33. Giving our best

I was walking down the street the other day and I bumped into a mate of mine who hadn't seen in a while. As you do I initiated the casual, “How are you doing? What's going on in your life? Any news or changes?”

He said he'd got a new job. Me being interested I asked some more about it, what it was about, and then ultimately how is he enjoying it?

The response I received stuck with me and is a phrase that prompted this article. He said that his job was;

minimum wage and therefore that equaled the minimum effort

And I was like, whoa- ‘do we change how we represent ourselves dependent on the amount of reward we get?’

Because in a workspace, this is what behaviour we are led to believe.

You're there for a very long time. It's quite draining. So ultimately, motivation at a lower income level is not going to be as apparent so you simply don’t do much other than clock in and clock out.

But I think this is a dangerous game to play, especially outside of work, as you become reliant on external stimulus for motivation.

I think if we only ever do things for money, success or for people’s approval I believe we're going to be viewed in a worse light. With these as motivators we are too changeable and cannot be trusted as you can always be bought out and uproot your position because you don’t care about the why.

We need to detach the notion that we are entitled to success and simply fall in love with the process.

Don't get me wrong success is great and a brilliant motivator, but I think having the integrity and the desire to do whatever task we are given to the best of our ability shows so much character.

Imagine whenever you have gone to a restaurant and it has been a really good experience- It probably wan’t just the food that made it a good time. A waiter going above and beyond their job title to make sure that you have a brilliant experience is something that really sticks with me. Often hospitality gets a bad reputation but it can be done so well and everyone appreciates it.

I think we have to get off our high horses thinking that we are too good to help or work in a situation.

It doesn't have to be purely for money either- it can actually just be that we want to make a difference and we want to do justice with the situation we have.

Thinking to the flip side of being payed poorly and you get payed a lot you will still struggle if that is your sole motivator.

Let's say, for example, you had a massive salary, a job comes your way- you are probaly going to feel so pressured because you equate effort with reward. You will feel like you will have to massively step up your game and potentially burn out or doubt your ability.

There is a better way.

Imagine you are working in a consistent style, with a consistent way of thinking, and with a consistent attitude and effort given. You give your best all the time not worrying about the results.

And what happens?

You get good at your craft; making the person you want to be, falling in love with the process and that is then rewarded with more money.

Or alternatively you very quickly work out if that thing you tried working at is not for you because you give your best. It’s the half hearted attitude that we never get anywhere nor have the capacity to be content.

I think we just need to make sure our day-to-day efforts are a reflection of us. I imagine it like this: If I were to live the way I lived today, everyday, then upon my death I looked back and reflected would I be proud of my actions?

It’s a strong challenge right?

Being your best in even the small things alleviates stress because you don’t have to worry what else you could’ve done- no matter the outcome. It curates a character that is able to take on bigger situation as you know how to handle yourself. And it ultimately just shows better character.

So go out there and give life your best.