Shweta Mani, Founder of BuildMyStory, recently took to LinkedIn to unravel the age-old question that has plagued her for years: Why do I work? In a candid and introspective post, Shweta delves into her personal journey, exploring the complexities of ambition, purpose, and fulfillment in the context of her career.
As Shweta Mani traces her professional trajectory back to 1999, she confronts the conventional notions of work driven by financial necessity and societal expectations. From the outset, the pursuit of corporate glory seemed like the natural path, fueled by the allure of success and societal validation. Yet, despite years of chasing external markers of achievement, Shweta found herself grappling with a deeper existential question: What is the true purpose behind her work?
With candor and self-awareness, Shweta peels back the layers of self-doubt and societal pressures that have clouded her understanding of work’s intrinsic value. As she reflects on her journey, she confronts the notion of greatness and the relentless pursuit of success that often defines conventional career trajectories. Instead of aspiring for greatness, Shweta embraces the beauty of ordinariness, finding fulfillment in the simplicity of everyday life.
In her quest for meaning, Shweta Mani grapples with the dichotomy between ambition and contentment. Despite lacking a burning hunger for wealth or fame, she finds herself inexorably drawn to the act of working—a perpetual hustle driven not by external rewards but by an innate sense of joy and fulfillment. Through a series of entrepreneurial ventures and creative pursuits, she discovers the profound joy of engaging in work that is inherently enjoyable.
For Shweta, work is not merely a means to an end; it is an expression of joy, creativity, and self-discovery. With each endeavor, she embraces the concept of “Sanuk,” the Thai term for joy found in the act of doing. Through her storytelling and coaching endeavors, she empowers others to uncover their authentic selves and find fulfillment in their own professional journeys.
As Shweta Mani concludes her post, she extends an invitation for others to reflect on their own motivations for work. In doing so, she challenges societal norms and encourages individuals to redefine success on their own terms. For Shweta, work is not about achieving epic feats or amassing wealth; it is about finding joy, pride, and fulfillment in the pursuit of excellence.
Shweta Mani’s post serves as a powerful reminder of the transformative power of embracing joy in our professional endeavors. Through her own journey of self-discovery, she invites us all to reexamine our relationship with work and to find meaning in the simple act of being. As we navigate the complexities of the modern workplace, may we draw inspiration from Shweta’s example and embrace the joy of work as a pathway to personal fulfillment and happiness.
