From Mundane To Meaningful: Embracing Work As A Source of Fulfillment

The transformative power of purposeful effort

Work is among the most misunderstood concepts in our society today. Far too many people consider work boring, mundane, and drudgery. I would be the first to admit that most people, at some point in their lives, have had a job that fits that description. However, work can be the most stimulating and fulfilling part of our lives. I’ve always found it interesting that people in prisons want to work, and prison officials assign jobs as an incentive for good behavior. The jobs available in a penitentiary include washing dishes, doing yard work, or laboring in the kitchen. These are not duties most people would find particularly desirable or fulfilling. However, prisoners seem to be drawn to those jobs and prefer doing that work over doing nothing at all.

On the other hand, I find it fascinating that people who are independently wealthy continue to work diligently long after the point in time they could have retired to a life of leisure. During one of my visits to New York, where I habitually spend time with my friend and colleague Steve Forbes, we discussed work as a gift. I asked him, at this phase of his life and having immense wealth, why he continues to work. He responded, “You can’t do nothing because doing nothing is the hardest work you’ll ever do.” Leisure and recreation are not the opposite of work. They are a parenthesis in the process, where we can reset and reflect so we can resume our work renewed and reinvigorated.
 
In my book, The Ultimate Gift, and the subsequent movie based on it, the main character is a spoiled, entitled grandson of a billionaire. Of the 12 lessons I designed for him to experience in that novel and film, his journey began with doing hard physical labor building a fence on a ranch in Texas. He deplored and detested the work initially, but by the time he had finished the job, he looked upon the fence he had built, which stretched out into the distance, with great pride and satisfaction. The wise old rancher, brought to life on screen by Brian Dennehy, left the young man with advice to ponder as they parted, “Remember, someone that can build a good fence can do anything.”
 
Whether you are in the midst of enjoying the career of your dreams or simply doing a job to meet your current expenses, work well done is its own reward and leads to a career of passion and significance that will fulfill your dreams and create your legacy.
 
As you go through your day today, give your best effort to your work, and it will give you everything you want. 

Jim Stovall is the President of the Emmy-award-winning Narrative Television Network as well as a published author of more than 50 books—eight of which have been turned into movies. He is also a highly sought-after platform speaker. Follow @Stovallauthor