Autotelic: The Secret to a More Fulfilling Life?

Before we start, let’s all get on the same page for a moment…

"Autotelic" comes from the Greek words auto- (self) and telos (end or goal). Something is autotelic when it has its purpose in itself, rather than serving as a means to some other end. Basically, it’s anything you’d do just for the sake of the activity.

When you think about it, it’s such a nice concept. It really left a mark on me lately, and I wanted to share it with you. Let’s dive in!

Today’s word count: 850 words

Estimated reading time: 5 minutes 14 seconds

Quote 1:

“Make what you love your work.”

- Steve Jobs (visionary, perfectionist innovator)

I’m sure you’ve heard this one often before. I know I have. However, this concept of actually choosing the path in life, and with it the professional career, is so important that it definitely earned its top place in this week’s newsletter.

You see, if we break down what loving what you do—or in this case, your work—actually means, you’ll come to the conclusion that it will ultimately bring you joy to spend your days, months, and years doing the deed itself. With that in mind, you’ll also find it much easier to do this activity more often, for longer periods of time, and ultimately with more passion. Thinking about the work, even when you’re not working, solving problems and finding solutions to make the next steps even faster. On the opposite side, if you love your work, you’ll find it easier to set your standards high and push through when times are tough. And trust me, those times will come.

Quote 2:

“Pride is the enemy of learning... great artists always have an ability to start over.”

- Naval Ravikant (entrepreneur and investor)

If you’re doing what you love, you’ll be open to learning—and I can’t stress enough how important this is in becoming great at anything you do. You see, when you’re open to learning, you’ll eventually find your way into mastering the craft you’re pursuing. Through mastery and continuous learning, you’ll elevate your game to the next level. And when learning is the focus, concepts like making mistakes or holding onto your pride automatically fade away. The one who truly wants to learn will inevitably try and fail. It’s in this trial and error that growth takes place.

Quote 3:

“We do not live this moment. We, in fact, try desperately to get out of it - by thinking, doing, talking, worrying, remembering, hoping, whatever.”

- Ryan Holiday (stoic, thinker, storyteller)

When you do what brings you joy, you’re fully immersed in the moment. Time and space seem to cease to exist as you know them. I know this might seem far-fetched to some who aren’t familiar with this state of mind or are having a hard time relating, but think about it.

Go back to an activity that truly brought you joy. Were you aware of how much time you spent playing with that new toy when you were a child? Or how long that run felt when you switched your mind completely off? Or how absorbed you were in that book that consumed you? Or that first season of Game of Thrones? Epic! 😉

The answer is, you probably didn’t know and didn’t care. And why is that? Exactly because you were so present in the moment, enjoying where you were and doing what you were doing to the fullest. This is the whole point.

What was the last thing you did that was 100% autotelic?

Love you, Igor

Craving more?