Job satisfaction means more than high pay

October 12, 2011
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Most people would consider the late, great Steve Jobs to be prosperous. Certainly, as a co-founder of both Apple and Pixar, he had material wealth. But his prosperity went beyond that.

During Jobs' now famous 2005 commencement address at Stanford University, he reflected on the time of his life when he was fired from Apple by saying, "I'm convinced that the only thing that kept me going was that I loved what I did. You've got to find what you love."

In their new book "Prosper: Create the Life You Really Want," authors Ethan Willis and Randy Garn define prosperity as money + happiness + sustainability. Or put simply: doing what you love.

So despite the Great Recession we've been in, Willis and Garn contend you can achieve true prosperity. Follow their six practices:

1. Find your personal "Polaris Point." In astronomy, there is but one Polaris, or North Star. It stays fixed in the heavens, and by its very essence, reveals true north, a phenomenon guiding travelers since the dawn of history. Your personal "Polaris Point," then, is your true north, or envisioned future. It is uniquely yours, and as a unifying focal point, helps ensure you're moving in the right direction.

2. Balance money and happiness. As Jobs' partner Steve Wozniak once said, "My goal wasn't to make a ton of money. It was to build good computers." When your earnings and your Polaris Point are in balance, you're living in your "Prosperity Zone." Your prosperity will continue not as your income or happiness increases but as a function of the difference between your income and happiness.

3. Earn from the inside out. Passions and profits really do mix. Think about your core values, strengths and desires. The more that you "earn from your core," the greater your competitive advantage and earning potential.

4. Focus on what you already have. Whether they start with a little or a lot, people who emphasize what they already have usually end up with the most.

5. Create and commit to a plan. Something powerful happens when you "decide to decide" to live the life you really want. In creating a prosperity roadmap, you can plan your work - and work your plan. Also, be sure to write it down. Only then can you really visualize your goals, pinpoint your targets and mark your milestones.

6. Take profound, continuous action. A plan is meaningless if it's left to collect dust. Take profound action and persist, persist, persist.

Rest in peace Mr. Jobs. You are a true inspiration.