(Long post ahead)
Pastor Susan preached a compelling message on April 8th on the subject of diligence. I took it to heart, and have been striving to be that at work; some days more than others. Diligence is a broad subject, and so is work ethic, but allow me to briefly combine the two for my case in point today.
My dad has taught his offspring very well on how to have a strong work ethic. I distinctly remember this lesson on painting jobs. When I moved to Arkansas and worked for my brother’s painting company, he also employed a strong work ethic. In the eight months I worked for him, I was 100% convinced that we were the best painters, but more importantly the hardest working painters in this state. He’s a “pusher” and because of it, successful in his field (amongst many other reasons, of course).
I work a white collar job. I could show up at work, mosey around like a turtle, put forth 20% effort and still keep my job. I know this, because I see it here often. Well, maybe 50% effort, bit still. If Nate had an employee that did not exert at least 90% effort every day, he’d fire their tail. All this to say: I am employing my painting work ethic in the office. Here’s what this means (Nate will appreciate this):
- Setting goals for the day before I get to the “job”
- Lining up tasks in order of importance and completing them in the most efficient fashion
- Constantly thinking about ‘what’s next’ and ‘what’s the fastest way to complete it’
- Working for the best interest of the company, looking for ways to make it more successful
- Not wasting any minutes of the day on stupid stuff. Although, there’s always room for fun and a little play :)
In summary, don’t be a slacker. This is easy to do if I am emotionally engaged in my work/career. If I am doing what I love, it comes naturally. But I’m not there yet. So I need to constantly remind myself of these things and push through it until I do get there.
Anyone else in this sailboat with me?
6 comments:
So true, I am definitely not a slacker, but I do have a lot of down time right now (that is why I am able to comment and read a blog or two). It is easier to be diligent when you invest your heart in your work. I am glad I have a job I care about. I know lots of people that would rather be somewhere else other than their place of employment. If we work "as unto the Lord", it makes handling the day to day more palatable whether we actually "like" our jobs or not.
Great post!!!
My mom always had a strong work ethic, and Randy and I too always have. I see it in the girls now, which makes me happy. The really sad thing though I have found in places I have worked is that when we do put all into it, some will often approach you and ask you to "cool it" because it makes them look bad or ups the expectancy of their output.
I definitely could improve in this area. I find that when I have a specific project to do I can be very diligent and motivated, but it's those times where there is not as much to do that I need to work on. I'm a work in progress....
I try to be dilligent at work! I have a lot of down time - there is about 2 weeks of the month that I am packed with stuff to do and then 2 weeks that I don't have as much to do. I have to remember to push myself to be dilligent even when I don't have as much to do! It's a press sometimes!
Staci - I have had that same thing happen to me! When I first started working here (Alma Tractor) there were several people that came up to me and told me to stop working so hard because it makes them look bad! Seriously!? I think something is wrong with that picture! :)
If you set a goal you think you can attain it's probably to small.
I know how you always loved when I set goals and we reached them maybe 1 out of 15 times. :) But still got farther than most would anticipate. Those days were great weren't they?! ;)
May i suggest something fun or a little play? 5 gallon bucket....ahhhh the aroma! he he he
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