Now that’s a quote worth sticking on your fridge, isn’t it? Steve Jobs wasn’t just talking when he said this. He knew something we often forget in the daily grind: passion isn’t just a nice-to-have, it’s the secret sauce.

Let’s be honest – anyone can hustle. You can work 12 hours a day, drink five cups of coffee, and tick off every task on your to-do list. But if you’re not loving what you do, chances are you’re just surviving, not thriving.

Passion Fuels Success

If you genuinely love your work, chances are you’re going to be better at it. When passion is the driver, it doesn’t feel like a slog. You’re not counting down the hours ‘til 5pm or dreaming of that long weekend. You'll actually want to do better, learn more, and push boundaries. And let’s face it – people who are excited about what they do tend to do it better. It's not magic, it’s just enthusiasm doing the heavy lifting.

Beyond the Hustle

We’ve heard it all before – “Work hard and you’ll make it.” Sure, working hard matters. But if you’re working hard at something you hate, you're going to burn out faster than a dodgy kettle. Jobs is reminding us that it's not just about effort; it’s about where that effort is coming from. Love what you do, and hard work becomes something you want to do – not just something you have to do.

Finding Meaning

There's something powerful about waking up in the morning and thinking, “I’m actually making a difference” – even if that difference is selling socks or coding apps. Meaning doesn’t have to be grand or life-changing. It just has to matter to you. When work has purpose, it's easier to stay motivated – and that shows in your results.

Innovation and Creativity

When you’re passionate, your brain’s on fire – in a good way. Ideas pop up at odd hours, you find new ways of doing things, and you’re not scared to try something crazy. That’s how innovation happens. Creativity thrives in an environment where people care. Without that spark, everything just feels... meh.

Resilience and Perseverance

Work isn’t always sunshine and cappuccinos. There’ll be rough days, grumpy clients, and invoices that don’t get paid (ja, dit gebeur). But when you love what you do, you’re more likely to stick it out. Passion gives you grit. It keeps you going when the WiFi cuts out or when that big deal falls through.

So whether you’re starting a business, running a side hustle, or figuring out your next move, remember: passion doesn’t just make work better. It makes you better at work. And if you can make a few thousand rands doing something you love? That’s the real jackpot.