Hate Work? Work Harder.

You hate working. You wonder how you're supposed to survive the next 40 years in a 9–5. What if I told you there's a way around this version of adulthood? Ironically, the path out requires working harder than you ever would at a normal job.

1. Find something you're genuinely interested in

The first step to "not working" is choosing something you actually enjoy.

I grew up surfing, but what I loved most was filming my friends and cutting together surf edits.

I had no idea what I wanted to do with my life until just 2 years ago when I stumbled into programming, and it scratched the exact same creative itch I had at 12 years old editing videos.

2. Ruthlessly dedicate yourself to it

Being average isn't fun. If you want out of the default path, you have to go all-in.

It will require more time than taking a 9–5, but it's a hell of a lot more interesting and fun.

Put real time into learning your craft. Find ways to insert yourself into the world you want to be part of. Reach out to people who are in the position you want to be in 5–10 years. These are the people who are obsessed with the same thing you are, and because of that, they're usually excited to help someone who clearly cares.

This whole approach only works if you're obsessed. If you're doing it right, you'll fall asleep thinking about it and wake up with new ideas. You'll stop thinking about a 9–5 entirely, because you'll be too consumed with making your thing succeed.

3. Keep raising your expectations

Start with achievable goals, but don't stay there. Stay humble, keep learning, and continuously raise the bar. Once you get momentum, you'll realize you're more than capable of becoming world-class at your thing.

Going to work is one of my favorite parts of life right now. Two years ago, I never would have predicted saying that. Back then, all I cared about was surfing and partying. I graduated with no job and no plans to get one. I only applied because my parents eventually forced me after a couple months at home. I remember nearly quitting after my first week because I hated it so much.

Then I read this quote from Steve Jobs:

"Your work is going to fill a large part of your life, and the only way to be truly satisfied is to do what you believe is great work."

I decided to lean in. To go all out. That's when I started enjoying it. If a lazy surfer like me can go from hating work to loving it, you're probably capable of doing so too.