Ep 68 Career: What’s the equation for doing great work?

Show notes

n this episode, Stephen explores a bold idea: what if the secret to doing great work and staying happy in your career could be expressed as a formula? He unpacks the real struggle behind balancing craft, originality, impact, and joy — and how each piece affects your long-term success as a creative.

This isn’t just theory. It’s personal. Because this episode comes from years of self-reflection, conversations with global teams, and Stephen’s own ongoing journey. Consider it a supplement to Episode 27 on happiness — a deeper dive into how to design a fulfilling creative life.

The Formula:

Great Work = Craft x Originality x Impact + Joy

Each word is intentional. Each concept is layered. Stephen breaks down the math (don’t worry, it’s abstract) and shows how this equation can be your compass for creative alignment.

Break It Down:

Craft = Knowledge + Attention to Detail

• Craft is your process. Your tools. Your mindset.
• Learn your tools until they become transparent.
• Stay grounded, never stop learning. Craft isn’t just design — leadership, too, has a craft.

Originality = Creativity + Growth

• Creativity is your ability to summon new ideas on demand.
• Growth ensures tomorrow’s work is better than today’s.
• When growth stagnates, frustration rises. Listen to that.

Impact = Solving the Right Problems + Making a Difference

• Are you solving real problems or just making things pretty?
• Is your work respected? Trusted? Integrated?
• Design is a team sport. Your impact lives in collaboration.

Joy = Teamwork + Passion + Love

• Joy isn’t the same as happiness. It’s deeper.
• Passion is the spark. Love is the sustain.
• Joy comes from working with people who get you, support you, and challenge you.

 Variables That Influence the Formula:

• Leadership: Can build or break your growth and joy.
• Mentorship: Helps you see blind spots and evolve.
• Self-Acceptance: Making peace with your story unlocks real confidence.
• External Negativity: Trolls, bad managers, critics. Learn not to let them rent space in your head.

Why Joy, Not Happiness?

• Happiness is a fleeting target. Hit it, and it moves.
• Joy is loving the process — in big and small ways, every day.
• Joy requires boundaries. Intentionality. And often, change.

Where We Go From Here:

• This formula is just a starting point. Not a final answer.
• What’s your creative equation? What do you need?
• Share it. Talk about it. Let’s build a creative culture that supports the work and the people doing it.

Until next time — define your equation, and stay crazy.

Tagged as:
career building career fulfillment career happiness career impact career purpose career success craft creative career defining career finding joy mastering craft originality Stephen Gates The Crazy One podcast work happine work-life balance