This is why hard work matters less

Having a great work ethic is a virtue.  But some bosses and employees seem to value hard work even more than outputs.  But results are non-linear and may have no correlation to effort.

The guy running the corner grocery store probably works even harder than the investor who earns 10 times as much.  Using scissors to mow the lawn is unnecessarily laborious.  I can hear my dad saying: tell me what you accomplished, not how hard you worked.

WHAT you work hard on and HOW you do the work ends up being more important than the attribute of hard work.  And of course, being intentional about what you work on, being mindful of how you work, and having a great work ethic is the trifecta.

Whose goals are they anyway?

Many of us did not consciously choose some of the most consequential life paths we’ve taken.  We are born with a religion, a culture, and strong views on everything from relationships to the significance of education and wealth. Then we delude ourselves into believing that after careful consideration, we chose these ideas.

Obtaining an advanced degree or gaining fame, getting married, traveling the world, or creating wealth are worthy goals, provided they are in fact your goals. No one on their death bed ever said: If only I had spent more time chasing other people’s dreams.

It’s valuable to reflect on the paths we take and ask: “Who is this for?”

All problems are real

It’s easy to look at the 3-year-old who’s having a tantrum because his fingerpainting got ruined and think: get some real problems! This is exactly how the fifth-grader going through her first heartbreak views him.

But the fifth-grader’s father who just lost his job views her the same way. And those who were unlucky enough to be born in a country with no freedom, where they could be killed for expressing their views, would probably trade a limb to have these “problems”. And on and on it goes.

There’s no point in comparing, because to each person, their “crisis” is justified and very real. Life and its challenges are not part of a competition. Knowing this should be the basis for compassion.