Work Ethic

This is kind of a tough journal to write on line because I am afraid of coming across as being arrogant or bragging. My subject is work ethic. Far too often I see people that just don't really care about doing a good job of whatever they are doing. They lack pride in their job and seem to just not care. I can't figure out what could be lacking in their lives to give them the impression that "it just doesn't matter". It does matter. Whether you are picking up garbage, building a house, planting a garden, sweeping up dirt, filling a cavity, or delivering mail, it matters how well you do your job.

I believe it is the same with everything we do; our training in kung fu, being a parent, going to school, learning a new trade or even how to dance. If we don't give it at least 100%, we have to ask ourselves, "why am I doing this?" The point isn't to do it perfect, but to do it with pride, and with everything you've got. Start at the beginning and work towards perfection.

We have a program at work that allows managers to award associates with honor badges. Every time someone does something exceptionally well at work, or goes beyond what is expected of them, they are awarded an honor badge. After 3 badges, they are given $50. and a bronze award. After 6, they are given another $50. and a silver award. After 10, they are given $100. and a gold award. Then after 15, (I think) the person is given a platinum award and a very nice dress watch. I have been the first one ever in our store to be awarded the platinum award. I have also received my 2nd round bronze award. I don't feel proud that I have received these awards. I do however, feel blessed to have the level of work ethic that I do. I don't work hard to get awards, I work hard because I get great self satisfaction out of doing so.

I believe in order to be a martial artist, it takes a high level of work ethic. I see it in my peers at the kung fu school all the time. They are true examples of individuals with great character and drive to do their best in all aspects of their lives. As I think about all this, it brings to mind my journals. It is expected of me, it is beneficial for me, it is necessary. It is an area that I need to put in at least 100%. If I do that in all other areas of my life, what right do I have to let my journaling slide by the way side. That goes for any aspect of my training. If I don't give it my all, I have to ask myself, "why not?" I am a martial artist, and martial artists are not lazy! We are ordinary people with ordinary jobs, families, likes and dislikes. But...we do extraordinary things. Like working hard and driving ourselves hard to reach goals we have set for ourselves, and to do great things in our lives, and helping to improve the lives of others.

I have heard it said that pride is a sin. Not sure if I fully agree with that. I am proud to have the level of work ethic that I do. It has gotten me to greater heights in my life. I always feel good knowing I have worked hard to do a good job at something. I also recognise that I have not done these things on my own. It has taken the encouragement, support, knowledge and direction of others to help me get where I am. Perhaps that is the difference. Being proud should be more than just self recognition. It is recognition of those that helped you move forward and grow to be who we are today. No one does it alone. We all are surrounded by examples of one kind or another, whether negative or positive. They have an effect on us even if we don't see it. I am so very grateful to be in the company of Silent River Kung Fu and all who associate with it. They are what make me proud.