IBTV Episode 19: 4 Foundations of Meaningful Work

Work + Passion = Success

There's a lot of talk about "success" these days. In the business arena, I call it "Success Excess" because it seems as though most people inextricably link business success to financial excess. Consider the television shows which, though inspiring and entertaining, focus to a large extent on making millions, buying mansions, driving fancy cars and making tons of dough -- all without working very hard.

      

This episode capsulizes my thoughts on the matter, and I'm not alone. There's a revolution of Indie Business owners who agree with me that it's high time we reexamine our definitions of success. They need to be brought more in line with reality. They need to speak not only to our desires for abundance, security and gratification, but also to the contributions our work will ultimately make to our communities and the world. I think we can emphasize profitability, as we must in order to be in business in the first place, without diminishing the significance of the many other things that make Indie Business ownership so meaningful and fulfilling.

Ours is the voice of a new age of business leadership which does not focus incessantly and nauseatingly on making millions.

What Do You Think?

Do you agree with my 4 Foundations of Meaningful Work? Do you think there's more to it? Have I oversimplified things? I want to hear from you, and also to know how you combine your work and your passion to conribute meaningfully to the world rather than just count how many dollars you can temporarily possess while you're in it.

Comments

[Wendy Goudie]

Hi Donna Maria,
Thank you for this great post. I agree with the 4 Foundations of Meaningful Work.
The comment of, "Being a part of the Divine Order" could not have been better stated in relation to our work. Success is not that of monetary means. To me it is fulfilling your passion - your God Given Talent. A book that brought me to this epiphany is called, "The Purpose Driven Life", by Rick Warren. While reading this book my questions were answered. My journey began to fulfilling my lifes purpose in work creating Gwendolyn's Gate. The 4 Foundations of Meaningful Work came natural - all apply in what I do.
Thanks Donna Maria
Wendy Goudie, Gwendolyn's Gate