Work: Your Life's Purpose In Action

"A vision without a task is but a dream; a task without a vision is drudgery; a vision
and a task is the hope of the world." - From a church in Sussex, England, 1730

It's interesting that we make such a distinction between work and play, between our livelihood and our leisure. Caring about our work, liking it or even loving it, seems strange if you are focused only on making money. Our unhealthy attitudes toward work can be traced back to our Puritan work ethic. It is part of a 17th century theology that believed only a certain number of people were going to be chosen by God. Although there was no way to tell if you were in the good group, there were definite ways to tell that you were not. Any signs of sloth, lack of prudence, and especially lack of worldly success were sure signs you were not chosen.

Our unconscious belief system still lingers in these attitudes: Children play, adults work. Work means you are officially grown-up and now must suffer. Work is something that you have to fight for. Work is something you are not supposed to like. People who don't work are either very poor or very rich, but only the poor are considered lazy. Loosing your job is one of the most shameful things that can happen because you will have to ask for handouts and everyone will think you are a freeloader or a failure.

Our parents were taught to develop a skill to earn enough money to get what they wanted. They worked at their jobs so they could have week-ends, vacations, and maybe even take "early retirement". They stayed at a job they hated for the sake of security but often the company did not have the same loyalty to them. The wage slave mentality is giving way to the awareness that the quality of our lives and the quality of our work-time are the same. People are seeking more than money. They are seeking personal fulfillment, taking more chances, being more honest and open in their communication - and they are more prosperous in doing what they love rather than what they hate. Some call this finding your right livelihood. How do you know if you're there? Consider these characteristics in your work life:

• Passion - looking forward to each day with excitement (not just week-ends and vacations)
• Curiosity - room to keep on growing and learning (constant improvement)
• Service - using your unique skills to serve the community (knowing what you do is worthwhile)
• Appropriateness - fits your aptitudes and talents (doing what you love)

You will probably have at least three career changes in your life. To find your right livelihood, you have to give up the victim mentality which says "my life is at the mercy of people/situations beyond my control". Your list may include your upbringing, genes, hereditary, social class, education, parents, mate, boss, the economy, the government, big corporations or particular enemies. All of us are a victim at some point in our life - facing circumstances beyond our control. Being a victim means battling powerful obstacles. Having a victim mentality means giving up by saying "What's the use? Why even try? It may work for other people, but it won't work for me." It takes guts to leave the ruts and sometimes you may even be pushed out of them. Losing your job can be the greatest blessing to move on to what better suits your talents and interests. And the effort to go from meaningless employment to right livelihood means you will never have to "work" another day of your life!

In reflecting back over your years in the workforce, ask yourself these questions:

1. How have I changed my priorities?
2. What standards have I raised?
3. How do I treat myself and others?
4. How do I want to spend my time?
5. What sparks my interest and curiosity?
6. What legacy do I want to leave?

In your answers lie your vision and your task which is the hope of the world.

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Dr. Darlene Treese has been in private practice in hypnosis and counseling since 1983. She has been internationally acknowledged for her positive action and solution-based therapies with individuals, groups and corporations. "A person for the people," Dr. Dar is always available to help you get a grip on life, health and happiness.

Contact us today to schedule your appointment for an office visit, email or telephone consultation - (480) 296-3358 - or click on Contact Us to send an email.