"ما باید کار خود را برای خودِ کار انجام دهیم نه برای ثروت یا توجه یا تشویق"

The essence of the quote is simple yet profound: we should focus on the intrinsic value of our work, not the external rewards it might bring. It's about being genuinely passionate and committed to what you’re doing, rather than seeking fame, wealth, or praise. Imagine you’re painting a picture. If you’re doing it just to get likes on social media, you're missing the point. The joy should come from the act of painting itself, from the process of creation and expression.

Historically, this idea has been echoed by many thinkers and doers. The philosopher Epictetus, for instance, emphasized the importance of focusing on what we can control—our actions and efforts—rather than outcomes. This quote aligns perfectly with the principles of Stoicism, which teaches that we should find contentment in our efforts, not in external validation. And think about artists, writers, and scientists who weren't recognized in their lifetimes but kept working tirelessly because they believed in what they were doing.

A real-life example can highlight this concept vividly. J.K. Rowling wrote the first Harry Potter book as a struggling single mother, scraping by on welfare. She didn't write it because she thought it would make her a billionaire or because she craved celebrity status. She wrote because she had a story to tell. She believed in the world she was creating and found joy in the writing process itself. Her initial manuscript was rejected by numerous publishers, but that didn't deter her. She kept going because the work itself had value to her. Eventually, her persistence paid off, but the key takeaway is that she did the work for its own sake.

So, how can you apply this wisdom in your life? Start by identifying what truly interests and motivates you. What activities make you lose track of time? That's a good sign you're on the right path. Once you find that, immerse yourself in the process. Set personal goals that are about growth and fulfillment rather than external rewards. If you're a writer, write because you have a story that needs to come out, not because you're aiming for a bestseller list. If you're an entrepreneur, build a business that solves a problem you're passionate about, not just to become the next billionaire.

Imagine this scenario: you love cooking. You spend hours in the kitchen experimenting with recipes and flavors. Your friends rave about your food, and you think, "Maybe I should start a food blog." But here’s the catch—if you do it just to become famous or to make money, you might end up disappointed. The blog may not take off immediately, or it might never become a huge hit. But if you start the blog because you genuinely love sharing your cooking journey, you'll find satisfaction regardless of the number of followers or the ad revenue. Your joy will come from the process of creating, sharing, and connecting with those who do appreciate your work.

In the end, it’s about finding that sweet spot where your passion and effort intersect. When you focus on the work itself and find fulfillment in doing it well, the external rewards (if they come) are just the cherry on top. And sometimes, they might not come at all—but if you're doing what you love, you'll find that it doesn't really matter. The work itself is the reward.