Waiting for the reward

Waiting for the reward of our hard work is mostly tied up with enjoying the fruits of our labor when we retire. But could we enjoy it now while we are working? Do we really need to wait for the end of the line before we start enjoying life?

If people are good only because they fear punishment, and hope for reward, then we are a sorry lot indeed.

Albert Einstein

Our every waking hour, we mostly think of work. What are we going to do, what tasks do we need to complete, the emails we would be getting, the chat, the text messages, the meetings, the calls, We work long hours in the hope that we get everything done and maybe, someday, even if we are not actively hoping for it, subconsciously, we get rewarded for everything. That we retire and enjoy blissfully the fruits of our labor.

This constant preoccupation with work can sometimes consume our thoughts and energy, leaving little room for other important aspects of life. It’s important to find a balance and not let work overshadow everything else. While dedication and hard work are admirable traits, it’s also essential to prioritize personal well-being, relationships, and leisure activities. Achieving a healthy work-life balance can lead to a more fulfilling and sustainable approach to life and work.

At least 30% of our daily lives are spent in our jobs. 5 days in a week and about 21 days in a month. What’s left is we sleep, or even spend more hours at work because, admit it, there is just a lot to do. And we hope to finish it now because we want it done now. Well, guess what? It does not end. It just keeps coming.

Imagining that when we retire, all we are going to do is travel, enjoy what the world has to offer, and not a care in the world. Spend time with our loved ones and finally, at last, have that life we have been dreaming of for ourselves.

By the time we retire, we are too old to enjoy life. To enjoy the fruits of our labor. To spend time with our loved ones. To help other people who need us. And before we know it, or before we even start, we are too sick to submerge ourselves in that feeling and experience that we have been longing to have.

Retirement is often associated with the opportunity to pursue passions, embrace leisurely activities, and create cherished memories with loved ones. The freedom that retirement brings allows for the exploration of new horizons, the indulgence in diverse cultures, and the experience of a myriad of flavors and traditions. It presents the gift of time, offering the chance to savor the sights and sounds of the world without the constraints of a hectic schedule. In the realm of retirement, the possibilities are abundant, inviting individuals to immerse themselves in the beauty and wonder that the world has to offer.

As we navigate through our professional pursuits, it’s crucial to cultivate a mindset that values and prioritizes personal happiness and holistic fulfillment. This can involve setting boundaries, engaging in regular self-care practices, and embracing the support of friends and family. By acknowledging the significance of life beyond work, we can strive for a more harmonious and gratifying existence. Ultimately, the true reward lies not just in retirement, but in savoring each moment along the way, finding joy in both our professional endeavors and personal experiences.

What are we waiting for? Why do we continue to feel that after all of these, after everything we are sacrificing, we will get a better life? What makes us hope that we get that pot of gold at the end of the rainbow? And in the first place, what makes is think that our present moment is not our the future we are waiting for?

Would that make us happy? Would finally retiring and basking on the beach or traveling around the world or enjoying one cuisine after another would make us happy? Does that even become the meaning of life, or of living? To work until we can’t enjoy life a little bit because that end of the rainbow is also the end of life?

I’ve been thinking about this because of the book Flow written by Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi. I just started but the beginning chapter spoke about the reward after the work. And I think, what he is about to say in the book is being immersed in the moment we are doing something which what really makes people happy.

Focus on creating instead of consuming. Maybe that would bring us real happiness. Maybe that would give us fulfillment. Maybe that would give us meaning. Maybe that would give us a sense of purpose.

When we focus on creating, whether it’s a piece of art, a solution to a problem, or a new opportunity, we engage in a deeply rewarding process. The act of creation allows us to express ourselves, tap into our creativity, and contribute something unique to the world. It’s about actively shaping our environment and leaving a lasting impact.

By contrast, a consumption-focused mindset often leads to temporary satisfaction, but it can also breed a sense of dependency and inertia. Instead of being passive recipients of what the world offers, we can find true fulfillment in actively shaping our lives and the world around us. It’s a mindset that fosters growth, innovation, and a genuine sense of purpose.

So, perhaps the key to real happiness, fulfillment, meaning, and purpose lies in the shift from consumption to creation. Let’s embrace the joy of bringing something new into the world, in whatever form it may take.

What do we get from doing? Maybe that is the wrong question for us. Aiming for what we could get could be the wrong mindset. Maybe finding that feeling of being immersed in what we want to do, to create, rather than consuming to enjoy, is what will bring us the feeling of happiness.

The question of what we gain from our actions is a fundamental one. It’s natural to seek tangible benefits and outcomes from our efforts, but perhaps that approach is not always the most fulfilling. Rather than focusing solely on what we could gain from a particular pursuit, it might be more enriching to consider the intrinsic value of the activity itself.

When we shift our perspective from a results-oriented mindset to one centered on the experience, we open ourselves up to a different kind of fulfillment. Instead of approaching our endeavors as means to an end, we can strive to immerse ourselves in the process of creation and expression. This shift in focus encourages us to find joy in the act of doing, rather than solely in the outcome. Engaging in activities for the sheer satisfaction of creating or contributing, rather than consuming for enjoyment, can potentially lead to a deeper sense of contentment and happiness.

While I try to finish the book, I’ll continue sharing what I learned through these blogs.