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Be Sincere—Not Serious

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One of the best parts of working at a media company is seeing how the work we publish can change people’s lives. Our most recent hire, entrepreneur in residence Brandon Gell, had his life changed by the piece you are about to read (which we originally published last year). It was the key for him to find joy in his career. It may just do the same for you.—Evan Armstrong Other times, I was a tightly wound ball of stress who sucked the joy out of a room like a dementor from Harry Potter. Even when my workload was lighter, things just felt difficult. Eventually, I realized the work itself wasn’t to blame—it was my attitude that was triggering one state or the other. For a long time, I wondered how to fix this problem. I found an answer in the work of British philosopher and writer Alan Watts, who delivered the statement in a lecture: “I assume that maybe you are not serious, but sincere.” His words jumped out at me. I reflected on the difference between these two modes of being and somethi

Be Sincere—Not Serious *]:block [&>*]:mt-2 [&>*]:pt-2 mt-4" > Home Newsletter Columnists Columns Podcast Products Events Guides Consulting *]:block space-y-2"> Sign in *]:block space-y-2 py-2 my-2 border-y border-dashed border-homeborder" > Search About us Careers Advertise with us The team FAQ Help center DALL-E/Every illustration. By Michael Ashcroft Expanding Awareness Expanding Awareness Be Sincere—Not S erious Why white-knuckling your way through life doesn’t work Michael Ashcroft June 16, 2024 Updated May 30, 2026 Link copied 180 1 One of the best parts of working at a media company is s

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