Talk to Someone Who Loves Their Work
Chat with someone who loves their work to uncover habits that make work meaningful.
10–30 mins
Monthly
Effort: Moderate-
Ingredient: Meaningful Work
Finding joy and purpose in what you do every day.
How
Choose someone approachable: Pick someone you know - a colleague, friend, vendor, volunteer, or craftsperson - who visibly enjoys their work.
Ask warm, practice-led questions: Use 3–4 prompts that uncover habits and choices:
What part of your day gives you energy?
What small habit keeps the work meaningful for you?
When do you feel your work really matters to someone else?
What helps on tough days?
Borrow one small habit: Write one line: “I’ll try ___ for the next week.”
Examples:
Start the day with one real user interaction.
End the day noting one person helped.
Protect 45 minutes for focused work on your core skill.
Easy Start
Message one person now: “You seem to enjoy your work. Could I learn one habit that makes your day feel meaningful?”
Why It Matters
Questions and Thoughts
- “I don’t want to bother them.” → Keep it to 15–25 min, share questions upfront, and end on time.
- “What if I end up comparing myself?” → Focus on one practice to borrow, not the person’s whole path.
- “My work is different.” → Translate the principle (e.g., “serve first,” “protect craft time”) to fit your context.
Care Notes
Stay specific and practical - avoid prying into pay or personal details. Share one line back later (“I tried ___; it helped”), but don’t turn it into hero worship. Include non-traditional work (care, home, community) as equal sources of meaning.
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