The Mountains That We Climb

I don’t like hard work. If I had my way, I would never work hard again, but it does not mean I would stop challenging myself.

Humans enjoy challenges. Puzzles to solve, obstacles to be overcome, goals to be reached. I enjoy playing hard, pushing physical and mental limits. The payoff should be rewarding for both. Should I choose a goal, I commit myself to its completion, unless its rewards no longer outweigh its costs.

In our lives, we convert our efforts to financial and spiritual gain. If I model my life to resemble a successful company, I should like to generate the most profit at the least expense. I must invest capital, but the payoff should always exceed the investment. If not, the result is bankruptcy, be it mental, physical or financial.

What should my return be? In the past, When I worked for myself, I confused personal goals with work. I identified as my job. When I worked for myself, I benefited from longer hours and less personal time, as any rewards solely profited me. In hindsight it wasn’t wiser. The unforeseen cost was a less fulfilling life. Now I working for others, and it’s important to be efficient and perform well, meeting the expectations of my compensation. The question remains, is hard work truly rewarding?

Backhoe vs. Shovel

Two men are required to dig a hole. One is given a shovel, one a mechanical digger. One toils physically, one is required to learn safe equipment operation and to perform the same. Who should be compensated more? Are they equal? Who would you rather be?

I don’t feel working harder is more efficient, profitable, or honorable. I enjoy work where I am valued,that is also mentally rewarding. I realize hard work is not my life goal, but doing good work a worthy one. Billionaires broadcast on social media the need to dedicate our lives to work with extreme intensity for their empires.  I prefer to live intensely, work for good, and lead a richer life.