Yesterday I added the Day One widget to my home screen. Among the variations available I’ve chosen the widget that gives me a writing prompt every day. The idea is that I hope to be tempted to keep on the journaling habit if I keep seeing this every time I unlock my phone.
This is the first entry.
Prompt: How does hard work make me feel fulfilled?
I haven’t thought about this in a while. When I started my own business, I was convinced that that the more I worked, the happier I will be. But now I have realized that it’s not the case. I’ve realised that I need time to do other things, too. Most importantly, I need time to do nothing.
So, I don’t try to work as much as I can anymore. I simply try to do my best each day. And sometimes, I fail.
I feel guilty when that happens. I suppose that’s inevitable. We’re trained to measure our self worth solely based on our work output, for so long, that anything other than this framing feels untrue. So when I procrastinate, I feel bad.
But I do it anyway.
It’s not so bad to the point where it has become a habit and I’ve become a lazy slob, but I do it every now and then.
So, in a way, I think hard work makes me feel fulfilled because when I know I’ve done my share, I don’t feel guilty. I feel like I’ve earned the things I have. I suppose the trick is to not overwork myself, but at the same time, keep doing what needs to be done so that I feel like I’ve contributed.