What is work?
Dear Readers,
Welcome to another edition of our newsletter. Today, we dive deep into an intriguing perspective on what work truly means. This thought-provoking piece is inspired by the words of Naval Ravikant, a renowned entrepreneur and thinker.
Redefining Work
"I define work as a set of things that you have to do that you don't want to do. So in that sense, I work very little. But obviously, here I am doing what looks like work to you but feels like play to me. So I am just playing. I'm enjoying myself."
Naval's view on work challenges the conventional wisdom. For him, true work is only the tasks that feel obligatory and undesirable. Everything else, even if it looks like work to others, is play. This mindset transforms his daily activities into a source of joy and fulfilment.
Finding Joy in Productivity
"I'm enjoying myself building a product with the best team imaginable, literally geniuses. I'm enjoying myself solving interesting problems every day. I'm enjoying myself participating in conversations with brilliant people from all over the world from all walks of life. And so it's not work for me."
Naval's approach to his projects and collaborations is driven by passion and enjoyment. Working with a team of talented individuals and tackling stimulating problems keeps him engaged and excited. This perspective shifts the focus from mere productivity to finding joy in the process.
The Burst of Inspiration
"To the extent that I do do work, or even play, I do it in bursts. When I'm motivated, I go all into it. Inspiration is perishable, so I act upon it immediately."
Inspiration, according to Naval, is fleeting and must be seized instantly. He believes in diving deep into tasks when motivated, harnessing bursts of creativity and productivity. This spontaneous approach ensures that his work is always infused with passion and authenticity.