Cyclon: Hey Cyclon, I totally hear what you're saying.
In my opinion the concept of 'hard work' is a negative one to maintain in ones life. As you mentioned, the phrase has a negative connotation to it and immediately puts weight into the factor of taking the enjoyoment out of what you're doing. Even if it's something you're passionate about, attaching the perspective of 'hard work,' onto it can make it sincerely unenjoyable.
All that you discuss comes down to a sense of perception really.
The only reason 'hard work' has a negative association to it is because the way it has been portrayed is in a way with a negative perception.
Thus, our perception of 'hard work,' is negative. In reality, anyone of us can change our negative association with the concept to one that's positive.
Any associations we have in life, positive or negative, can be changed immediately simply by choosing to. This can be done simply by 'linking,' the concept with something positive.
For example, the words 'hard work' can in some people bring about in their mind exhaustion, feeling tired, unmotivated, sweat, etc. If instead they purposely thought of positive associations with the words 'hard work' such as the end result...the feeling of incredible success...the joy at the 'attainment' of whatever it is you're working hard for...Doing all that would GREATLY pay off.
Regarding the point about living each day as if it's our last and living passionately. You are so completely on.
There are a lot of nonsensical contradictions in our society that just don't go hand in hand.
It's interesting considering in the eastern culture and philosophies there are dichotomy's and contradictions left and right...but if you understand them, they actually go together...the contradictions that is...
In our Western culture however, we have many contradictions that just do not go together -- one of them being the concept of working hard (with that negative perception), but also living passionately. Those two wouldn't be contrary factors if the 'working hard' had the positive association attached to it as I mentioned earlier.
As for Lucky: oh my! Don't get me started I have people tell me so often...
"Sean you're so lucky to have the mentorship of the top leaders in the personal growth/transformational industry."
I say 'NO! What are you saying?! Don't say that! Do you realize what you are doing when you're calling me Lucky? You are giving your power away and acting 'as if' the things I've manifested in my life only 'happen' to certain people.'
In actuality, the blessings I have and incredible things in my life didn't 'happen' to me, and did not arise through luck. They occurred through intention combined with inspired action, plus many other qualities such as commitment to the outcome, persistence, patience, etc. etc.
So whenever you hear someone talking about yourself or another as lucky, I recommend reminding them that they can create the same things in their life. It may take time; especially if their mindset isn't straight...but when the right development anyone can be 'lucky,' in the way that they actually think lucky is.
So finally coming to your final question of "How is it possible to hold both these beliefs at the same time?" -- You can't.
It comes down to a matter of being congruent. Being in alignment. Those contradictory beliefs are in complete disalignment with eachother.
Everyone's core being is one in which happiness, love and joy are the foundations. Everything else that is built upon that must be 'in alignment' with it.
Therefor, if the perception of hard work has a negative association with it, then we can not be aligned.
If everything we see in the world is filtered through the eyes of positive perception, then we will always be living a life that's full of both passion and purpose.
Cyclon: Thanks for bringing up this great topic. I really enjoyed thinking about this one and sharing my thoughts on it. Any other dialog on this matter is so incredibly welcome. |