What does “stoke” mean anyway?

Well, I think it’s about time that I address the elephant in the room.

For over two years now, I’ve been writing and sharing my journey through this newsletter, The Stoke Seminar.

And somehow, I’ve never once addressed what it all means. Today, that changes. And I think it’s coming at a very appropriate time.

So – what does Eric mean by “stoke?”

And more importantly: what is his mission behind this whole project anyway?

Let’s dive in.

From Dropout to Burnout

To kick it off, it’s helpful to know some brief backstory. So, let’s rewind a few years.

In 2017, I was a fresh college dropout who was extremely passionate about photography, video, and business. After spending one year at university, I realized my goals were not in alignment with the path that college was leading me towards. I had other plans.

That summer, I landed an internship at a marketing agency. Here I was creating videos and photography campaigns for clients while I was still a teenager… it felt like a dream come true.

What started as a summer job turned into a 5-year career. From college dropout to eventually becoming the media director, I had made my way up the traditional ladder of “success.”

Yet, every single day on my commute home from work, I desperately wanted to turn around and quit.

There was just something inside of me that yearned for more. And eventually, I couldn’t ignore it any longer.

I knew I was meant for something else.

The only problem?

I had no idea what to do next.

What Is “Stoke?”

As a lifelong skateboarder, snowboarder, and general action sports enthusiast – I’ve always identified with that crowd.

As with any sort of community, you find yourself with a sense of belonging when you choose to join a specific lifestyle. Being a part of this action sports community, I’ve always enjoyed the slang and lingo it includes.

And a common word amongst this crowd is “stoke.”

The definition of stoke:
to encourage or incite (a strong emotion or tendency)

In slang, “stoked” means being very excited, enthusiastic, or exhilarated about something.

For years I’ve had a connection to this word beyond it’s typical usage for salty-haired surfers and snowboarders shredding knee-deep powder.

For me, the word “stoke” has always felt like a good litmus test for life.

• Am I feeling stoked? Am I helping others feel stoked?
• Does what I’m working on each day add to the stoke?
• Is what I’m doing each day stoking the fire inside me?

I believe there’s a spark inside each of us, and when you stoke that spark, it becomes a fire. But many people live their entire lives without tending to that spark. And eventually it fades.

A Support System for Careers

When I was working an unfulfilling 9-5 job, I felt the fire dying inside me. My stoke levels were low. Whenever I’d write in my journal throughout these years, I’d come face-to-face with my real feelings.

I was unhappy. I was unfulfilled. I was feeling lost.

I knew what I needed to do… I just didn’t have the tools to confidently make a career change.

With the right mindset, resources, and community of people to support me – that difficult transition would have been much easier.

And now, that’s exactly what I want to build with Seek Your Stoke.

It’s my mission to provide people with the tools they need to find and follow their passion and live a life of purpose.

Because when I was in those low moments of my life and career, I didn’t realize what I needed. Now it’s my goal to provide the support system that I wish I had at that time.

They say to create the things that you personally want to see in the world, and this is my way of doing that.

Life is short. And I want to encourage others to not live a life of regret.

And I’m confident that this journey starts with seeking your stoke.

The Pursuit of Meaningful Work

I’m currently working on being more vulnerable and open with sharing (both in my personal life and online).

So to be completely honest, I’m not 100% sure what this project will become.

I have a lot of ideas that I can’t wait to get started on, and most of it comes down to following my curiosities (or seeking my stoke 😉).

If you want to be updated about tools, resources, and a community to support you in finding meaningful work, ​join the list here​.

And if you’re someone who already loves what you do for work, would you mind filling out this ​quick survey​? It should only take a few minutes, and I’d be super grateful to hear your feedback!

I’ll be sharing some of the takeaways from this questionnaire in a future newsletter and/or YouTube video.

Really excited to be sharing more around these topics in the near future! And more importantly, I’d love for you to join me on this mission of meaningful work.

Have a blessed day!

–Eric Pfohl