Our Friday Discussion: Work vs. Play
The balance between work and play. Is it real, or simply a myth that keeps us from finding joy in our pursuits?
Quote Of Day
"Choose a job you love, and you will never have to work a day in your life."
Confucius
Work & Play
Hello! It’s amazing to connect with you today. Take a moment to reflect on your week – what was one thing you did purely for enjoyment? Let’s talk about a common subject we sometimes struggle with: All work and no play make Jack a dull boy.
We’ve often been told that we must balance work and play, as though they exist on opposite ends of a spectrum. But what if the balance is a false reality? What if the key to a fulfilling life lies not in separating the two, but in seeing work as play and finding joy in what we do?
The idea of balancing work and play implies that work is something to be endured, while play is something to be enjoyed. This perception leads many to settle for mediocrity, constantly seeking a balance that doesn't exist. Instead, we must learn to keep our joy and passion in everything we choose to do.
Both work and play demand effort from the body and mind. The difference lies in how we perceive them. When we see work as a form of play, it transforms from something that drains us into something that excites and energizes us. The key is not balance, but harmony—aligning what we do with what we love.
The master in the art of living doesn’t distinguish between work and play. Every moment, whether at work or at leisure, is a pursuit of excellence. It’s a state where passion and purpose meet, allowing one to live fully engaged, not in search of balance but in pursuit of joy.
Consider this: even play requires effort, and it can leave us just as exhausted as work. The physical and mental toll is similar, but it’s the way we frame these activities that creates either enjoyment or suffering. By seeing both work and play as one, we free ourselves from the need to balance and embrace a unified approach to life.
💡 Success isn’t about making short-term sacrifice/pain to achieve a goal. But about long-term commitment to a cause or purpose that brings you joy along each stage of life. The moment we find joy in what we do, we connect with similar people of values and purpose, which would lead to happiness and a continuous strengthening.WHAT'S YOUR THOUGHT:
Do you view work and play as separate activities, or have you found a way to blend the two?
How can you shift your perception of work to make it more enjoyable?
What steps can you take to pursue your passion in a way that feels playful and exciting?
Hit the reply button and share your answers. Your valuable insight is much appreciated and would not just be read by me but could be shared in our next newsletter.
DEEPER DIVE:
“The master in the art of living makes little distinction between his work and his play, his labor and his leisure, his mind and his body, his information and his recreation, his love and his religion. He hardly knows which is which. He simply pursues his vision of excellence at whatever he does, leaving others to decide whether he is working or playing. To him he's always doing both." – James A. Michener
"This is the real secret of life — to be completely engaged with what you are doing in the here and now. And instead of calling it work, realize it is play." – Alan Watts
"You've achieved success in your field when you don't know whether what you're doing is work or play." – Warren Beatty
"Work and play are words used to describe the same thing under differing conditions." – Mark Twain
P.S.: Feel free to reply, critique, expound and discuss any topic with me at hortharn@substack.com. I am always delighted to reply.
Be Determined, Stay Focus,
Ekerete Lord-kris.
(Hortharn)