Work Heart, Not Just Work Hard

People often said, Andy, you work too hard.  Actually I don't work hard, I work heart. 

The Power of Heart-Centered Work by Andy Ng

1. Work Heart, not just Work Hard

Work, for many, is an integral part of life. It's where we spend a significant portion of our time, striving to achieve our goals, make a living, and contribute to society.

However, the way we approach our work can greatly impact our experience and the outcomes we achieve. The old adage "Work Hard" has been a mantra for generations, emphasizing the value of diligence and effort.

Yet, it's important to recognize that working hard is not just about physical exertion and long hours; it's about the way we engage with our work and the level of passion we bring into it. In this essay, we will delve into the concept of "Work Heart, not just Work Hard," exploring how the heart-centered approach to work can transform hard work from being burdensome into something fulfilling and meaningful.

2. It's not hard to work hard when you work with your Hearts

Work is hard when you don't work with your hearts.

Imagine a scenario where you're deeply passionate about what you do. In such a situation, putting in long hours and strenuous effort becomes less of a chore and more of a personal mission. When you are emotionally invested in your work, it no longer feels like a burden, and you're more likely to persevere through challenges and setbacks.

This is what "working with your heart" is all about. It's about finding a connection between your work and your inner values, aspirations, and interests.  For example, as a Trainer, I don't count how much I earn from a class, I count how many hearts I have touched in a class.  Even if there is only one student, I could have touched many hearts because of what that one student would do when I touched his heart.  

When you're doing something you love or are truly committed to, the effort you put in doesn't drain your energy; it fuels your motivation and enthusiasm. This heart-centered approach to work not only makes the hard work feel less arduous but also enhances the quality of your output. Your dedication shines through in the final product, and the sense of fulfillment you gain is immeasurable.

3. Heart Work Makes Hard Work Not Hard

While "working with your heart" can make the process of working hard less challenging, it's important to recognize that it doesn't mean that the work itself becomes easy. Instead, it transforms the perception of the work. In other words, "Heart Work" makes "Hard Work" not feel as hard as it might be when approached mechanically.

Heart Work encourages a proactive and creative mindset, enabling you to tackle problems with innovative solutions and a positive attitude. This mindset allows you to find joy in the process and not just in the end results.  Those in routine customer service tasks would relate to this easily.

You become more adaptable and open to learning from your experiences, turning challenges into opportunities for growth. This shift in perspective is what sets apart those who merely "work hard" from those who "work with their hearts."

4. Hard Work without hearts is Slow Death

On the contrary, working tirelessly without connecting with the heart, without a sense of purpose or passion, can lead to a feeling of stagnation and burnout. The daily grind becomes a slow descent into a monotonous routine that can feel unfulfilling and draining.

Without the emotional investment that comes from working with your heart, you risk becoming disengaged and dispassionate about your work. This can lead to a sense of purposelessness and a decrease in motivation.

Over time, this disconnection can manifest as a slow death of one's enthusiasm, creativity, and zest for life. The absence of the heart's involvement can transform a career into a burden, rather than a source of satisfaction.

In conclusion, the philosophy of "Work Heart, not just Work Hard" invites us to reevaluate our approach to work. It highlights the profound impact of infusing our labor with passion, purpose, and a connection to our inner values.

When we work with our hearts, we find that hard work is not an ordeal but an opportunity for personal and professional growth. It transforms the journey of work into a fulfilling and meaningful endeavor, and in the process, it empowers us to achieve our goals with enthusiasm and zest.

So, the next time you engage in hard work, remember that it's not about the sweat on your brow, but the warmth in your heart that truly counts.

Written by Andy Ng, whose course Becoming High Value Employees is on 17th November 2023 Friday, from 9 am to 5 pm.  Venue is at Holiday Inn Atrium with buffet lunch and 2 tea breaks.  Fee is $500 a person.  Details at here (https://www.cbs.com.sg/events/how-to-be-a-high-value-employee/)  Limited seats, to book, message '1' to me Andy or andythecoach@gmail.com