What does ‘work’​ mean to you?

More than often, the word ‘work’ carries a negative connotation.

It is a task, a chore or a duty that has to be done even if we would prefer not to… homework that we don’t want to do, a house that we don’t look forward to cleaning, a workplace that we struggle to go to in the morning … especially on a Monday! The feelings and outcomes attached to it can be of unhappiness, frustration, reluctance, inefficiency, delays, or complete avoidance.

However, when we have a project in mind that we are passionate about, a topic we love or we are curious to explore, we don’t see it as a task or a duty anymore. On the contrary, we are very keen to work on it, to do research, to put hands on it and complete those tasks in the best possible way.

So, when does ‘work’ get a different connotation? Here is what I have realised …

If we see ‘work’ as a mix of activities from where we can express/handle emotions, master skills, gain independence, learn lessons, achieve fulfilment and a sense of belonging, while following our natural path, then, ‘work’ can be meaningful and enjoyable.

The key lies in becoming aware of your unique skills and following your unique path in life. You will then make choices that are pertinent to who you are, your interests and passions (work, hobbies, homework), bringing growth, satisfaction and serenity within. The Need, the Approach and the Execution of the work to do, change the connotation or even transform the word itself becoming more like ‘playing’.

And this is exactly what happens with children. I believe, indeed, we should use it as a role model to explore and follow.

Children are very much connected with their inner guidance. A natural force that drives them to follow who they are and to grow in any aspect of their lives. These can be physically (i.e. from starting to walk to learning how to cycle); emotionally (from experiencing and expressing emotions to learning how to handle and control them); mentally (from learning a language to acquiring knowledge about the world); and spiritually (by following instincts and using willpower, to act and pursue goals). Their approach is enthusiastic and they are happy to work very hard when they are offered the right support and freedom. Their need and their unconscious aim are to develop their unique personality by learning and growing.

Since very little, children are driven by their need to gain independence, they want to feed themselves, they want to help, they want to cook with their mum/dad or do the laundry as parents do, they get super excited when they can use ‘adults’ real tools. They imitate the world where they live and all this helps them not only to adapt to the environment, to foster self-confidence and independence, but to unfold their true-selves. 

Dr Maria Montessori based her educational approach on observing and following the child so it can be offered the right support and environment for him/her to develop and unfold his/her real potential (Montessori, The 1946 London Lectures, 2015). ‘Playing’ for children is actually ‘working’, they have fun but they work hard and take it very seriously too. Even when we think they are just jumping and running all around, they are actually following their instincts to refine their motor skills.

I use to spend a long weekend with my niece at mine every month or so since she was three years old. Just me and her. We ‘worked’ hard. We cleaned the house together (including the toilet), we cooked together, we sew, we built houses with blankets and did lots of role-play activities, anything she was interested in. She took every activity so seriously that she told once to her mum that she wanted to become a professional house cleaner and a chef when she grew up! She had lots of fun and still learnt the importance of doing certain activities like cleaning (to keep order in the environment and in the mind) and cooking (learning the importance of healthy home made food), discovering new interests, following passions and learning skills.

We ‘work’ to satisfy Needs and when these are dictated by our inner true self (not by money or what society thinks is best or more needed), then the Approach to work is of fun, passion, enthusiasm, eagerness to learn, it becomes meaningful, fulfiling and it is Executed in the best and more efficient way… feeling like playing!

So, be curious and brave. Search and connect with the child within, let him/her lead… and enjoy the journey!

I have found my path and every day I look forward to playing. Have you found yours?