In the shower this morning I was mulling over the word “work” and its mostly negative connotations. The New Shorter Oxford (I can hardly lift the old, longer Oxford) devotes a full page and a half to defining work, but these definitions are primary: “act, action or process” and “do, perform, practise.” Nothing even remotely onerous about that. What a shame it is that so many dread the thought of work, working, and going to work. This week I read Steven Pressfield’s phenomenal book, The War of Art.
Essentially, it’s a book about creativity and how to bring your work to life, or perhaps, bring your life to work. It’s already evicted some pretty serious procrastination habits that have found a happy home in me for years. More importantly, it’s awakened in me an awareness of just how beautiful and worthy work is.
I’m happy to report that I love my work, and regard my life and work as art. (another great book by Robert Fritz – Creating Your Life as Art) I’ve come to this place because I’ve finally recognized my own unique and invaluable strengths and talents, and learned not to focus on whatever it is that I don’t have. I share this not to toot my horn – I’m from the midwest and we don’t do that – but to share with you some of the giants whose shoulders I’ve stood on to get to this happy place. Here’s one more: the DVD that’s making people I know, from realtors to lawyers to authors and coaches, talk. It’s “The Secret”, available at www.thesecret.tv. I’d love to hear your thoughts on work.
Merrilee, Career Assessments Coach