Work is an honorable way to care for our responsibilities. Providing for yourself is an accomplishment. If you are able to pay for what you need, then your work is doing what it is supposed to do. Moreover, hard work contributes to our self-respect. After all, hard work is just that—hard. When we discipline ourselves to stick with our work—even if it seems boring or difficult—we can have the satisfaction of knowing that we held ourselves to a high standard. We have won a victory over the inclination to take the easy way out. Whether your work is mostly mental, mostly physical, or somewhere in between, recognize that there is benefit in every kind of hard work.
In reality, a person can learn to enjoy almost any kind of work if he approaches it with the right mind-set—that is, if he focuses on learning how to do the job well. When you put your best into a task and see the results, it’s very satisfying. You never get that feeling from cutting corners or doing only the minimum. What can you do to enjoy your work?
Do Something you actually Love
Enjoying your career is very important. For many, working at a job they love is more fulfilling, productive, and important than money. It can even lead to a higher level of success. Your job shouldn’t just be a source of income. If you don’t enjoy what you do, you’ll end up missing out on your life. And, most importantly, when you do what you love, you can actually enjoy your work.
Do Not Focus on Your Pay
Do not focus only on how much money you are earning. Think about how your work benefits others. In addition to those who benefit directly from our services—such as customers and employers—there are others who benefit from our hard work. These include members of our household and those in need.
Go the Extra Mile
Rather than simply doing the minimum, look for ways to do more than is required. Set personal goals; challenge yourself to do your work better or faster than expected. Take pride in even the small details of your work. When you go the extra mile, you are more likely to enjoy your work.
Keep Work in it’s Place
Remember that there is more to life than work. A workaholic may never enjoy the fruitage of his labor if his work consumes all his time and energy. In effect, his work becomes as pointless as chasing after the wind. Make sure of the more important things like spending time with family and friends. Those who keep their life balanced are likely to enjoy their work even more.
