we do for the pure love of the activity, regardless of whether
they ever provide an income. Psychologists call this activity
“play.”
Recently researchers have come to realize how essential
such activities are to our overall growth. Here’s how Hara
Marano, editor at large for Psychology Today, puts it: “We
would all agree that play lifts stress from us. It refreshes us
and recharges us. It restores our optimism. It changes our
perspective, stimulating creativity . . . But there is also
evidence that play does much more. It may in fact be the
highest expression of our humanity.”^5 Whatever you do to
recharge at the end of the day isn’t a diversion. Or at least, it
doesn’t have to be. It can be the very thing that keeps you
healthy and sane. It can even serve to strengthen you as well
as rest does. Your taste in music, the kinds of books you
enjoy, even your favorite foods all contribute to the person
you are and the portfolio you’re creating—and therefore,
make up your calling. Who knows how your past
experiences and current interests might dance together to
create something unique and wonderful? Play is how we
keep our lives, and our work, interesting.
- Purpose
There must be something bigger than what you do that
guides you through the choices you make, the risks you
take, and the opportunities you pursue. In many ways, this
is the reason you work at all. It’s the charity your company