ZL
About Articles Contact
Published on Mar 16, 2026
Filed under:
#mindset,
#self-awareness

Soul-Sucking vs Soul-Enriching

There are many ways to answer this question but here is one useful lens:

  • Soul-sucking: You’re doing it for the sake of others but not yourself.
  • Soul-enriching: You’re doing it for yourself and (possibly) others.

The premise behind this is simple: if you act for others without acting for yourself, you will eventually be depleted and unhappy.

And related to this two:

  • Selfish: You’re doing it for yourself at the expense of others.

Everything can be soul-sucking, soul-enriching, or just plain selfish.

The intention behind the act matters much more than the form of the act itself.

Previous Perceiving Hope in a Hopeless State

Join My Newsletter

I share what I’m learning on this newsletter: code, building businesses, and living well.

Sometimes I write about technical deep-dives, product updates, musings on how I live, and sometimes my struggles and how I’m breaking through.

Regardless of the type of content, I do my best to send you at least one insightful piece every week.

If you’re into making things and growing as a person, you’ll probably feel at home here.

“

Zell is the rare sort of developer who both knows his stuff and can explain even the most technical jargon in approachable — and even fun — ways!

I’ve taken his courses and always look forward to his writing because I know I’ll walk away with something that makes me a better front-ender.

Geoff Graham
Geoff Graham — Chief Editor @ CSS Tricks
The Footer

General

Home About Contact Testimonials Tools I Use

Projects

Magical Dev School Splendid Labz

Socials

Youtube Instagram Tiktok Github Bluesky X

Follow Along

Email RSS
© 2013 - 2026 Zell Liew / All rights reserved / Terms