career

Why Loving What You Do Is the Real Key to Success

There’s a saying shared by the most successful business owners around the world:
“If you love what you do, you’ll never have to work a day in your life.”

And while it might sound like one of those fluffy motivational quotes you’d find on a coffee mug, it couldn’t be more true—especially when you’ve lived on both sides of that truth.

Growing up, my parents had a clear vision for my future: study hard, go to a top university, and become a lawyer or a banker. In their eyes, these careers were the golden ticket to a stable and prosperous life. But there was just one problem: every time I opened a book on law or finance, I instantly felt like taking a nap. It wasn’t just disinterest—it was soul-crushing boredom.

Despite all the effort I poured into studying those subjects, the results were always disappointing. It felt like trying to train a rabbit to climb trees—no matter how hard the rabbit tries, it’s never going to beat a monkey. But that doesn’t mean the rabbit is a failure. Put it on the ground, and it can run faster than you can blink and dig a hole in minutes. It’s all about finding the right environment for your natural strengths.

Too many people spend their lives doing jobs they dislike simply because they were told it’s the “right” path. It pays the bills, sure—but it drains the soul.

I consider myself incredibly lucky. After graduating from university, I finally gave myself permission to explore what I actually enjoyed. I enrolled in an online course in a field I was genuinely passionate about—and something clicked. The more I learned, the more I wanted to learn. The more I did, the better I got. Work no longer felt like work. It felt like play.

Some people dread Mondays. I don’t. In fact, I don’t even mind doing some work at night or on weekends—because when you love what you’re doing, every challenge is a puzzle, not a burden. Ask yourself: “If I had all the time and money in the world, would I still want to be doing this?” If your answer is “yes,” congratulations—you’ve found your zone.

As an entrepreneur, this shift in mindset is everything. When you realign your work with your passions and strengths—and delegate or eliminate the things you dread—you become exponentially more productive. Your output improves, your creativity flows, and your energy skyrockets.

And the same goes for hiring. Always hire for passion, not just experience. A person who is genuinely excited about their craft will outshine someone who’s just doing it for a paycheck. As a leader, assign tasks to team members who naturally enjoy them, and you’ll not only see better results, you’ll also build a happier, higher-performing team. When people love what they do, they don’t need constant motivation. They’re already fueled by their own curiosity and enthusiasm.

So, whether you’re climbing the career ladder or running your own business, remember:
Do more of what lights you up.
Aim to spend at least 50% of your time doing work that feels effortless and energizing.

Because what’s a nightmare for someone else… might just be your idea of fun.