INSIGHTS ON WORK

Dear son,

I hope this finds you well.

31 March 2014

This week, you have fascinated all of us by saying and reiterating the word “NAKUMATT. I see your passion and resilience to get it right as you court it with some humour....oh my oh my what a joy. Another thing that warms my heart is the love you have for people (mmhhh I wonder where you got that from...) you hug strangers, share your cookies and gently kiss the gals. I am proud that at this tender age you listen and treat everyone with respect. I know you still have moments when you tantrum and throw yourself on the floor, but I know you know my stand on that and you are just pushing the envelope....hahahaha I AM MOTHER AND I AM RIGHT...

Today love, I want us to talk about work.

Working hard is good, but what you need to do is always work smart. By working hard, you achieve the good what I call success and the bad what I term as failure. There is such a thin line between working smart and working hard and once you are able to define that line, then work becomes easier and those that you lead find it easier to follow; and those that lead you to become motivated in getting the best from you.

Here are some insights that I pray will help you work smart rather than work hard.

ALWAYS PLAN:

Every time you wake up, the world has an agenda for you, if you have no agenda for yourself, the world will enforce its agenda on you. And most times, it is not a good agenda.  In short, if we don’t plan our time, someone else will, and when that happens, we live life in a state of constant reaction. Planning your time allows you to focus your

attention on the important, not just on the urgent. Honey, If we don’t plan our time, someone else will

If you fail to plan, then you plan to fail

LEARN TO DELEGATE:

There is only on Jesus in the world, let Him do His job.

You may desire to be superman, but that might kill you (literally and otherwise.) if you have a task to do and it is not in your particular area of strength, delegate it to someone best suited and you trust.  If you don’t delegate, then you are truly inviting burn out.

ITS OKAY TO QUIT

Yes I said it son. Not always. But there are times when we just need to say no and quit. Honey, when you realise that the task is not having the intended impact, just pack and leave. It is not worth your while, putting a square in a round hole.

HAVE A MENTOR.

Son, always have someone that mentors you in your field of engagement. Someone who will constantly challenge you to bring out your best. As I keep saying, if you want to be a giant slayer, then hang out with giant slayers. You never live an ordinary life and expect an extraordinary outcome.

Finally, 

The effects of working hard can be profound: long hours, stress, anxiety, strained relationships, an unhealthy work/life balance, burnout, decreased productivity and dissatisfaction with work.

The benefits of working smart are just as profound: better health, often more money, a great work/life balance, more energy, a better self-esteem, exceptional productivity, and satisfaction with work.

And remember:  Hard work means more time, less output.

Smart work means less time, more output.

My Prayer:

Lord Jesus I thank you for my son, I thank you that you have put him in this world for an extraordinary purpose and assignment. I pray that he may realise his potential and purpose at an early age.

I pray that you grant him the wisdom he needs when he puts his hand on the plough. That he will not look back.

I pray that you will bring along his way ‘Giant Slayers’, that at the right time, he will learn when to quit and say no and that you will grant him the wisdom to prioritize.

I protect his mind from low self esteem and ask for the peace and wisdom of Christ to be his portion.

Father, you have done it for me, then let it be to my son over and above the goodness you have accorded to me.

Amen