I borrowed Linchpin (by Seth Godin) from a co-worker to read over the weekend.  The following may be found on page 130:

Your work is to create art that changes things, to expose your insight and humanity in such a way that you are truly indispensable.

Your work is to do the work, not to do the job.  Your job is about following instructions; the work is about making a difference.  Your work is to ship.  Ship things that make change.

Like many of Godin’s books, Linchpin is filled with insight delivered as if he’s sitting across from you at the local Starbucks.  But as I read and re-read these lines I struggle to think of any better career advice:

• Create art that engenders change; and think of yourself as an artist
• Express your insight and ideas constructively
• Know your work and do it.  Know when you are working and when you are not
• Ship your work

So much time is spent on performance reviews.  Read Linchpin and spend some time on a perspective review as we start another work year.