It might seem like “pursuing your definition of a remarkable life” is quite similar to “following your passion,” but for most people, it’s not. A vision for a life well-lived tends to be broad and ambiguous — touching on major distinctions in lifestyle not specific industries or types of work. These are statements of values not commitments to economic sectors.
The following, for example, fit naturally in a definition of a remarkable life:
A desire for time affluence.
A desire for influence and recognition.
A desire for playing a deep, meaningful role in your family and community.
A desire to be known for creativity or to have an impact on the world of ideas.
A desire to be free of financial concerns.
A desire for adventure.
A desire for minimalism (less stuff, less obligations, less mental clutter).
While this list is too specific:
A desire to work in education non-profits.
A desire to be a lawyer.
A desire to be an entrepreneur.
The first list describes general traits of a life well-lived. The second list describes specific strategies for obtaining these traits. My career advice thinks you should be obstinate in protecting the former while not caring much at all about the latter. You need to know where generally you want to go, but you shouldn’t get too obsessed about the uncountably many different routes that can get you there.
The difference between pursuing a lifestyle and following your passion
