Your work is to discover your world and then with all your heart give yourself to it.” — Buddha
In the midst of a major project, I made a promise: “Over my dead body will it be late.” At the time, it felt like a necessary declaration of commitment. But soon, I realized how prophetic those words would become. The pressure mounted, and the demands of the project pushed me to my limits.
I lost 20 pounds (I was already on the slim side). I struggled to sleep, and when I did, my dreams were consumed by work. Exhaustion became my constant companion, a feeling too deep to fully describe. At one point, I even had chest pains, signaling that I had pushed my body too far.
The story has a happy ending. I’m here, alive and well, having regained the weight and energy I lost. Most importantly, the project went live. I learned a lot from the experience—not just about my capacity to push myself but also about the dangers of pushing too hard. Still, that’s not the lesson I want to emphasize here.
What I truly want to share is that this project took everything I had. I poured my life into it, and while the success was a team effort, I believe part of that success came from what I contributed. It wasn’t just about hard work; it was about giving everything I could—my focus, energy, and dedication.
Would I do things differently next time? Absolutely. I would practice better self-care, listen more carefully to my body, and respect my limits. But would I still pour my life into the work? Without a doubt.
THE BALANCE BETWEEN WORK AND LIFE IS A CHOICE
Many people subscribe to the idea of “work to live, not live to work.” While I understand the sentiment, I believe it deserves a closer look. The fact is, most of us do have to work. Whether we’re trading our time for money or seeking personal fulfillment, work is an essential part of our lives.
But how we approach work makes all the difference. Some people dread Monday mornings and spend their days counting down to Friday. Over time, this mindset can lead to burnout, disillusionment, and a sense of drudgery. Work becomes something that drains them, and in return, they get little beyond a paycheck.
Is there another way to approach this? I think so.
If you’re going to spend a significant part of your life working, why not do it on your own terms? Rather than resisting or merely enduring it, what if you embraced it fully? Whether it’s doing the dishes, meditating, or working at a job, there’s an opportunity to give yourself to the task at hand with full presence and energy.
When you give your life to something, a surprising transformation can occur. Instead of feeling drained, you might find yourself more energized, more fulfilled. By showing up fully and being intentional about your efforts, you create meaning in the work, no matter how mundane it may seem. You might even notice that the more you give, the more you receive in return—whether that’s a sense of accomplishment, fulfillment, or simply joy.
YOU GET BACK WHAT YOU PUT IN
I’m not suggesting that life is all about work or that work should consume us. Life requires balance, rest, and moments of reflection. But what I am suggesting is that whatever we do—whether it’s washing the dishes or leading a project—we should give it everything we have.
There is power in fully engaging with the present moment. In pouring yourself into your actions, you not only give life to the task but also to yourself. You are, in essence, affirming your presence in the world and contributing to it in a meaningful way.
Ultimately, we all have a choice in how we show up to work and life. Will you resist and hold back, or will you pour your life into the things that matter? The choice is yours. By fully committing to the work in front of you, you may find that what you receive in return is much more than just the satisfaction of a job done—it’s the fulfillment of a life well-lived.
Ultimately, we all have a choice in how we show up to work and life. Will you resist and hold back, or will you pour your life into the things that matter? The choice is yours. By fully committing to the work in front of you, you may find that what you receive in return is much more than just the satisfaction of a job done—it’s the fulfillment of a life well-lived.
LIVE FULLY, SHOW UP FULLY
- How do you currently approach the work in your life—are you merely going through the motions, or are you fully engaged with each task?
- What would change for you if you poured your life into everything you do, from the smallest chore to the largest project?
- How can you create more balance between giving your best effort and practicing self-care in both your work and personal life?
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