Beyond Duty: How We Shape Ourselves — and the World — Through Work.

I’ve been thinking a lot about work lately—not just as a means to an end, but as something far more profound. The word “work” comes from the Old English word weorc, which means deed, action, or creation. That’s exactly what we’re doing when we work—we’re creating. But it’s easy to lose sight of this meaning. Often, work becomes a chore, a necessity, or even a burden. We clock in, do a bunch of things, clock out, and we repeat. Over and over. Day after day. But what if we shifted our perspective? What if we saw work not just as a "job" but as a contribution to the world?

Imagine this: every task we complete, no matter how small or seemingly insignificant, sends a ripple into the vast ocean of humanity. Whether you’re a president, a manager, a driver, a cleaner, or an engineer, your work matters. It’s not about the title or the paycheck; it’s about the energy you put into the world. When we infuse our work with meaning, it becomes more than just a task—it becomes a force for change.

Let’s take a step back for a moment. In its traditional sense, work involves performing tasks for a person or organisation in exchange for money. We have to pay the bills, and work gives us a means to do this. Fine. But, what if we instead saw "work" as a form of human expression, a way to realize ourselves and contribute to society?

Part of my role in the international civil service involves carefully reviewing hundreds of applications for positions within our organization. It’s a task that requires significant attention and patience, and takes a lot of precious time. Instead of viewing it as a tedious chore taking time away from more interesting work I could be doing, I choose to see it as my role in identifying individuals who represent potential—someone whose work could positively impact the world. By thoughtfully assessing each candidate, I’m actively participating in shaping our collective future, saving lives and promoting peace and prosperity for all.

We’re all here for a limited amount of time, and we all have a finite amount of energy. Where we choose to direct that energy is one of the most important questions we can ask ourselves. Are we working on things that add value—to ourselves, to others, to the world?

I get it. Not everyone has the luxury of pursuing their dream job. In today’s world, we often have to make choices based on necessity rather than passion. But even in those moments, there’s an opportunity to find purpose. I’ve experienced days when my tasks felt disconnected from any higher purpose. It's during these times when it is most important to consciously see each action as a small contribution to something larger. The key is to see the work we do, no matter how mundane, as something meaningful. It’s about asking ourselves: What am I contributing? How is this making a difference, even in the smallest way?

At its best, work offers two kinds of value: internal value, which helps us grow, learn, or feel fulfilled; and external value, through which our efforts positively affect others or the broader world. Every action we take, every task we complete, every encounter with another person, carries the potential to inspire, uplift, or even transform.

But here’s the catch: we have to be intentional about it. We can’t just go through the motions. We need to think deeply about what we’re doing, why we’re doing it, and how we’re doing it. We need to find - or create - the connection with our broader purpose. The work we do is a reflection of who we are and what we stand for.

I’ll admit, this isn’t always easy. Life is messy, and work can be hard. Both can be stressful. We inevitably face days when it feels challenging to see the broader purpose or impact of our work. But when we approach our work with intention and purpose, it becomes more than just a means to an end. It transforms into self-expression, becoming a means to connect with others and infuse your life with positive energy.

Here’s my challenge to you, dear reader: the next time you’re at work, take a moment to reflect. Ask yourself: What am I contributing? How is this making a difference?

Whether you’re preparing a report, cleaning a room, or navigating interpersonal conflict, remember that your work matters. Find meaning in the mundane. Infuse your work with purpose. Work isn’t just something we do. It’s who we are, how we connect, and how we leave our mark.

Until next week,

Ric.