The Sweet Spot of Fulfillment

How to Be Happy and Successful in Your Work

True success requires three key components.

If your day ends and you haven’t seen a ‘chase your dreams, work hard’ quote, you’re not on social media.

But that simplistic two-step formula? It’s a surefire recipe for a selfish loner. If you chase your dreams and work hard, but no one needs what you do, it might make you rich but not happy. For instance, buying and selling shares on the stock market can bring you a fortune — but not fulfillment.

One key component is missing.

Your fulfillment lies at the intersection of three areas:

1. What brings you joy
2. What you’re willing to sacrifice
3. Where you create value.

Nature hardwired the third component deep into our brains through evolution.

Our distant ancestors lived in small groups and had to help each other to survive. That’s why we’re wired to create value for others. It’s also why you feel joy when someone thanks you for what you do for them.

So, you might look successful with your face on the cover of Forbes. But you feel successful when people need you.

If you do what you love and are willing to sacrifice your time and energy but don’t create value, you won’t feel fulfilled in the long run. You’re either just filling your pockets, or you think you’re gifted at something, working hard, but people still don’t value what you do – so, it’s waste of time.

If you’re willing to sacrifice your time and energy and create value but don’t like what you do, it becomes a thankless job.

If you do what you love and create value but aren’t willing to sacrifice for it, it’s just a hobby.

You need all three components to be both happy and successful in your work.

Svyatoslav Biryulin

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Me, me, me

1. The second audio chapter of my book Red and Yellow Strategies is now available as a podcast on Substack. Interested? Subscribe to that section and start listening.
2. Now accepting keynote bookings for 25Q3-25Q4.
3. The early bird discount for Uniquation program is ending soon — learn more here.
4. Check out my book Red and Yellow Strategies: Flip Your Strategic Thinking and Overcome Short-termism.

Read also: Stop Competing on Features – Start Winning With Feelings