"Wish for a hundred years of doing your duty."
The Upanishads
(Ancient Hindu text)
We've all heard the question "Do we eat to live or do we live to eat?" My uncle told me that his goal was the latter; not surprisingly, he died of obesity and heart disease. Yet if we simply eat to live we can deprive ourselves of the glorious experience of sharing food with one another.
Who doesn't feel better about life after a great cup of coffee, a great meal or a slice of apple pie? Of course, the answer lies in balance. Out of balance in either direction and we deprive ourselves of the fullness of life.
Now let's think about work in these terms. Of course, we must work to live. It's called survival and security. No surprise, the people who tend to survive and obtain security also tend to work the hardest.
Like worker bees, we're programmed to get it done. That's only half of the equation. We must also live to work, because man searches for meaning and purpose in what he does.
Meaning comes through our relationships with friends and loved ones, with God, and with the work we do. As Shakespeare stated, "To work we love, with delight we go." Abraham Maslow called this state "self-actualization" — the highest level of being.
It feels as if many of us are out of balance on the working-to-live side of the equation. Although a few are really going for it and living their work to its fullest, far too many people are stuck in a steady, depressing rhythm of stressful, ho-hum work.
As Joseph Campbell reminded us, "Work can be a life-draining affair." How many of us leave the workplace telling ourselves, "Whoa…that was an awesome day. I'd like to do that again tomorrow!"
I find that to get life out of our work, it helps to inspire ourselves. Inspire comes from ancient Latin and means to "breathe life into." The best way to inspire ourselves is with a better story — one where we can make a greater difference and bring more spirit to the work we do every day.
I encourage you to watch the Spirit at Work webinar I did for HR That Works members. For related resources on employee well-being, see Workplace Support and Employee Well-being.
When it comes to both sides of the equation, ask how to work smarter, not harder. How can we manage our time in a way that generates additional value? I recommend studying the Time Management training module on HR That Works.
For related workplace training and program ideas, see Workplace Programs and Online Selling Strategies. If you'd like more information, talk to an agent.
As Depeche Mode sang, "Get the balance right!" When you do, you'll have no doubt about your willingness to work hard, but you'll also become far more excited about the difference you make every day.
This holds true whether you're in your 20s and entering the workforce or in your 60s and contemplating retirement. The last thing you want is to live a life of regret because you simply put X's across your work calendar. Work to live — and you'll enjoy a work experience without regrets.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I tell if my work-life balance is off?
Signs include chronic stress, persistent fatigue, and little enjoyment from work or personal time; notice if you dread most workdays or rarely have energy for relationships.
What are simple steps to improve balance at work?
Set clear priorities, block focused time for high-value tasks, schedule personal activities, and learn to say no to low-value commitments.
How do I find more meaning in my daily work?
Look for ways your tasks help others, set small impact goals, seek feedback, and connect with colleagues who share your values.
When should I ask for help from a supervisor or advisor?
Ask for support when workload consistently prevents you from meeting goals, when stress affects health, or when you need resources to do your job well.