We’re often told as children that, if we are to work as a cashier at a fast food restaurant, we should be the best damn cashier at a fast food restaurant we can possibly be; if we are to be a janitor, we should be the best damn janitor; if we are to mow lawns, we should be the best lawn mower we can be.

I was never able to do that. It rings so hallow, wanting us to put forth so much effort into work that doesn’t resonate, work that doesn’t matter.

It’s better, I think, to find a job you can put your all into. If I were to drive trucks, I doubt I could do that, but I have a friend who drove trucks for a time, and he took pride in how good of a driver her was. Now he’s a plumber, and he takes pride in his skill as a plumber. (He’s had an eclectic career.) But when he was selling insurance? I don’t think it was there.

I have trouble giving it my all on work I don’t care about. But writing? That I can do. I can’t not do it. This is work I can love with my whole being; not just the product, but the process too.

Do your best at any job you take, and with any task, if you possibly can. But if you can’t, find a job you can give your best at. Then you’ll find success.