Defining Your Values #5
Hard work. This seemingly simple term has a wide variety of definitions.
It could mean long hours, high difficulty, or maximum production in minimal time. Or, it might convey everything from persevering through tasks you dislike to thriving on projects that stir your passion.
No matter how you think of hard work, you probably hold some value for it. It is also highly likely that you are rightly proud of yourself for working hard.
After 29 years in the workforce, I find that I must be in engaged in work worth doing. You may share the need for the outcomes of your work to contribute to a better world in some way. Not all work creates good in the world. Some products encourage addiction, unhealthy habits and abuse the earth. I value companies that contribute positive solutions to people’ s lives directly and to a more healthy, vibrant, ecologically responsible world.
Besides what you do, how you do whatever you do matters at least as much.
Pick one task. Give it your best effort. Focus more on the result than the time it took to create the result. Reflect on how this feels. Do this for several tasks and you may soon elevate your effort. You might even be surprised to find how efficient you can be. Fully engage in work worth doing.
Worth Repeating
A little more persistence, a little more effort and what seemed hopeless failure may turn to glorious success.
—Elbert Hubbard
