Ben Davis discusses how fulfilment through hard work can improve wellbeing.

We can feel bombarded with messages that encourage us to work harder, longer, and faster. Whether it’s on social media (where the messaging certainly seems to come hard and fast) or from beliefs passed down the generations, hard work is the cornerstone to success. That is certainly what we encourage with our children and our staff. 

An issue of recent times has been the sometimes relentless, 24/7 nature of work and the many demands placed upon us. If left uncontrolled, too much, disorganised, work (along with other life commitments) can come at the cost of our own wellbeing. There can be a judgement attached, too – get up super early and work long hours mean success and being a better person. By implication, if you don’t do that, you are somehow failing… I think that is simply wrong. Do less, better. 

 We’ve been focusing a lot on understanding what good wellbeing looks like in our Trust and I think it’s important to realise that hard work and wellbeing are not mutually exclusive. Finding fulfilment through hard work is crucial to wellbeing. 

Hard work, inherently, involves taking on challenges that push us beyond our comfort zones, requiring dedication, effort, and sometimes, sacrifice. However, it’s essential to acknowledge that the magnitude and nature of these challenges vary widely among individuals, influenced by personal circumstances, capabilities, and resources. What constitutes hard work for one person might be an entirely different endeavour for another, underscoring the importance of recognising and respecting our unique paths and the diverse ways we contribute to our shared goals. It’s not the hours that define the effort, but the impact and intention behind the work we do.

In his fascinating book, Lost Connections, Johan Hari proposes 9 causes of depression and anxiety through disconnections. The first cause he explores is the disconnection from meaningful work. Lacking fulfilment in your role at work can cause problems. 

Putting dedication and effort into our tasks, projects, and careers leads to growth and achievement. A strong work ethic is essential. Hard work can be invigorating, and the sense of accomplishment it brings can be incredibly rewarding.  

So how do we balance this with an overall sense of wellness?

One key to achieving wellbeing through hard work is finding fulfilment in your role. Consider the following strategies to help find fulfilment whilst at work.

1. Define Your Purpose

Take the time to clarify your purpose and values. Understanding why you do what you do can provide a deeper sense of meaning and motivation. The very first question in our Staff Engagement Survey reflects on clarity of role because it is so important in ensuring wellbeing at work and an antidote to uncertainty.

2. Set Meaningful Goals

Set clear and achievable goals that align with your purpose. Working towards objectives that matter to you can make the effort feel more rewarding. 

3. Embrace Challenges

Challenges and setbacks are part of any journey in and out of work. Instead of viewing them as obstacles, see them as opportunities for growth and learning.

4.Cultivate a Growth Mindset

A growth mindset acknowledges that abilities and intelligence can be developed through dedication and hard work. This perspective can boost your resilience and motivation. 

5. Practice Self-Compassion

Be kind to yourself. Understand that it’s okay to have limitations and make mistakes. Self-compassion can help you navigate the ups and downs of your journey, as we explored in a previous blog. 

Balancing wellbeing and hard work is a continuous process that requires self-awareness and proactive choices. Here are some tips to help you achieve this balance. 

1. Prioritise Self-Care

Make self-care a non-negotiable part of your routine. This includes getting enough sleep, eating well, exercising, and spending time with family and friends.

2. Set Boundaries

Establish clear boundaries between work and personal life. Avoid overextending yourself and learn to say no when necessary (which is not always easy!).

3. Seek Support

Don’t hesitate to seek support from colleagues, mentors, friends or mental health professionals when needed. Sharing your challenges and successes with others can be incredibly beneficial, especially when this becomes normalised behaviour for you. 

4. Reflect and Adjust

Regularly reflect on your work-life balance and overall wellbeing. If you notice imbalances, be open to adjusting your approach and priorities. 

In the pursuit of success, remember that wellbeing and fulfilment should not be sacrificed. In fact, they are mutually beneficial. Working hard to create a sense of fulfilment will give you positive feedback and make you feel good. Feeling good about life and yourself enables you to work harder. A nice cycle.  

By finding purpose in your work, setting meaningful goals, and practicing self-care, you can achieve a harmonious balance between hard work and wellbeing. When you feel fulfilled in your role, your efforts become more rewarding, and you can experience true satisfaction on a day-to-day basis, which makes it a bit easier to deal with the tough times.  

So, embrace hard work and prioritise your wellbeing along the way—it’s a great combination for a fulfilling life.