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The joy of doing

Carl 24 September 2012 0

Many coaches like to focus on the distinction between doing and being.  The idea is that society tends to place value on what you DO, but that’s only one dimension.  Equally valuable is to look at who you ARE: the dimension of being.

Having grown up as an engineer, sometimes this seems a little “fluffy” to me.  Yes, I understand the concept, and the value it brings.  But I can’t get excited about just being someone, without also doing.

I get great joy out of doing, because to me that’s where I deliver value – to myself and others.

I tend to focus on a slightly different distinction:  between doing and delivering.

Here’s a trivial example:  cutting the grass.  I can get great joy out of the fact that when I’m done, it looks great.  Well, hopefully it’s great – this year things are a bit sparse because of our drought.

Or I can focus on the actual activity of cutting the grass.  For me, actually, it’s a bit of fun, because it’s some time with my thoughts.  Sometimes I sing, or listen to a podcast, or just think about stuff.  And it’s a lot different than my work, so it’s an enjoyable time.

If I focused just on the result, then it’s about the fastest way to get the result.  Maybe I’ll even pay someone else to do it for me, so I can avoid the activity.

But there can be joy in the doing itself.  Maybe not directly, but perhaps in what you learn.  Or the people you meet.  Or the different mindset it puts you in.

What are you doing today?  Can it become more enjoyable with just a change of attitude?

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Posted in Career Coaching, Newsletter
Tagged career, inspiration, learning, relaxation
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