Introduction:
Hi, I’m Max – A High Performance Coach.
Today’s topic is thorny but incredibly relevant. We live in an era where survival is no longer the struggle it once was. Western society has made it so easy to meet our basic needs, but therein lies a deeper problem. In the past, success was simply about survival—finding food, shelter, and safety. But now, with technology, infrastructure, and societal advancements, we’ve moved beyond mere survival.
We are free, perhaps too free, and that abundance of freedom is disorienting.
In my view, this has majorly contributed to the mental health crisis we see today. Without a clear way to orient ourselves in this sea of freedom, many of us feel lost, unmoored, and lacking direction. The answer, however, I don’t believe is found in turning to rigid belief systems like monotheistic religion (though they can provide comfort for some). I believe the answer lies in meaningful contribution. It’s not about seeking more comfort or wealth, but about dedicating yourself to a vision that extends beyond you.
In today’s reading, I’ll take you through three spaces where you can find your anchor through contribution.
1) Career:
Your career should be more than just a paycheck; it should be a meaningful contribution to the world. The value of a career isn’t found in the amount of money it generates but in the value it adds to others. If your career is deeply aligned with who you are and what you believe, then work itself becomes energizing.
Example: I’ve worked in the athletic development space for over a decade and once met a tennis coach who holds the record for the most hours on the court in a single week—94 hours! I asked him, “Don’t you ever need a break?” His reply was unforgettable: “Even on my days off, I start with three hours of coaching because it gives me energy for the day.” That’s a man who has found his purpose.
Personally, I’ve had people ask, “Max, don’t you get tired of listening to people’s problems all day?” But for me, there is no greater honor. It’s my life calling.
I invite you to find a career where your heart leads, where contribution isn’t an effort but a natural state of being. And no, this isn’t about doing it for money. If you’d like to go deeper into this topic, check out my post, How to Find Your Dream Career.
2) Loved Ones:
Contribution isn’t just about career—it’s about how you show up for the people you care about. How do you contribute meaningfully to your loved ones? The key here is understanding what they need, not what you think they need. This is often a trap for high performers who put in massive work weeks earning significant paychecks and claim to do this “for my family”, when I’ve often found if we look a bit deeper, they do it because they are trying to prove something to themselves. Be wise here.
Example: Find your loved ones’ love languages. Is it words of affirmation, quality time, gifts, or something else? Instead of imposing what you think they want, ask them directly, “What do you need from me?” Hold them accountable for a real answer, and once you get it, deliver on it consistently. True connection and intimacy require this level of intentionality. Without vulnerability and openness, there is no depth in relationships.
3) Philanthropy:
Finally, when your survival needs are met, it’s time to look outward to those less fortunate. There are billions of disadvantaged people in the world, and contributing to their well-being is a profound way to find meaning and purpose.
Example: I always encourage my high-performing clients to engage in philanthropic efforts. One client, a property fund manager of over a billion dollars, was struggling to find deeper meaning in his life. I challenged him to anchor his fund towards helping those in need, and within a few months, he was raising significant money for education and housing in developing countries. It wasn’t just the money—he found an entirely new sense of purpose through giving.
Philanthropy not only benefits others, but it also allows you to reconnect with your humanity, particularly if you’re a high performer whereby life feels very transactional. Your success in life doesn’t end with your achievements; it expands with your capacity to give and serve.
Conclusion:
Recognize the depth of fortune you have just to be in a position to read this today. Your survival is already assured—now, the question is: How will you contribute? Seek meaningful contribution in your career, your relationships, and your philanthropy.
This is the next level of the game.
If you’re ready to explore what meaningful contribution looks like for you, let’s talk here.
Max. High Performance Coach.
