"Je ne sais pas vraiment pourquoi je travaille encore mais je m'amuse"

Sometimes, life throws us into a whirlwind of routines and obligations, making us question why we do what we do. That quote is a simple yet profound reflection of something many of us experience, especially as we get older or more settled in our careers. It's about finding joy in the journey, even when the original reasons for embarking on it aren't clear anymore.

Years ago, when this person started their career, they probably had a clear vision or goal in mind—maybe it was to achieve financial stability, gain prestige, or fulfill a passion. Over time, those goals might have been achieved or evolved. Now, they find themselves still in the game, not out of necessity but because the work itself has become a source of enjoyment. They might not be able to pinpoint a single reason why they keep at it, but the enjoyment factor keeps them motivated.

Let's look at a real-life example. Consider someone like Warren Buffett. Why does a billionaire in his 90s still go to the office every day? It's not for the money—he's got more than he could ever spend. It’s because he genuinely loves what he does. For Buffett, investing isn't just a way to make money; it's a passion, a hobby, a lifelong curiosity that keeps him engaged and happy. He’s found joy in the process, not just the outcome.

So, how can we apply this piece of wisdom to our lives? Start by identifying elements of your work that you enjoy. Maybe it's the creative problem-solving, the camaraderie with colleagues, or the satisfaction of completing a challenging project. Focus on these aspects and let them be the fuel that keeps you going, even when the original motivations have faded.

Imagine a scenario: you're a teacher who started teaching to make a difference in the world. Over the years, the bureaucracy and standardized testing have worn you down. But when you step into the classroom, you see the excitement in your students' eyes. They remind you why you started this journey. Sure, you might not think about changing the world daily, but the joy of seeing a child understand a new concept keeps you going.

Another piece of advice? Don't overthink it. Sometimes, we get so caught up in finding reasons and justifications for our actions that we forget to enjoy the moment. If you find yourself enjoying what you're doing, embrace it. There's no need to dissect it. As long as you're happy, that's reason enough.

Picture this: you're in a coffee shop with a friend, chatting about life. Your friend asks, "Why do you still paint if you're not selling your art?" You smile, sip your coffee, and say, "I don't really know why I keep doing it, but I enjoy it." And that's perfectly okay. It’s the enjoyment that matters.