Podcast Summary: Help Wanted – "What You’re Really Working Toward"
Podcast Information:
- Title: Help Wanted
- Host/Author: Money News Network
- Episode: What You’re Really Working Toward
- Release Date: July 3, 2025
Introduction to the Episode
In the episode titled "What You’re Really Working Toward," hosts Jason Pfeiffer, Editor-in-Chief of Entrepreneur, and money expert Nicole Lapin delve into the deeper motivations behind our professional pursuits. Moving beyond conventional goal-setting, they explore the concept of a "State of Being" as the true driver of our daily actions and long-term satisfaction.
The Problem with Traditional Goal-Setting
Jason Pfeiffer opens the discussion by challenging the traditional notion of setting specific goals. He posits that while goals provide direction, they often fail to address the underlying desires that drive us.
“If someone asked you, what are you working towards? You might struggle to answer...” [02:01]
Jason observes that many individuals chase after successive goals without ever feeling truly satisfied, leading to a perpetual cycle of striving without fulfillment.
Introducing the "State of Being"
To address this, Jason introduces his theory of "State of Being," a concept that emphasizes maintaining a consistent emotional and psychological condition rather than achieving specific milestones.
“A state of being is not a goal you achieve. It is a feeling you want to maintain consistently.” [02:30]
He explains that this state dictates how we experience our daily lives and serves as a more sustainable foundation for personal and professional growth.
Personal Revelation and Insights
Jason shares a pivotal conversation with a successful friend who expressed perpetual dissatisfaction despite achieving her financial goals. This encounter led him to introspect and uncover the essence of his own happiness.
“I realized that there are two types of happiness. Number one, spikes of happiness. Number two, everyday happiness.” [04:00]
He distinguishes between fleeting moments of joy and the consistent, accessible happiness that defines our regular day-to-day experiences. For Jason, everyday happiness is paramount as it is within our control and significantly impacts our overall well-being.
Defining His Own State of Being
Through self-reflection, Jason identifies his personal state of being as a combination of physical movement and intellectual stimulation.
“I am happiest when I am physically moving and intellectually stimulated.” [05:15]
He elaborates on activities that fulfill this state, such as engaging in dynamic discussions, traveling for speaking engagements, and managing a bustling career in Manhattan. This realization underscores the importance of aligning daily activities with one's fundamental desires to avoid monotony and foster continuous growth.
Steps to Identify Your Own State of Being
Jason outlines a practical approach to discovering one's state of being:
- Self-Assessment: Reflect on what consistently brings joy and fulfillment.
- Prioritization: Determine which activities and relationships support this state.
- Implementation: Align daily actions and long-term plans with maintaining this emotional and psychological environment.
“When you are clear about your state of being, you stop chasing arbitrary milestones and you start building a fulfilling life.” [08:10]
Practical Applications and Benefits
By focusing on a state of being, individuals can:
- Enhance Decision-Making: Choose projects and relationships that support their desired state.
- Increase Satisfaction: Create conditions for happiness in the present rather than deferring it to future achievements.
- Optimize Time and Energy: Allocate resources to activities that maintain their preferred state of being.
Jason emphasizes that this approach helps in building a fulfilling and balanced life, shifting the focus from external accomplishments to internal well-being.
Conclusion and Call to Action
Jason encourages listeners to identify their own states of being and make conscious decisions to support them. He reiterates the importance of everyday happiness and maintaining a consistent emotional and psychological environment.
“Ask yourself, what are you actually working towards? Find it, pursue it, and make the decisions that help you maintain it.” [08:50]
Additionally, he invites listeners to share their reflections on their state of being by replying to his newsletter, "One Thing Better," fostering a community of individuals striving for meaningful and sustained happiness.
Additional Resources
Listeners interested in further exploring these concepts can subscribe to Jason’s newsletter, "One Thing Better," which offers weekly insights on building a successful and satisfying career or company.
For personalized assistance, the hosts encourage reaching out via their helpline at helpwanted@moneynewsnetwork.com, offering a chance to have work-related questions addressed on future episodes.
Notable Quotes:
- “A state of being is not a goal you achieve. It is a feeling you want to maintain consistently.” – Jason Pfeiffer [02:30]
- “I realized that there are two types of happiness. Number one, spikes of happiness. Number two, everyday happiness.” – Jason Pfeiffer [04:00]
- “I am happiest when I am physically moving and intellectually stimulated.” – Jason Pfeiffer [05:15]
- “When you are clear about your state of being, you stop chasing arbitrary milestones and you start building a fulfilling life.” – Jason Pfeiffer [08:10]
- “Ask yourself, what are you actually working towards? Find it, pursue it, and make the decisions that help you maintain it.” – Jason Pfeiffer [08:50]
This episode of "Help Wanted" provides a transformative perspective on personal and professional development, encouraging listeners to seek deeper fulfillment by focusing on their inherent states of being rather than transient goals.