The Essence of Work

The Wellness Café with Dr. Jon

Mindful Monday. Today I am going to talk about “work” and for those of you who are listening to this on the way to their “work” don’t tune me out yet. Please give me a few minutes to explain. When people associate the word “work”we don't associate it that with pleasure. The word work becomes somewhat dreadful. and Monday sucks and we even have the term Monday blues that means someone is mildly depressed because they have an entire work week in front of them. People say that they “have” to go to work in order to pay the bills right for the money you work for the paycheck you work for the promotion he worked for your new purchase and then that's what we associate work with. It’s because we forget to look at the true essence of work. What is the true value of your work? How are your actions or output effecting people and the world? When you start to ask deeper question and see past the definition of “work” at the superficial level and the feelings that you get when you think of work. You get connected to your true value. How am I bringing more smiles and happiness into the world? Once you get connected to that instead of seeing mundane tasks at hand, you see what it could do for yourself, the people around you, and the world that you live in. You will find that there is more fulfillment within it because if we just work for the money or the paycheck just work for mortgage. We're not going to be happy but if we focus on the True Value that we provide we will be more happy and more fulfilled. A teacher who doesn't see his true value seawork as dealing with troubled kids that are being rude and give them headache. But a teacher who realize his true worth see that he has an opportunity to enrich a human being with knowledge. To lay the foundation for the Next Generation to grow up and to be successful contributors to society. He also get to learn from his students therefore he's happy and he doesn't have to be waiting for the paycheck to be happy. An accountant who doesn't see his True Values see endless pile of paperworks, and emails and tasks and spreadsheets that have to be managed. But an accountant who see his values see the values of numbers that allows a company to have accurate picture of their finances. Therefore are able to make better decision to contribute more to the society. A street sweeper that is able to see his contribution see the happiness in cleanliness. See that he is making the street clean and when the streets are clean people that walk that street don't have to worry about trash they can feel good about the area and the space that they are in. He is creating a better atmosphere. Food server makes people happy when she delivers great tasting food. She deliver happiness, on a plate. When you see your own value in your work you don't need a manager to micromanage you because there is a drive yourself to do a better job. You understand that when you're focused the result of the work is better and there is more value to your customers or clients. As a result of that you are able to contribute more to the society and you will feel even more valuable and fulfilling. When you look at it from this perspective a smile goes a long ways it is not only infectious but is an immediate mood lifter in the room. So if you made it this far, this must have resonate with you at some level. I invite you to think about your "day-to-day job” differently today. Look beyond that and see what values are you providing. And own it. Honor it. Take pride in that and be grateful that you get to do this and get paid for it. On the other hand think about what will happen? and how many people will be affected? and in what way? if one day you don't show up. This may surprise you, but the world needs you. The world needs you to show up. And money comes as a result of you providing great value the society. Every time you get frustrated or bored with the task at hand. Just zoom out and look at the 10,000 ft view perspective and see what you're really doing and appreciate that. Join us at thewellness.cafe for more.