Some people have a sense of perspective. They aim to do serious work but, as the old adage say, they do not take themselves too seriously. They aim to do their best, however, during their time on the planet.
Such people recognise that how they behave is important because their actions can affect other people. They do not see themselves as important, however, in the great sweep of history.
Different people follow this approach in different ways. Whatever route they take, however, they may focus on the following themes.
They Do Serious Work
There are several definitions for the word serious. These include the following.
Doing things that are important … Doing things that are valuable … Doing things that can have far reaching consequences.
Doing things in a deep and considered way … Doing things that require much thought and concentration … Doing things in a sincere way.
Bearing these definitions in mind, different people may do different kinds of serious work. Let’s explore how they may translate this approach into action.
Some people may do serious work
that helps people or the planet
Some people may do such work as carers, educators, medics, first responders, mediators or in other roles. They may also aim to build positive cultures in which people can thrive and live fulfilling lives.
Some people may do work as researchers, scientists, leaders or pioneers who aim to build a fairer world. They may also aim to build successful prototypes that show how we can build a sustainable and positive planet
Some people may be serious
about the work they do
Some people do their work in a deep and considered way. Some embrace a paradox, however, by embracing serious play. They commit themselves fully but enjoy the journey as well as reaching the goal.
Such people deliver consistently high professional standards. When appropriate, they are also capable of being creative. They enjoy finding positive solutions on the way towards achieving success.
Some people think seriously about
the consequences of the work they do
Some people have a moral compass and think deeply about the consequences of their work. They recognise that the kind of work they do may contribute to helping or hurting people.
Such individuals may make considered decisions about their work. Sometimes these decisions may be simple – such as doing work that helps people. Sometimes the decisions may be more complex.
A teacher, for example, may aim to help each student to develop their natural talents. At the same time, they may be working in a school system that aims to turn children into productive economic units.
Such people may then take time to think seriously about the work they aim to do. They may aim: a) to build on the positives; b) to manage or mitigate the consequences of any negatives.
Great workers often taken their work seriously. Some also add another element. They take the following step.
They Do Not Take
Themselves Too Seriously
Some people have a sense of perspective. They recognise their actions are important – because these have consequences – but do not see themselves as important.
Such people see themselves as only here for a short time in the life of the planet. Whilst they may take their work seriously, they also have another quality. They do not take themselves too seriously.
Some are able to take helicopter view of themselves and their actions. At the same time, they are capable of being hands-on and doing good work on the ground.
Such people are often able to laugh at themselves. At the same time, they are able to apply themselves seriously to finding solutions to challenges.
Different people follow this approach in different ways. Some take they following steps.
They have a positive
attitude to life
Such people has a positive attitude. They are grateful, generous and want to give to others. They do not choose to be victims, however, and recognise when other people may try to take advantage of them.
Such a person chooses to take responsibility. They have an internal locus of control rather than an external locus of control. They say: ‘I can make things happen,’ rather than: ‘Things happen to me’.
They also care for their wellbeing. They often aim to follow their life philosophy and principles. They aim to be true to themselves and do their best. Sometimes this leads to them experiencing a sense of peace.
They build
positive relationships
Such individuals often aim to encourage other people. This can lead to them building positive relationships in which both they and the other people can thrive.
They also spend time with positive people rather than negative people. At the same time, they respect people who offer positive suggestions about how they can keep improving as a person or as a professional.
They use their
feelings in a positive way
Such individuals are often happy but may also be sensitive to what is happening around them and in the world. If they get upset or feel down, they then ask themselves:
“How can I use this feeling in a positive ways?”
Whilst aware of their own emotions, they focus on how they can use these to help other people. They then aim to translate these into action and get positive results.
There are many ways to live life. One approach is to be serious about your work but not take yourself too seriously. Paradoxically, this can sometimes help you to do your best during your time on the planet.
Let’s return to your own life and work. Looking ahead, can you think of a situation where you may want to follow elements of this approach? How can you do this in your own way?
If you wish, try tackling the exercise on this theme. This invites you to complete the following sentences.
Leave a Reply