Outliers

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I just finished the book, Outliers, by Malcolm Gladwell. Have you read it? Surprisingly, this socio-economical analysis debunking the myths of success as defined by 21st century Western Society spoke volumes to me about parenting. Gladwell unpacks the idea that hard-work combined with unmerited opportunity and cultural legacy are what actually drives success. Perhaps with this being the last official week of summer, I am evaluating what sort of influence I am providing my children of “hard work”. In so many ways, this is still being personally defined for me. The start of a semester has always been a good time to take inventory of short-term goals. So when it comes to “hard work”, what do I want to model for my children in the coming months? A few unedited ramblings…

Hard work can be rewarding.

There’s a difference between hard work and busy-ness. It’s easy to be busy doing a whole lot of nothing.

Hard work is most gratifying when it makes someone else’s life better.

Relationships are hard work, but the pay-off is worth it.

Working hard is our way of saying “thank you” for the opportunities we’ve been given.

Hard work doesn’t have to feel like work. It can be fun!

Work hard at your personal best. If your best isn’t good enough, ask for help from someone whose “best” is better.

Patience combined with hard work is a force in the making.

Hard work ought to be acknowledged and appreciated.

Work hard. Rest hard.

What about you? How do you teach your kids about hard work?

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