Thoughts About Work

For whatever reason some things resonate with us more than others. 

I was recently listening to a former Navy Seal recount their experience with BUD/S training and during that portion of the interview he said, “I quickly realized that this was it, this will never get any easier, and I was at peace with that.”

His statement resonated deeply with me. At first I wasn’t sure why, but in reflecting on it I believe it has something to do with work. Specifically, how we relate to work.

Several years ago I came to the realization that “Everything is Work”. Literally everything! 

If I’m being honest, I felt a brief touch of dejection when the thought first crossed my mind. 

What about leisure? What about taking it easy? What about retirement? 

Thankfully, the more I thought about it the more encouraged I became. 

You see, work is an integral part of what it means to be human. It’s certainly not something we should aspire to do less of.

Instead we should be seeking to find work we can engage in more fully.

Hard work that will never get any easier but will always be worth it. 

Work done with purpose for a purpose.

Too many of us are working under the false pretense that “easier awaits just ahead”. This simply isn’t true. 

The work will always be there, thus the energy needed to complete the work will always be required.

For those of us that already feel exhausted with the demands of our current work, might be wondering “where will I find the energy” to keep up? 

The answer is LOVE. Yes, love transforms that potential energy inside you into kinetic energy to be shared with the world through your work.

In my opinion, there is no realer way to express our love than through our work. 

If you love your partner then you’ll be at peace with doing the hard work on that relationship knowing it will never get easier.

If you love your career then you’ll be at peace with doing the hard work of mastering your craft knowing it will never get easier.

If you love yourself then you’ll be at peace with doing the hard work of self-acceptance knowing it will never get easier.

Are you at peace with the hard work that will persist for the rest of your life?

Remember, as you chase life's successes obtaining peace of mind may be the best indicator of success.