"It's not about making a lot of money, it's about doing something that you're passionate about and that you believe in"

Øystein Stray Spetalen’s statement draws a clear distinction between the pursuit of wealth and the pursuit of purpose. He challenges the conventional assumption that financial gain is the primary motivator and marker of success. Instead, he highlights the profound satisfaction and fulfillment that stem from dedicating energy and time to ventures that align with personal passions and core beliefs. This perspective encourages individuals to seek meaning beyond material wealth.

When people are driven by passion, the work they do becomes an expression of their values and interests, rather than a mere financial transaction. Passion fuels perseverance, creativity, and resilience, enabling individuals to overcome setbacks, adapt to challenges, and innovate in ways that may not be possible if money were the sole motivator. Believing in the work itself and its impact provides a sense of purpose that outlasts fluctuations in income or external recognition.

Spetalen’s viewpoint also serves as a reminder that genuine engagement and commitment often attract success in multiple forms, not just monetary. When one is authentically invested in their endeavors, the quality of their work elevates, their influence grows, and their sense of satisfaction deepens. Over time, financial rewards frequently follow, but they are a by-product rather than the central aim. This approach creates a sustainable and personally meaningful career or business journey, less susceptible to burnout or disappointment.

Furthermore, he invites reflection on individual definitions of success. True fulfillment is uniquely personal and often rooted in the positive contribution made to others or the realization of a deeply held vision, rather than in accumulating wealth for its own sake. Ultimately, prioritizing passion and belief in one’s work fosters a life rich in meaning, a life where accomplishments are measured by more enduring and rewarding standards than financial gain alone.