(2020-04-11) Newport More Thoughts On Amplifying Meaning In Your Work

Cal Newport: More Thoughts on Amplifying Meaning in Your Work. Earlier this week I explored how practitioners of the deep life sometimes use inspiring environments to amplify the meaning they derive from their work. Today, I want to briefly elaborate on two other strategies I’ve observed for accomplishing this same goal…

The first is establishing cultures of meaning.

military communities which emphasize a shared narrative (values) about the honor and noble sacrifice of martial endeavors

I’ve noticed similar cultures of meanings among teachers, fine craftsmen, and, relevant to recent events, medical professionals

The second strategy I’ve noticed for amplifying meaning is to cultivate communities of common purpose.

Long tail social media has enabled numerous niche groups to leverage the internet to maintain virtual bonds among those with shared vocational interests. The ability to regularly gather with others who are developing and deploying the same craft helps ground these efforts on a more solid foundation of meaning.

The deep life contains an emphasis on craft. Just developing and leveraging your rare and valuable skills, however, is not enough. To maximize the sense of fulfillment they generate requires a continuous and concerted effort toward activities designed to amplify meaning.