I am a big believer in the idea that joy not just a desirable OUTPUT of gratifying work, it's a critical INPUT.
As Bree points out, even boring repetitive labor can be joyful if you are doing it with a great collection of people who find humor and connection in the process. Indeed, shared challenge is one of the most powerful sources of connection, and shared absurdity one of the best sources of humor.
But beyond that I would say that people who are experiencing more joy in their work are more persuasive and successful than those who are experiencing less joy. For this reason I am emphasized to my college bound son — having a joyful college experience is just as important as what you learn. You want to go into the workforce — and into life — with a propensity for both learning and joy. It's more fun (obviously) but I also believe it's more effective.
Rufus, I love your advice for your son!! My mom kept this quote on her bulletin board which I’ve always loved: “A happy childhood is important because it establishes a deep-seated habit of being happy.”
Though no matter what childhood is like, we can always practice habits of happiness.
Love this.
I am a big believer in the idea that joy not just a desirable OUTPUT of gratifying work, it's a critical INPUT.
As Bree points out, even boring repetitive labor can be joyful if you are doing it with a great collection of people who find humor and connection in the process. Indeed, shared challenge is one of the most powerful sources of connection, and shared absurdity one of the best sources of humor.
But beyond that I would say that people who are experiencing more joy in their work are more persuasive and successful than those who are experiencing less joy. For this reason I am emphasized to my college bound son — having a joyful college experience is just as important as what you learn. You want to go into the workforce — and into life — with a propensity for both learning and joy. It's more fun (obviously) but I also believe it's more effective.
Rufus, I love your advice for your son!! My mom kept this quote on her bulletin board which I’ve always loved: “A happy childhood is important because it establishes a deep-seated habit of being happy.”
Though no matter what childhood is like, we can always practice habits of happiness.
hah! I love that.
So nice to see it in words. Workplace should be like you're reading a book. Even if you're liking it too much, you should not stretch.
Better to enjoy staying in the game!