My definition of hard work has to do primarily with openness, courage and authenticity, rather than just with working long hours and the goal of material profit, although it can involve massive action and material achievements too. I don’t agree with the saying about success that goes ‘One percent is inspiration, ninety-nine percent is perspiration.’ Accessing one’s spiritual foundation and deep inspiration makes hard work less a matter of disciplined suffering than a journey of happy effort. Inspiration either leads to success or a fantastic fun time. Personal growth / maturity is to learn to do what we really want to do, always again and with a lot of commitment to our true inner voice, which is the call of the universal intelligence that can not be wrong.
#032 From ambition to purpose (Mathias Sager, water mixable oil colour on canvas board, 53x46x0.4 cm (20.8″x18.1″x0.16″))Personal experience
Similar to my career transition from being a teacher to becoming a leader in the advisory / consulting business more than ten years ago, I more recently went through a period of intensive personal development again. The intention was to re-evaluate my current desires and life goals and to redefine and act upon appropriate next steps. This hard work was characterized in that I had to leave my comfort zone and work disciplined at my attitude too. Regardless of sometimes persistent and discouraging external influences, I have strengthened my own belief system and enjoy the new sense of achievements.
The certainty about the direction to take in my career and personal life is a fulfilling feeling. The commitment to lifelong learning and its application in work and life satisfies my curiosity and devotion to contribute to a truly human world.