I don't know if you can really call this an insecurity, but let me try to build it as such. When I waste time I feel insecure. It happens. "It happens," however, is not a valid excuse. Ever. I try my hardest to work as hard as I can. I want you to do so as well. Now, don't take this as me gloating or anything, because I'm not. What I'm trying to say is that I was blessed with a good work ethic and I want you to have a good work ethic too. Many of you do, I'm sure, being writers mostly. If you do, major thumbs up, spread the message.
I'm insecure that I haven't spread the necessity of a good work ethic enough on my steadily-building platform. I'm now going to try to relieve myself of that insecurity.
I posted the following on my personal Facebook page minutes ago:
A lot of people seem to think that in order for the poor to gain wealth you have to take it from someone else. That isn't true at all. When you grow an extra acre of corn on your farm, design a more efficient engine, waste less resources, plant a garden, come back from your lunch break on time, volunteer (and work hard while you're volunteering), or do more in an hour than the average joe, you're raising the nation's GDP so that we have more money. Right now, more money means less owed money. Some may live in despair, saying, "Why should I work hard when no one else is?" The reason: integrity. "Only you can prevent forest fires" goes the phrase. In the same vein "Only you can get us out of debt." Don't simply blame people for ruining the economy, get those people to understand that they shouldn't continue to ruin the economy. Their acts will be forgiven after they've committed to not doing it again. Simultaneously, resolve to work your hardest. Ever time you waste an hour at work you steal from society. Would you want society to steal from you? I really doubt it. That's not to say that leisure time isn't important, because it is; but, making the right decision about how you spend your leisure time is your responsibility. If you like to knit, good for you, you're producing something and having fun at the same time. Independent study is another good use of time, so long as you take your knowledge and use it to better society. If you like video games, you don't have to quit them cold turkey. Game responsibly, however, and consider all the learning opportunities as you play. If you're playing a strategy game, hone your critical-thinking skills. If you're playing a simulation game, hone your creativity and efficiency skills. If everyone gives an extra tiny bit of effort in their everyday life, everyone benefits. Think of it this way: anyone milking the system (whether there are two or two million of those people in our country), producing less than they use are stealing from their fellow poor. In conclusion, work to the fullest of your ability and you can't go wrong. If you have little ability, no problem, work to the fullest of your ability. If you have much ability, work to the fullest of your ability. Don't ever settle. Don't ever quit. Only you can get us out of debt.
What do you think? I'd be happy to consider your opinions, clear up misunderstandings, etc.
Well said! I was always taught to work for what I want. Nothing was ever handed to me. While everyone's situation is different, a good work ethic will solve a lot of problems.
ReplyDeleteThanks. I agree with that for sure. Thanks for stopping by.
DeleteLike Alex, I too was taught that hard work is good and that sincere efforts are never wasted. I was never handed anything on a platter.
ReplyDeleteGood. I think the era has let that message slip away just a little, impacting the young more than anyone else. Keep up the hard work and thanks for stopping by.
DeleteFor some reason your post reminds me of the saying, "A locked door keeps an honest man honest."
ReplyDeleteOf course that means that temptation is powerful and can make even the best person stray from their beliefs.
When people are desperate, I think they stray from what they were taught or fundamentaly know is the right course. That does not mean that they have forgotten. In their heart they know the way to be. I just think so many people today are desperate. That is why we are struggling that hole.
I hope that the hard work you speak of can pull us out of the gapping chasm. And I do believe most of us keep running on that hamster wheel; working as hard as we can. Today I am not feeling so tired that it seems I am the only one still making that effort. Luckily I am not feeling desperate.
I enjoyed your post and know that my comment was not meant as criticism...just opinion.
Leanne
I meant it as inspiration, not as picking on the lazy. Many people in America do work hard, I mean only to instill passion in people and remind them that the future doesn't have to be bleak, we do have power. The desperate need reminded that "there is always hope, even when there isn't faith" (Orson Scott Card). All prior sins are forgiven so long as an effort is made to change. No questions or comments thereof. I by no means mean to imply that I'm the only one working hard, although I knew when I wrote this I could have stirred some ill-feelings. Thumbs up for working hard.
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