Mid-Week Tune Up: Mastery at Work

The wind howled all night long and I woke up expecting  that I might see debris all over my yard this morning.  There is nothing of the sort, only big whitecaps on the ocean and gusts of wind as this storm pushes on through southern California.  The sun is shining brightly amidst big ominous clouds.  Yes, the storm always passes and the sunshine returns.

I am in disbelief that Wednesday is already here.  I have been in the flow of my work all week as time passes effortlessly.  This is not always the case, however it is becoming more of the norm as I align my effort with my interests and passion.  Although I have always sustained a high level of work ethic and drive, I haven't always put love, heart and intention in my work.  I strived to do my best, but work was WORK.

It was not until I read the book, Mastery at Work by Nicole Grace that things really shifted for me.

This book is transformative regardless of what profession you are in.  The subtitle of this book is 18 Keys for Achieving Success, Fulfillment and Joy in Any Profession.  Here is a passage from the book:

"Don't let other people's choices concern us or temper our glee. 

Love life whether it rains or snows or we are bathed in sunlight.

Live in the world, but don't be owned by it.

Spend time with other people, but don't lose touch with yourself.

Work Hard, then rest.

Give yourself to tasks fully, but find every opportunity to laugh.

Take your work seriously, but not yourself.

When you have become an expert at something, teach others.

There will always be hard days.  There will also always be beautiful days.

Remember that no experience is lasting.

Learn from everything.  Be grateful for everything.

Spend as much of your energy as possible in service to others."

This book is always on my desk for daily reference.  It reminds me that you can thrive rather than strive in your daily profession, even when the work itself is mundane or unfulfilling.  There are certainly some teachings from mysticism woven into the Nicole's writing.  The book itself is a "three-fold path to mastery to provide an enlightened approach to life and work."  They are the fundamental principles of service, detachment, and humility.  Regardless of your spiritual path or what level of self-development you aspire to, you certainly will find pearls of wisdom throughout this treasure of a book.

My favorite takeaway from Mastery at Work is the notion that we are each a guest in each other's lives.  You have been invited into someone else's workplace or life, perhaps for a limited time to accomplish a particular task.  Act like a guest, be polite and respectful, make a great impression, be of value and service, have gratitude, and perhaps you will be invited back...

Enjoy the rest of your week!

Blessings,

Jacquie