Terrible Work Ethic is Soul Data

Our society loves good work ethic. The harder you work, the more you push, the more you produce…that’s commendable shit.

My husband is a Project Manager, so naturally, he appreciates good work ethic. Over the years, he has shared stories about some of the antics employees have tried to get away with, and I’m always aghast by the sheer audacity of their behavior. …Until I remember - I was worse. Much worse. (And just like that, I become deeply empathetic and sure it wasn’t their fault.)

I have terrible work ethic. (Don’t judge me.)

I have a really hard time forcing myself to do something I really don’t want to do.

I rebel. I dig my heels in. I’m shitty at it.

Honestly, I wouldn’t have wanted me as an employee for some of the jobs I did. I was unreliable. I called in sick. I got people to cover for me. I often did just enough to get by.

Not the most sought-after qualities. Traits I don’t typically brag about.

But (don’t write me off yet), for the things that I love doing…I’d hire me on the spot.

I’d bend over backwards to keep someone like me on the team. I’d promote, praise, and gush about my caliber of work. I’d give me substantial raises and shower me with generous perks.

…Because when my soul is in it, I excel.

When I’m doing what I want to be doing, it’s not work. And it shows in my efforts.

Terrible work ethic comes from that work not mattering to you. You don’t care about it because it’s not your soul assignment. There’s no spark there. There’s no incentive to work hard at that thing that is never going to lead you to your happiest life.

You are divinely designed to suck at the things that aren’t meant for you.

It’s not a testimony of your character. It’s evidence about your path.

Yeah, yeah, yeah, I hear the arguments – doing things you don’t love builds character, sticking with things shows commitment, and sometimes you just gotta do things you don’t enjoy. (Can you see which finger I’m holding up?)

That’s bullshit born from a paradigm that forgot we come into this game with our own personal guidance system. …And that system is your joy.

The only way we know what’s best for us is to act on what excites us…even when it doesn’t make logical sense and even when everyone around us is telling us the opposite.

Your excitement always trumps outside noise.

Your highest aspirations are encoded with your joy. When you let enjoyment lead, it’s your soul signalling – This way! What you want is over here! Come hither!

Even when I don’t understand it, I listen to that little voice that says – Psst… over here.

It was bad news for the employers who hired me for jobs I didn’t love, but it’s good news for you. Because, stick around, I’m going to taint you with my terrible work ethic.

You’re welcome.