This really makes you think there's no perfect balance between working hard and taking it easy. It's more about adjusting every day based on what matters to you. The part about hustle being exciting when you're inspired vs draining when you're just following pressure stood out. Maybe the key is knowing why you're working in the first place. What do you think?
In an ideal world, you have 100% clear ambition(s), then go after all that with an intentional approach. But it never seems to work out that way. It's hard to predict our future selves, plan perfectly, and we'll change as we go!
Certainly being more mindful helps. Understanding what we really want helps. But at some point you need to get to work, and avoid analysis paralysis. Or you need to try something, only to realize later it wasn't the answer.
Not to cop out, but my overall answer is "there is no perfect answer." We can be more and more mindful as we go, and at the same time accept we'll never have perfect control, and that we move forward with SOMETHING.
Rick - I'm really enjoying this new series. I've been reflecting on my own relationships with work & money and all of your writing has been helpful in that process. I've found the idea of Money Scripts by Brad Klontz to be very helpful and I can't help but see parallels with work.
Maybe work scripts are very similar to the categories of money scripts - vigilance, prestige, avoidance, and worship.
Thanks Pete for the recommendation, I'll definitely check it out.
And I think you're probably right that we not only have so many scripts in money and work, but they're probably intertwined with one another. The work scripts lead into money and vice versa, putting each on overdrive.
I find it interesting that when I hit a rough patch professionally in the past, soldiering on lead to better times. At 49yo, I seriously question the logic, especially with little passion for the work (no small "purpose"). There is one definition of enough somewhere buried in there. Love your work Rick.
This really makes you think there's no perfect balance between working hard and taking it easy. It's more about adjusting every day based on what matters to you. The part about hustle being exciting when you're inspired vs draining when you're just following pressure stood out. Maybe the key is knowing why you're working in the first place. What do you think?
I think you nailed the difficulty of all this...
In an ideal world, you have 100% clear ambition(s), then go after all that with an intentional approach. But it never seems to work out that way. It's hard to predict our future selves, plan perfectly, and we'll change as we go!
Certainly being more mindful helps. Understanding what we really want helps. But at some point you need to get to work, and avoid analysis paralysis. Or you need to try something, only to realize later it wasn't the answer.
Not to cop out, but my overall answer is "there is no perfect answer." We can be more and more mindful as we go, and at the same time accept we'll never have perfect control, and that we move forward with SOMETHING.
Rick - I'm really enjoying this new series. I've been reflecting on my own relationships with work & money and all of your writing has been helpful in that process. I've found the idea of Money Scripts by Brad Klontz to be very helpful and I can't help but see parallels with work.
Maybe work scripts are very similar to the categories of money scripts - vigilance, prestige, avoidance, and worship.
Money Scripts original research: https://newprairiepress.org/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1009&context=jft
Thanks Pete for the recommendation, I'll definitely check it out.
And I think you're probably right that we not only have so many scripts in money and work, but they're probably intertwined with one another. The work scripts lead into money and vice versa, putting each on overdrive.
If you’re trying to highlight the madness of following any one set of prescriptions, you’dve done it!
Thanks Tom for your support!
I find it interesting that when I hit a rough patch professionally in the past, soldiering on lead to better times. At 49yo, I seriously question the logic, especially with little passion for the work (no small "purpose"). There is one definition of enough somewhere buried in there. Love your work Rick.
Thanks Jason for the thoughtful comment and sharing your personal story.
Rick: this was truly outstanding. Bravo. Thanks for helping all of us gain perspective in a world that constantly wants more from us.
Tom (Wit & Wisdom)
Thank you Tom for the thoughtful comment.
I definitely "worked hard" on this one 😉 (maybe).