Aligned Effort

 

If we want to make a meaningful contribution to people and society, our success depends not only on how much energy we invest, but also on whether we direct it in the right way. By “in the right way,” I mean ensuring that what we offer truly aligns with the fundamental needs and expectations of others. Without that alignment, even wholehearted efforts may go unnoticed or unappreciated. To find the best match, it’s essential to validate our assumptions through trial and error. This is easy to say but difficult to practice—yet only by doing so can we achieve real success. I’ve come to realize this again since taking on entirely new activities after retirement.

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