"Siempre quiero sentirme así, estar en juego. Supongo que eso es lo que hace que el trabajo sea interesante para mí, la sensación de que estoy en juego, en lugar del nivel de comodidad que puede venir de alguna seguridad que generalmente acompaña al éxito"

The core idea here is pretty straightforward. The speaker is saying that they thrive on the feeling of having something at risk. It’s the sense of urgency and being on the edge that makes their work exhilarating and meaningful, rather than just sitting back comfortably after achieving success. That thrill keeps the work interesting and engaging.

Now, let’s put this in context. Imagine a writer or an artist who’s reached a level of fame and stability. They have fans, money, and recognition. But instead of resting on their laurels, they keep pushing themselves into new, challenging projects. They dive into unfamiliar genres, or take on subjects that might not be popular. For them, the comfort of success isn’t enough. They need that sense of risk to feel alive and keep their creative juices flowing.

Take the example of Elon Musk. Think about it, he didn’t stop after making a fortune with PayPal. He plunged into the world of electric cars with Tesla when everyone thought it was a crazy idea. Then he moved on to space with SpaceX, and now he's into neurotechnology and boring tunnels. Each of these ventures came with massive risks—financial, reputational, emotional. Yet, that’s precisely what makes his work so engaging and groundbreaking. He’s always operating with something at stake, which keeps him driven and innovative.

So, how can you apply this wisdom in your own life? It’s all about stepping out of your comfort zone. Don’t let the safety net of past successes hold you back. Take on new challenges that scare you a bit, that make you feel vulnerable. Whether it's starting a new project at work, learning a new skill, or even taking up a hobby that intimidates you—put yourself in situations where you have something to lose. It’s in those moments of uncertainty that you’ll find growth, excitement, and true engagement.

Picture this: You’re at a coffee shop with a friend, casually talking about your job. You've been doing the same role for years, and while you’re good at it, you’re also bored. Your friend suggests taking on a new project that’s just outside your usual scope. It’s daunting. You have no idea if you’ll succeed, and there’s a real chance of failure. But you go for it. You dive in, you struggle, you learn. And in that process, you find a spark that you thought you’d lost.

That’s the essence of the quote. It’s about finding that edge, that place where you might fail but where you’ll also feel the most alive and engaged. So, don’t shy away from being at stake. Embrace it. It’s what keeps the work, and life, truly interesting.