Google’s definition of work is “activity involving mental or physical effort done in order to achieve a purpose or results”. The operating word for me is “effort”. If your current job involves mental and physical effort, you are working. You start living when you do what you love with little or no mental or physical effort. Age has nothing to do with living. You can start living your life at a very young age.

I stopped working about 16 years ago when I decided that I was going to be doing what I love. Since then, I decide the work I want to do and when I want to do it. Trust me, it is a nice place to be when no one dictates to you how to earn a living. I worked for the same employer in 4 roles doing what I loved in the past 11 years. I am using the same approach in currently managing my businesses. I tell people that I enjoy rolling out products and once they mature, someone else will have to take them over and manage them. I enjoy being challenged and get bored doing routine jobs.

If you asked Elon Musk if he is working, he will likely tell you he is living his life and his dreams. It is unbelievable the number of businesses he is managing at the same time and always stirring up controversies which I believe he enjoys. If Warren Buffett was working, he would be in retirement at his current age of 90. Working is doing a job because you have to pay your bills and living is doing what you love to pay your bills. When you do what you love, it will eventually lead to income generation to pay your bill.

Some will say they cannot do what they love because they have no choice. We all have choices and make them every day. Others will say they will start to do what they love when they are financially independent. If you are employed, the salary you receive is not meant to make you financially independent because if you are, you will no longer work for your employer. Therefore, you are granted a car loan, mortgage loan (you can complete the list) with the intention to ensure that you work for your employer until you are 60 year and above. At that age when you retire, you might no longer be able to live your life.

We all have choices in life as you can make a decision to not pay your bills. Don’t get me wrong, I am not advocating that you live irresponsible life because you want to live your life. What I am advocating is that there are several choices staring you in the face. You need to open your eyes to see them and if you cannot not see them on your own, get the support of a coach who will partner with you to see the opportunities.

My question to you is, are you working or living your life? Share your thoughts!