Build your work puzzle one day at a time
Work.
What does it mean to you?
Pounding a hammer into a board?
Teaching a group of students?
Selling a suite of software tools to worldwide enterprises?
Caring for our sick?
We each have our own unique way of contributing to the world. Each of us has that passion and gift inside to do quality work that excites and fuels; there’s a palatable sense of meaning that beats within us.
My son was powering through a 1970s (yes, it’s dated) Fisher Price ‘Occupations’ puzzle the other day. There’s no thinking during puzzle time anymore; it is an effortless, beautiful glide of synchronicity. I watched in wonder as he aligned the puzzle pieces in the correct order and place. Over the months, he must have completed this exact puzzle (at least) 100 times. He could easily do it in his sleep.
And then it hit me! What professions will he aspire to as he grows? I voiced the puzzle title names from the now decades-old ‘Occupations’ puzzle: Worker, Mother, Dancer, Cowboy, Astronaut, Policeman, Fireman.
I want my son to be whatever he wants to be. More than likely, it’ll be an occupation that does not even exist at this time. Doctors will still be healing the sick; plumbers will still be fixing leaky faucets, yet could you imagine ‘Search Engine Marketer’ or ‘Life Coach’ a mere 10 years ago?
Here’s to the ‘workers’ of the world. Whether you work 80 hour weeks, or 2 hour days, keep striving and driving to reach your goals. We are each contributing in our own unique way. Never give up on your hopes and dreams.
My son will figure out his path. He may help his son put together the ‘Occupations’ puzzle for the next generation: (Potentially, on a computer, tablet, or ‘soon to be invented’ technology device.)
- Internet Marketing Executive
- Recruiter
- Sales Engineer
- Biotechnology Scientist
Yes, the economy is challenging. Yes, the news is sometimes dreary. The important thing is: we are all part of building that ‘Occupations’ puzzle for tomorrow. Let’s get to work and build that puzzle one piece at a time. Never lose sight of what you want to achieve.
Until next time,
Dan Naden