When my son graduated from the University of Arkansas last May, the commencement address was given by Donnie Smith, CEO of Tyson Foods. His inspirational, “go get ’em” message challenged the graduates to do great things and change the world. He quoted Mark Twain. The two most important days in your life are the day you are born and the day you find out why.

Heck, quote Mark Twain to me and I’ll be inspired all day long.

Finding your why. Those three little words are weighty.

For many years, I felt my “why” was to be the best parent I could be to my two children. And at the same time, while I was raising my kids, I worked in banking. I started at the bottom and slowly worked my way up to senior vice president in the commercial lending department. Was it my “why”? I didn’t know what that meant. It was my job, and for the most part I enjoyed it and paid my bills and saved some money and if we’re being honest, which we are, I loved the wardrobe that went along with such a career, too.

There seems to be an idea in this country that one should only do what feels 100% fulfilling. If a job isn’t your fantasy job, don’t do it. Don’t waste a single moment doing something you don’t absolutely love.

This mentality makes me want to poke myself in the eye. Grunt work is part of the deal. Sometimes grunt work means working for someone else. A corporation that makes profits. Oooooohhhhh noooooooo.Continue Reading