Why I Would Ban the Word “Work” If I Could

Work. It’s a four-letter word that most of us dread. It conjures up images of stress, boredom, deadlines, and endless tasks. It’s something we have to do, not something we want to do. It’s a necessary evil, not a source of joy.

But what if we could change that? What if we could ban the word “work” from our vocabulary and replace it with something more positive, more meaningful, more fulfilling? What if we could transform our relationship with what we do every day and how we feel about it?

That’s what I would do if I had the power to ban the word “work” from general usage. Here are some of the reasons why:

• Work implies obligation, not choice. When we say we have to work, we imply that we have no control over our time, our activities, or our goals. We feel like we are doing something for someone else, not for ourselves. We feel like we are following orders, not pursuing our passions. We feel like we are trapped, not free.
• Work implies drudgery, not creativity. When we say we are working, we imply that we are doing something boring, repetitive, or tedious. We feel like we are wasting our talents, our potential, or our energy. We feel like we are doing the same thing over and over, not learning or growing. We feel like we are stagnating, not thriving.
• Work implies separation, not integration. When we say we are at work, we imply that we are in a different place, a different mode, or a different mindset than when we are not at work. We feel like we are wearing a mask, a uniform, or a role. We feel like we are hiding our true selves, our true interests, or our true values. We feel like we are living a double life, not a whole one.

So, what would I use instead of the word “work”? Here are some possible alternatives:

• Contribute. Instead of saying we have to work, we could say we have to contribute. This implies that we are doing something valuable, something useful, something meaningful. We feel like we are making a difference, not just making a living. We feel like we are part of a bigger picture, not just a small cog.
• Create. Instead of saying we are working, we could say we are creating. This implies that we are doing something interesting, something original, something expressive. We feel like we are using our talents, our potential, or our energy. We feel like we are learning and growing, not just doing the same thing over and over. We feel like we are thriving, not just surviving.
• Live. Instead of saying we are at work, we could say we are living. This implies that we are in the same place, the same mode, or the same mindset as when we are not at work. We feel like we are being ourselves, our interests, or our values. We feel like we are showing our true colors, not hiding behind a facade. We feel like we are living a whole life, not a divided one.

Of course, banning the word “work” would not magically change the reality of what we do every day. We would still have to deal with stress, boredom, deadlines, and endless tasks. We would still have to balance our personal and professional lives. We would still have to face challenges and overcome obstacles.

But maybe, just maybe, changing the word we use to describe what we do every day could change how we feel about it. Maybe, just maybe, it could help us see our work as a contribution, a creation, or a part of our life. Maybe, just maybe, it could help us find more joy, more meaning, more fulfillment in what we do every day.

What do you think? Would you ban the word “work” if you could? What word would you use instead? Let me know in the comments below. And remember, don’t work too hard. Just contribute, create, and live. 😊 208-891-1104 www.2ThumbsUpPlumbing.com