Why Do You Work So Hard? Do You Know?!

Why are you working so hard?! When we really sit down to analyze why we stress so much over work or our finances or our careers or successes or failures or our professional relationships or the amount of hours we spend everyday at work - do we REALLY know the answer?! So, I ask again . . . why do you work so hard?! If we could thoroughly answer the question without hesitation or doubt, it would help to bring clarity and a sense of rejuvenation to our work ethic and ultimately affect our performance. In essence, what I am saying is that we need purpose. Action without purpose is like like flying a kite with no wind. You can try as hard as you may and put the almighty force in your arm, but regardless of the fact, you are left with a lifeless kite not flying very high. This is symbolic of our everyday lives. If we continue to put force into our action but we have no might, no understanding, no purpose - we will continue to tire ourselves out with no real result. Tired with no result. Is that what we're fighting for?! I hope not. To most people, we're all seeking the All-American dream. We want a successful career, doting family and great health. I can't tell you how to get the family of your dreams or ensure that you have great health. What I can tell you is that some things we have no Divine power over; however, we hold the power to some. We hold the power to bring happiness in our lives and to cast out negativity and doubters. We hold the power to be the best at whatever we put our mind to. We hold the power to try harder to achieve. But at the core of all of our triumphs - there is the seed of purpose. Without purpose, our drive and perseverance is cut short. I am a true believer in acting with purpose. Following through with purpose. It is not expected nor desired to find a deep, Divine purpose in every single action we make as individuals, but as we grow and mature, it is our duty to understand when we should apply "the purpose rule." Sort of similar concept as described in the best selling book, The Purpose Driven Life. Having purpose can be, at the core, religious based if you are a religious-type person; however, aside from religion, having purpose is the motivator when you need it, that pep talk when you want to give up, that cheerleader when you feel self-doubt, that encouragement to keep going and that relief to know that you are working hard for a purpose. Everyone's purpose may be different, for some it's materialistic or money or fame or to support their family or to be a role model or just to do the right thing or simply because we're passionate - whatever your purpose is for you to decide. But bottom line is this - if you find purpose, every decision you make moving forward will truly be filled with an undeniable, indescribable joy. Even in your darkest hour, you will be able to continue treading the high waters, not because it's easy, but because you have purpose!