How to Make Work Feel Like Play

As the CEO of Hint, I spend a lot of time on airplanes and in back-to-back meetings, the usual for any exec. I also run the company with my husband, and together we raise four high-achieving kids and a dog, and a handle a life that keeps getting bigger. It’s a lot. Someone asked me recently: how does a person maintain the high-level commitment required to constantly keep catching the next flight? How do I grow a business and manage that kind of life? How do I stay motivated to do it all?

Passion is key

My answer: it all goes back to passion. There’s no reason in 2015 to do something that you hate. There are a million companies doing online commerce. You can do nonprofit work. You can do all sorts of different things. When you figure out what makes you tick, it’s a lot easier to get up at 4:30 in the morning to get to the airplane or make it to another breakfast. Remembering you are and what makes you tick allows you to be much more committed to whatever it is.

It’s like sticking with an exercise routine. Any exercise routine is tough—it’s about doing the one that makes you excited. I love Soulcycle. I’m also married to someone who would rather stick a needle in his eye than do that; he’d rather go hiking. Either way is great. It’s about matching your interests and temperament.

Rev the passion back up

There are also moments I have to rev that passion back up. As a leader, I recognize that there are a lot of people relying on me, which is a big part of my motivation. It’s about being aware that if I don’t do it, no one else is going to do it. It’s also about knowing that that I CAN do it.

Since I am a founder, I’m often able to get the big meetings. That is a responsibility, certainly. It’s also a gift—and I try to always think of it that way. It’s fun to create a dream list of clients, partners, or mentors then get them on the phone--just about anyone will give you 15 minutes of time.  My advice there: do the thing you’ve only dreamed of. Call up your heroes - try. Big wins always reignite the fire.

Make fun wherever you go

I usually go out to New York every summer and spend time with our team there. I also realize that we have a big team, and that they’re located in places across the country.  Recently, that meant shifting my spring plans and spending time in Lexington, Kentucky. I’m constantly on Trip Advisor finding out what different parts of the country are known for. In the case of Kentucky, I took time to drive down the whiskey trail. I don’t drink much, but seeing how whisky is made is fascinating and the trail was gorgeous! It was so worth doing! I make fun no matter where I’m going. I don’t just go to a city and go to a hotel. I do my conference calls from anywhere, and I make time to get to know the place where I am and really experience new places. It’s important. It’s how I stay excited.  

Kara Goldin is Founder and CEO of Hint Water, the fastest growing flavored water in the United States. Kara started Hint when she couldn't find a healthy water that tasted great without questionable additives like sweeteners. Hint Water has 0 calories, 0 sugar, and 0 diet sweeteners and can be purchased online at www.drinkhint.com in a variety of flavors including Blackberry and Watermelon, in both still and sparkling.