on success

I read Seth Godin’s books when I see them around. It was fun to see this little blurb by him on Library Garden discussing what makes him successful: “I do things where I actually think I’m right, as opposed to where I think succeeding will make me successful. When you think you’re right, it’s more fun and your passion shows through.”

When I was speaking in Australia in 2004 about the USA PATRIOT Act and CIPA and HIPAA, someone asked the question “How do you keep going? How do you face each day with all these difficult tasks ahead of you?” And my answer was then, as it is now, that I think I’m right. I don’t kid myself that other people also think I’m right, but I enjoy talking to them just the same. It’s easy to be relaxed about your approach when you feel it deep in your bones and aren’t just talking about what people want you to talk about to make rent or get a promotion. We’re all motivated by different things, naturally, and I’d hate the world if it were filled with 6 billion Jessamyns, but it’s fun and inspiring to interact with people who are passionate about their work.

One thought on “on success

  1. When people ask me the “How do you do what you do” question, my stock answer is similar to yours: “I truly care about what I do for a living, and believe I can make a difference through my devotion.” I think your short & sweet “cuz I’m right” — says the same thing in less words ;)

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