Our treatment of the subject of "Work Ethic"... -At bottom of page in red, see links to pictorial examples that students view as visual reminders of our treatment of "Work Ethic," to be used along with our other physical support materials-
At first glance, especially to a young person, the phrase "work ethic" means going to work - to work. But this implies drudgery. After all, aside from making money, what else regarding "working" is there in the students' eye? "Work" implies, well, "work."
A quick primer from our perspective: there are three levels of living a life filled with meaning and purpose. These levels are "Acceptance," "Enthusiasm," and "Joy."
For example, sitting in a traffic jam caused by an accident ahead, we may choose to become frustrated and impatient. Or we can relax, play some favorite music and enjoy the time by ourselves - knowing that becoming frustrated or impatient will do us little good. After all, who can logically get on our case when we could not prevent the deadlock of traffic? This may be the only hour you have this week to sit and actually relax!
This is an example of the state of acceptance. It is a choice.
Now take this into a students' life. When they are taught to live at least within the minimal state of acceptance, they open the door to rising to the higher states of enthusiasm and joy.
If individuals do not sink to levels below the level of acceptance, they will find that as their work improves, they will naturally become more enthusiastic as their work reaches new levels of success. As this success level increases, they will naturally become joyful about themselves and the projects they are working on. They will get "turned on," This is regardless of the project being worked on. This is natural, and something I have personally experienced and witnessed for years as a classroom teacher.
Speaking about my own experiences, when I do something, anything, in a "half hearted" way, I find myself feeling dulled by the experience. I become bored and fall out of my state of acceptance. I lose my edge. I experience zero enthusiasm or joy, and I feel as though I have let myself down. This is the state that most individuals operate at - until they realize they have the choice to think and act otherwise.
It is because if this that I strive to perform at my best at everything I attempt - by doing so, I find myself more and more enthusiastic about my endeavours. Invariably, I find myself feeling joyful as I succeed.
BUT, no matter what, I refuse to allow my emotions and expectations to sink below the state of "acceptance."
This creates within me a feeling of intensity, of sharpness, of wit and brightness. Best yet, it makes the tasks I undertake FUN!
THE TURNING POINT - the key to creating a solid work ethic lies in teaching the concept that achieving success -operating at a high level - is downright FUN! But, it begins with understanding these 3 basic stages beginning with "acceptance."
And after all, what individual doesn't want to have fun...?
An individual will not develop a strong "work ethic" just because they are told to do so, nor because making money is the key. Some may join the Peace Corp for very little money - the motivational factors will always vary.
Those who flew to Haiti to help did so for no economic gain, with the motivation to help, while being surrounded by death and chaos... Why? Because for them, it brought the possibility of obtaining joy - the highest state of being. "Doctors without Borders" are not motivated by money.