The greatest pleasure when I started making money was not buying cars or yachts but finding myself able to have as many freshly typed drafts as possible.
By: Gore Vidal
Imagine the joy that comes not from the shimmer of a new car under the sun or the gentle rock of a yacht on the waves, but from the simple pleasure of creation. This was the delight of Gore Vidal, an acclaimed writer, who found his greatest pleasure in the ability to produce countless drafts, to refine and perfect his craft. It’s a sentiment that speaks to the heart of what truly motivates us: the pursuit of our passions and the fulfillment that comes from engaging deeply with what we love.
For Vidal, the act of writing was not just a means to an end, but an end in itself. The freshly typed drafts symbolized the process of creation, the tangible evidence of his thoughts taking shape. Each draft was a step closer to the masterpiece he envisioned, each revision a refinement of his ideas. This is a powerful lesson for anyone chasing success: the real reward lies in the journey, not just the destination.
It’s easy to get caught up in the allure of material possessions. After all, they are the most visible markers of success in our society. But the satisfaction they provide is often fleeting. The happiness that comes from buying something new tends to diminish over time, a phenomenon known as ‘hedonic adaptation.’ On the other hand, immaterial rewards like personal growth, knowledge, and creative achievements offer a deeper, more enduring sense of satisfaction.
Passion is the fuel that drives us to improve, to push beyond our limits, and to continue learning and growing. When we engage in activities that we are passionate about, we enter a state of flow, where time seems to stand still, and we are completely absorbed in the task at hand. This state is not only deeply satisfying but also conducive to producing our best work.
Life, much like writing, is a series of drafts. We make plans, we try, we fail, we learn, and we try again. Each attempt is a draft, each experience a lesson that shapes the final story of our lives. Embracing this process, rather than fixating on the end result, can transform our perspective and enhance our motivation.
So, what are your ‘freshly typed drafts’? What is it that you love to do so much that the mere act of doing it brings you joy? It could be anything from painting to coding, from playing an instrument to gardening. The key is to identify it and then find ways to integrate it into your life as much as possible.
Investing in your passions doesn’t necessarily mean spending money. It can be as simple as dedicating time to practice, learn, and improve. It’s about prioritizing your passions and making them an essential part of your daily routine. This investment is one that pays dividends in the form of personal fulfillment and happiness.
When we are motivated by joy and passion, productivity and improvement come naturally. We are more willing to put in the effort, to persevere through challenges, and to seek out opportunities for growth. This intrinsic motivation is far more powerful than any external reward could ever be.
While it’s important to pursue our passions, it’s also essential to strike a balance. Life is not just about one interest or activity, no matter how much joy it brings. We must also attend to our relationships, our health, and our responsibilities. Finding harmony among these different aspects of life is key to long-term happiness and success.
Sharing the joy of creation can be incredibly rewarding. Encourage others to find and pursue their passions. Whether it’s by supporting a friend’s artistic endeavors, mentoring a young person interested in your field, or simply expressing genuine interest in someone’s hobby, you can help spread the happiness that comes from engaging with one’s passions.
Success is often measured by external achievements, but perhaps the true measure should be internal. How much joy do you derive from what you do? How deeply are you engaged with your passions? Gore Vidal’s pleasure in having as many freshly typed drafts as possible is a reminder that the essence of a fulfilling life lies in the love of the process, not just the possessions we accumulate.
Gore Vidal was an American writer known for his essays, novels, screenplays, and broad range of other literary works. He was also known for his wit and social commentary.
The quote suggests that true motivation comes from the joy of creation and engagement with one’s passions, rather than from material rewards.
Identify activities that you are passionate about and that bring you intrinsic joy. These are your ‘freshly typed drafts’—the things you love to do for their own sake.
Passion drives intrinsic motivation, which leads to a state of flow and greater enjoyment in the work we do, resulting in higher productivity and a desire for continuous improvement.
Yes, it’s crucial to maintain a balance between pursuing passions and attending to other important areas of life, such as relationships, health, and responsibilities.
Absolutely. Investing time and energy in your passions can lead to personal growth, skill development, and a deeper sense of fulfillment.
Hedonic adaptation is the observed tendency of humans to quickly return to a relatively stable level of happiness despite major positive or negative events or life changes.
Support their endeavors, offer mentorship or guidance, show genuine interest in their activities, and celebrate their achievements.
The state of flow is a mental state in which a person performing an activity is fully immersed in a feeling of energized focus, full involvement, and enjoyment in the process of the activity.
The joy of creation is often more enduring and satisfying because it is linked to personal growth and intrinsic motivation, whereas the happiness from material possessions can diminish over time.
