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Jensen Huang, the CEO of NVIDIA, offers a fresh perspective on career advice. He challenges the common notion that passion and happiness should be the primary drivers of career choice. Instead, he emphasizes the importance of commitment and perseverance in achieving greatness.
Photo: Winni Wintermeyer
Beyond Passion and Happiness
Many people believe that you should choose a career based on what you are passionate about, assuming that passion will lead to happiness. However, Huang believes this view is incomplete.
"When you want to build something great, it's not easy to do. And when you're doing something that's not easy to do, you're not always enjoying it."
The Reality of Building Something Great
Building something exceptional often involves challenges and hard work.
"I don't love every day of my job I don't think every day brings me joy. Nor does joy have to be the definition of a good day."
This realistic perspective acknowledges that even the most fulfilling careers come with tough days.
Loving the Bigger Picture
Despite the daily challenges, Huang loves his company every single second. This deep-seated love for his work goes beyond the immediate joy or satisfaction of daily tasks. "I love the company every single second," he says. For Huang, the true measure of a good job is not constant happiness but a deep commitment to the overall mission and vision.
Misunderstanding the Best Jobs
Huang believes that people often misunderstand what makes a job great.
"Somehow the best jobs are the ones that bring you happiness all the time. I don't think that's right"
Instead, the best jobs are those that align with your long-term goals and values, even if they don't bring constant joy.
Examples of Perseverance Paying Off
Many successful individuals have found that their path to greatness involved perseverance through difficult times. Here are a few examples:
Elon Musk: Musk has faced numerous setbacks and challenges with companies like Tesla and SpaceX. Despite the hardships, his commitment to his vision has led to groundbreaking innovations and success.
J.K. Rowling: Before publishing the first Harry Potter book, Rowling faced multiple rejections and personal struggles. Her perseverance and dedication to her story eventually led to a global phenomenon.
Thomas Edison: Known for his many inventions, Edison famously said, "I have not failed. I've just found 10,000 ways that won't work." His relentless pursuit of innovation, despite numerous failures, resulted in some of the most important inventions of the modern age.
Conclusion
Jensen Huang's advice is a valuable reminder that building something great requires more than just passion and happiness. It involves hard work, perseverance, and a deep commitment to your goals. By understanding that the best jobs may not always bring constant joy, you can focus on what truly matters: creating something meaningful and lasting. So, embrace the challenges and keep your eyes on the bigger picture, just like Huang does with NVIDIA.
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