DOES OUR FAMILY WORK HARD?


Some find it hard to believe that work is as satisfying as most other good things in life. But experience says “nothing comes easy” - career, hobby, relationships and health. Everyone wants happiness - it comes either like magic or by hard work. You can’t buy it, it is the byproduct of doing something right.

If we want a nice home, that means a lot of work. If I want a good job, that means work. If I want to play an instrument, that means work. If I want a good friend, that means work.

The big misunderstanding is that the work is at least half the fun. In other words, work has a bad name. Maybe work is really a good word.

The good from work is huge. We use our minds and bodies and learn that discipline leads to success. Nothing comes easy. Few satisfactions match the sense of accomplishment when we get it right. When that happens, we have something that stays with us, no matter what. Once I learn to play the guitar, I can always go back to it. My accomplishments become part of my self-image for life.

There are a number of big misuses of work. The most usual is making work an addiction. In this case work becomes an escape from life. It crowds out many other important things. This happens for some because they are afraid to be still and think. They probably are carrying past problems that bring them shame or fear - so it’s easier to shut them out with work. That’s what some do using high volume music or noise.

The other main work mistake is “working to retirement”. This is getting to be old fashioned partly because retirement is now less available. Still, too many look on work as the necessary evil to get where they really want to be. The thought is “If I work hard and save, then I can stop work and enjoy myself”. That hardly ever happens. What does happen is a person stops work and looks around hoping to find the fun.

It is said we humans are “goal-seeking beings”. We all want something. This says we don’t get anywhere without a goal and an effort. This also says that the wise person learns that the “getting there” usually can be as good as the result.