5 Insights for Finding Joy in Your Work

In the iconic comic strip Peanuts by Charles Schulz, we encounter a humorous yet profound exchange between Lucy and Schroeder.

While reclining on Schroeder’s piano, Lucy questions the value of practicing for years without achieving fame and fortune. Schroeder, ever the devoted musician, responds that the joy is in the playing itself. Lucy’s incredulous reaction—“You’re kidding!”—highlights a common tension between passion and practicality.

If you’re an independent professional, the message of this Peanuts strip offers five valuable insights you can apply

1. Embrace the Journey

Independent work often involves long hours and uncertain outcomes. Like Schroeder, finding joy in the process rather than just the end result can lead to greater satisfaction and fulfillment. Whether you’re a freelancer, consultant, or entrepreneur, valuing the craft itself can sustain motivation and creativity.

2. Redefine Success

Success isn’t solely defined by wealth or fame. For many independents, success can mean achieving personal growth, mastering a skill, or making a positive impact. In the 2023 MBO Partners “Life Goals” study, we found that American workers’ top three state life goals are:  spending enough time with their family, leading a fulfilling life, and getting the most out of life. Consider what success truly means to you and align your efforts accordingly.

3. Balance Passion and Practicality

Going back to the “Life Goals” report, when we asked the overall U.S. workforce to identify their top three career goals, here’s what we found:

• earning a steady income
• doing meaningful work
• working in a field they are passionate about

While passion is essential, it’s also important to maintain a practical approach to your work. Setting realistic goals, managing finances, and building a supportive network can help sustain your passion over the long term.

4. Cultivate Resilience

Lucy’s skepticism mirrors the doubts that many face in their careers. Building resilience can help you navigate setbacks and continue pursuing your passions despite challenges.

As Miles Everson, CEO of MBO Partners, writes in his forthcoming book Free Birds Revolution: “Independents develop a high resilience to failure. They build mental and physical agility, knowing that if necessity is the mother of invention, then rejection must be its father.”

Embrace failures (or, as in Schroeder’s case, skeptical critics) as learning opportunities and keep moving forward.

5. Find Joy in Everyday Tasks

Even mundane tasks can become enjoyable if approached with the right mindset. Like Schroeder, who finds joy in playing music, try to find elements of your work that you genuinely enjoy and focus on those.

The exchange between Lucy and Schroeder offers a timeless lesson on the importance of finding joy in the journey. Embracing this mindset can lead to a more fulfilling and sustainable career. Remember, the joy is in the playing, and the journey itself can be as rewarding as the destination.