Now, with all this discussion on my part recently about the nature and value of work, and our relationship with it, it may have brought about a particular question for those of you who find themselves at odds with work.
How can I find work that makes me happy?
The first, and most important thing worth pointing out, is that whatever work you do, you take you with you.
What I mean is, we can point the finger and blame others or conditions for our problem, or we can accept that responsibility for personal happiness lies with us.
There's nobody coming in on a white horse to save us from our shitty experience. Work experience can change, and does every second, but whether it will change into more of the same or something different is absolutely down to us.
When we wash the dishes, or hang out clothes, sweep the floor or paint a wall, design a website or coach a client, whatever work you want to pick it doesn't matter.
What matters is who you bring to work.
The work is incidental!
Who you are being in the work is paramount – it is who you are.
Every time you do anything, be it work or play, you make a statement and you leave your mark. You say; this is me.
People notice and make judgements whether or not they realise it. Their judgements are not your concern, but the quality of your output is.
If you make the response of other people, their admiration and appreciation or lack thereof, a precursor for the quality of your work, your work will always reflect that.
It's paradoxical, but where you go deep and alone into work for the inherent enjoyment you receive from it, you stand out.
There are no shortcuts to this – it is simply a choice.
i was raised in a German Lutheran family (in the US) with very distinct ideas about accepting a life role and pursuing it to the end, but i could never bring myself to accept that. now, at 68, my CV reads like an adventure novel, and i recently started an entirely new career (again). one good thing i DID get from my family was a strong work ethic- i view whatever task that is before me, however unpleasant it may be, as something not to be endured but mastered. i faced a lot of disapproval from my father for being, in his words, a´jack of all trades, master of none´but i corrected him by pointing out that i have mastered all the trades i entered, but each one was like a chapter in a book that led to another chapter. what a wonderful adventure life can be when you don´t take it too personally ! serendipity is an amazing life companion, like discovering this forum. without a foregone destination i am free to enjoy the trip. ´The Ramblin´Rover´by Silly Wizard puts it well.
Transitioning to a new field is something I’ve had a big challenge with. After a very long time in one particular area, is difficult to drop that identity. Still figuring this out.
Thanks for reading Daniel!
It’s hard to believe a solution to this quandary could be found in four simple words. However, I believe one exists. If…
If we but give ourselves permission to really embrace it!!
“Be curious, not judgmental.”
-Walt Whitman
BK-
“Your treasure lies in the gaps and the blank spaces between them,”
-Eddie Pinero
https://youtu.be/PQiy4Fke0n0
Think Differently!
“We become what we think about.” -Earl Nightingale
This phrase was not coined by Earl Nightingale, but he was fascinated by the idea, studied it, wrote about it, and promoted the VALUE of understanding it.
He made it part of his craft…
What are you thinking about?
Grateful for YOU and your daily messages Larry!! TY!
BK-
You the man Bob!Response has been great to the daily article…so I’ll keep it up!
I’m ALL In!!
Making it a part of my new daily routine!! I think I will add it to my morning ritual. I just have to decide which habit to stack it with… I think it fits best with my coffee. Yeah, I like that…
Coffee with Larry in the Morning!
BK-
Wherever I go – there I am!
Also Richard Rohr observed that however I do anything is how I do everything.
Thank you Larry for your reflections. Keep ‘em coming!
Or the one from author Annie Dillard; “how we spend our days is, of course, how we spend our lives”
Thanks for reading Jayson