10x Is Easier Than 2x: How World-Class Entrepreneurs Achieve More by Doing Less

by Dan Sullivan

Research shows that when someone subjectively feels their work is a calling—meaning they have a sense of purpose, and that they’re doing what they are meant to do—that they experience greater overall subjective well-being or happiness as well as greater career success than those who view their work as a job or career.20 Viewing your work as a “calling” need not be tied to any religious belief system, though it can be. Research has found a consistent link between feeling a sense of calling and heightened levels of career maturity, career commitment, work meaning, job satisfaction, life meaning, and life satisfaction. These links appear most robust when people are actually living out their calling at work.21 Other research shows that individuals who have a sense of calling are more likely to ignore career advice from mentors or advisors, particularly advice suggesting more secure or mainstream options.22 This doesn’t mean they don’t listen or take advice, but that in the end, they ultimately trust their inner voice and make their own decisions.