When Did Hard Work Become a Dirty Word?

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Work is, after all, work. We often equate it with synonyms like struggle, toil labor. Throughout history we have searched for and invented things so we can struggle and toil less: from levers and wheels, to sewing machines, chain saws, dishwashers, power drills, microwave ovens, and spreadsheets.?

History records this cumulative march towards this search for greater ease and productivity, and it makes sense in many ways.? But somewhere, to many people, we moved from looking for ways to accomplish things with greater ease and power, to finding value in doing nothing, or as little as possible.

To move from an easier life to a life of leisure.

Is that just the natural progression of society and life, or has a level of relative ease and entitlement led to a reduction in interest in effort?

As a 60-something man, I grew up with a sense of, and taught by example, the value of hard work.? Of a sense of pride in seeing a result, even if my muscles were sore the next day. Of a sense of satisfaction from the sweat of my brow, or dropping into bed after a day’s toil. Of a tired mind from deep thought and planning. With an understanding that while we can (and should look for ways to) work smarter, it wasn’t simply to avoid hard work, but enhance the value of that hard work.

I sense that for many (certainly not all) people work is seen as something to be avoided, rather than enhanced. This is another way of saying, that for many, “hard work” has become a dirty word.

But read the biographies and autobiographies of those who have achieved the most in any field of endeavor (both long ago and those still alive).? You will find a singular common denominator: The willingness to work hard with diligence and persistence for things they value and believe in.

The human animal is naturally lazy – the couch and the fruity drink do call our names. Yet we are built to create, too.? Those who will make a positive difference in the world around them will always recognize the need for and value of working hard.? And that in the struggle and toil not only will results flow but also satisfaction, meaning and gratitude – things all humans want too.

A version of this first appeared on our email newsletter, Creating Remarkable Organizational Results.? You can subscribe here .

What Do You Think?

Share your thoughts in the comments – How do you see “hard work?” How has it impacted your life and results?

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