"Your work is going to fill a large part of your life, and the only way to be truly satisfied is to do what you believe is great work. And the only way to do great work is to love what you do. If you haven't found it yet, keep looking. Don't settle. As with all matters of the heart, you'll know when you find it."
--- Steve Jobs
In this, Part III of Fun, Humor, and Work, we look at the view of work from 30,000 feet. That's usually the best and only way to see what goes into your work, day in and day out. In Part I, we briefly explored adding fun to your work and Part II, we took a quick glance at how humor and can relax you and your team to contribute to a more productive workday. Here, we will take a look at work itself, but not so much from its toil, sweat, worry and grief that is typically associated with work, but from the good side of work-the contribution to your community and society; the profits that result from providing quality products and services that help you and your employees enjoy the fruits of your labor; and the satisfaction of looking back at the end of a workday and reviewing the results of your hard work.
Work doesn't have to something that is dreaded everyday. It should be something that you can't wait to get to do in the morning. If you lose sleep due to work, it shouldn't be because of worry about a project or how to meet payroll or how to close a deal, but because you are so anxious and excited to get to the office or your shop.
"Learn to enjoy every minute of your life. Be happy now. Don't wait for something outside of yourself to make you happy in the future. Think how really precious is the time you have to spend, whether it's at work or with your family. Every minute should be enjoyed and savored."
--- Earl Nightingale
Being excited to get to work because of those reasons doesn't have to a fantasy you are reading in this newsletter. I've met plenty of business leaders who are working their business because it gives them so much pleasure. They may or may not be working to pay their bills too, but it is the joy of the job that keeps them excited. Taking a vacation is often dreaded because that means they will have to be away from their baby that they are still nurturing to full maturity.
"Success is no accident. It is hard work, perseverance, learning, studying, sacrifice and most of all, love of what you are doing or learning to do."
--- Pele
When work becomes work, it is important to remember to add the fun and humor we talked about before. Relaxing, which having fun and laughing causes, helps us to work more fluidly to our work, and with more joy. We tend to slow things down a bit and when that happens, we shouldn't feel guilty, but remind ourselves that slow is smooth and smooth is fast. We will then begin to let things happen and direct those things rather than force things to happen, and end up with a mess.
"Stay positive and happy. Work hard and don't give up hope. Be open to criticism and keep learning. Surround yourself with happy, warm and genuine people."
--- Tena Desae
Most of us have to work, and that's okay. When we do work, try to incorporate fun and humor into the day. Don't make work separate from life. Enjoy the work and enjoy life and enjoy those you are working with. Enjoy your customers. Make them laugh and have fun with them. Cease using work as a four-letter word. Embrace your work. Love it and let it love you back.
"I feel I am lucky. I am grateful for this life that God has given me. I am happy, as I am getting to do work that I want to do and enjoy doing it."
--- Sonam Kapoor
