How to find work you love | Scott Dinsmore

Summary

In this motivational talk, the speaker shares a personal journey of discovering meaningful work by rejecting conventional career advice. After feeling unfulfilled in a corporate job, they embarked on a quest to understand what drives passionate, impactful work. They outline a three-step framework for finding purpose: understanding your strengths, pushing your limits, and surrounding yourself with inspiring people. The speaker emphasizes the importance of doing the work you can't not do, as it can transform not only your life but the world around you.

Takeaways

• 😀 Take ownership of your career and life decisions—don't let others dictate your path.
• 😀 The traditional approach of building a resume for the sake of it can leave you unfulfilled and unmotivated.
• 😀 Self-awareness and understanding your unique strengths are essential for finding meaningful work.
• 😀 Reflect on your experiences and learn from them to better understand what you love and what you want to pursue.
• 😀 Defining your own version of success is crucial, as the societal 'scripted life' may not align with your true desires.
• 😀 Surround yourself with people who inspire and challenge you, as your environment greatly influences your growth and possibilities.
• 😀 Pushing your limits and challenging what you think is impossible can open up new doors and create confidence.
• 😀 Your physical and mental growth can fuel progress in all areas of life—small steps lead to big changes.
• 😀 Building a community of like-minded people who share your values and passions can help you thrive and achieve goals.
• 😀 It’s never too late to pursue something you can’t not do—take action, even when the path seems uncertain or difficult.
• 😀 Ask yourself: What is the work you can't not do? This question is the key to unlocking fulfillment and creating change.

Q & A

What career advice did the speaker receive early in their career?

The speaker was advised not to worry about whether they liked their job, but to focus on building their resume.

How did the speaker feel about their job at the Fortune 500 company?

The speaker initially thought it was a fantastic opportunity to make a big impact, but quickly became frustrated and unfulfilled, even feeling the urge to slam their head against the monitor.

What did Warren Buffett's advice teach the speaker?

Warren Buffett's advice, which likened building a resume to 'saving up sex for old age,' made the speaker realize that career fulfillment is about doing meaningful work, not just accumulating credentials.

What motivated the speaker to leave their job at the Fortune 500 company?

The speaker left their job with the intention to find something they could truly impact, based on a desire to do work that was meaningful and aligned with their passions.

What is the 'Live Your Legend' movement?

Live Your Legend is a community created by the speaker to inspire people to do meaningful work that they love, and to encourage others to take the road less traveled and pursue their passions.

What are the three pillars of passionate work, according to the speaker?

The three pillars of passionate work are: 1) becoming a self-expert by understanding your strengths and values, 2) pushing your limits and doing the impossible, and 3) surrounding yourself with inspiring people who push you to reach your potential.

Why does the speaker emphasize becoming a 'self-expert'?

Becoming a self-expert is important because it helps individuals understand their strengths, values, and experiences, which is essential for making decisions that align with their passions and purpose.

How can surrounding yourself with inspiring people help you succeed?

Surrounding yourself with inspiring people is crucial because their energy and mindset can push you to overcome your limitations and achieve things you thought were impossible. Their influence helps raise your standards and transform your thinking.

What does the speaker mean by 'doing the impossible'?

Doing the impossible refers to challenging yourself to push beyond perceived limits, whether in physical feats, career achievements, or personal growth. It’s about overcoming doubts and proving that what seems impossible is actually achievable.

What story does the speaker share to illustrate overcoming fear and limits?

The speaker shares a personal experience of swimming across the San Francisco Bay, a feat that terrified them due to their fear of deep, murky water. By confronting this fear and pushing through, they demonstrated how overcoming personal limits can lead to success.