Focus on Work

It is a very good thing to be able to focus on one thing in particular, and subordinate all one's efforts to that one subject or activity. Right now, I am focusing completely all my efforts on finding work. And not just paid work, although seeking a job that pays me a decent wage is the most prominent focus on my search for work. When I was in school, taking classes, doing the best I could to write a good paper, or ace a test, or practice a new skill was all I could pay attention to. I could be doing other things, but I was really thinking about how to succeed in the classes I was taking and getting the best grades I could. Everything I read or watched, or during every game I played or every conversation I had, I was really thinking of how the ideas embedded in those media or activities or conversations could be applied to what I was studying, and writing about. Now that I am not in school, I have converted this method of hyper-attention to a job search. I am trying to make myself fit for work, physically, mentally, emotionally, etc.

Some of the things I have learned are that I want to do something that challenges me, that involves physical activity, that forces me to exert myself, and think through and solve problems. Possibly in the future, if I have the aptitude, I may consider going into management or at least studying management so as to make myself a better employee for whatever company or organization I work for. Being able to focus on work has cleared away a lot of the baggage, clutter, cobwebs and obstacles I had while I was in school. Whereas before I hated having to do yard work, taking out the trash, cleaning and organizing around the house, those tasks now have become a venue for improving my work ethic, and creating better mental and emotional habits and attitudes towards doing all kinds of work, whether physical, mental, menial and arduous, or tedious and boring. I can use a boring repetitive task as a way to appreciate my mental capabilities, and also respect and appreciate the little things that need to be done before anything big or profound can ever succeed.

When I can focus on doing work, improving my work ethic, and developing habits that make up a good worker, all the little things become more enjoyable, or at least manageable, if not that. I also have the opportunity to be constantly thinking of ways I can help other people, and to use my time to volunteer helping others in need. It's not like I have a busy schedule. And work is all about helping someone else accomplish something they cannot do on their own. So it is good to try to focus oneself on doing work, exerting oneself, challenging one's strengths and improving where one is weak, and learning how to work together with others to accomplish tasks that may seem daunting from the large scale, but become manageable when one plans out the smaller steps and coordinates one's efforts with those of others. A favorite quote of mine comes from Blessed Mother Teresa of Calcutta: “I can do things you cannot, you can do things I cannot; together we can do something beautiful for God.” Also, for those whose abilities are limited, I offer another quote from Mother Teresa: “Not all of us can do great things. But we can all do small things with great love.” The day to day actions we perform and attitudes we bring to our work and our relationships, are what either improve or worsen the state of affairs of the entire family of God our Creator. Hopefully you are able to focus on works of love, and do not let any distractions take you away from the creative energies you can put into making life a little bit better for yourself and for the people around you. Pray that we may all put our focus into this kind of work, whether our callings are big or small, and do all that each of us can do with a better attitude, work ethic, and concern for doing a good job, no matter what that job turns out to be.