Its Obvious
We encounter scores of people in our day to day lives who seem to have no pride in what they do. Their lack of pride contributes to shoddy, uninspired performance and dulls our lives.
Without spirited, caring interaction in our daily lives we are less joyful and productive.
Somewhere along the way we seem to have lost our sense of cheeriness and pride. How did we lose these vital traits?
The Culture is at fault!
A major factor is allowing others to define who we are. This is crazy! Why allow society to judge whether something you do is ‘good enough’?
Today’s culture has a misplaced value system that reveres anyone, no matter how nuts, on TV, in sports or with wealth. (need I mention many of these ‘stars’ lead irresponsible, trouble filled lives?)
By this twisted, flawed definition we undermine every other vocation, including parents who stay at home to raise their children.
The brutal fact is that focusing on what others do or have dooms you to unhappiness.
What’s the alternative?
How about taking some pride in what we do?
There is no absolutely no reason to be embarrassed by what we do, unless we do it poorly!
Just think of the impact someone who may simply be working behind a counter at a deli can have. If they are upbeat and engaging and anxious to do their job as well as possible, both parties are uplifted. Contrast that with those we may know whose negative, sloppy style leave us disgusted.
In reality it does not mater what you do, even if society deems it menial.
They are many examples of the impact we have on each other that can go both ways. Even interacting on the telephone where you can be drawn into negativity or surprised when a stranger treats us well and resolves an issue.
Conducting ourselves and our activities with a sense of pride and a positive attitude is the answer.
Whatever you do, do it well, with gusto and a sense of pride. Don’t be pulled into the mentality that “they aren’t paying me enough to do this’ or “it doesn’t make a difference” or I’m just an xyz”
Taking pride in what you do is essential to your self esteem and happiness.
Intimidated?
Why do we feel the need to shield information or position situations? Its natural to try to make ourselves look good but some things are really silly and add ‘weight’ to our lives.
Why do we feel the need to make excuses for say a child that does make or choose to go to an “a” type college? Why do we need to say “this is only temporary I took this until something else comes up’ Its fine as long as while you are there you do it well!
Caution – the Flip Side
There is a downside to having too much pride or ego.
It can cause us to think we are better than others, preventing real engagement with others. It can prevent us from taking on ajob or responsibility, thinking we are too good to do something.
An Easy Fix!
Conducting yourself with pride is easy to master. It may take a little practice, reminding yourself at times, but feeling good about yourself and what you do will also make your outlook brighter!
Life’s a journey towards your goals, you won’t get there in a flash and make many ‘stops’ along the way, so you must make the best of it to enjoy it.