Thank You for Being Annoying
2 days ago
- #motivation
- #psychology
- #career-advice
- The phrase 'Do what you love' is criticized as misleading and harmful, leading to disillusionment when reality doesn't match expectations.
- Many successful professionals describe their daily work experience as more annoying than blissful, yet they persist because they find a peculiar satisfaction in the challenges.
- Annoyance is categorized into 'good' and 'bad' types, with the good kind being a motivator that draws people in rather than pushing them away.
- The concept of 'good annoyance' is likened to the pleasure derived from solving problems or improving situations, similar to the enjoyment of complex flavors in whiskey.
- The article suggests that the right job or passion is one where you are in control of the things that annoy you, turning frustration into a source of motivation and satisfaction.
- Examples from notable figures like Mario Vargas Llosa, Andre Agassi, Marie Curie, Billy Mitchell, and Meryl Streep illustrate how even at the pinnacle of success, work is often more about enduring annoyance than enjoying constant pleasure.
- The cybernetic theory of psychology is cited to explain that happiness comes from correcting errors or solving problems, not from a state of perfect harmony.
- The article argues that human motivation is driven by the need to address annoyances, making them a renewable source of energy and focus.
- Altruistic acts are also framed as responses to annoyance, where the discomfort of seeing a problem compels action rather than a purely selfless desire to help.
- Love and relationships are described as inherently annoying, with closeness requiring the acceptance of frustration and the surrender of control.
- The conclusion advocates for a shift in advice from 'do what you love' to 'serve what you love,' emphasizing the joy found in tackling the annoyances that come with meaningful work and relationships.