make our next job change, consider your overall wellbeing in that decision process. Yes, the money matters, but consider the quality of life you are shifting into. I am fortunate as well to love what I do.
From my conversation with Josh, I hope you are inspired to take a look at where you are in your professional life.
You are in charge of your wellbeing, and I hope in sharing Josh’s story, you are inspired to build passion in what you do. Please use this story shared as a thought to weigh in on your decisions for your long-term health and wellbeing. Always remember, your health is your wealth. .
September 2022
