Week 416 (brendan@brendanbarca.com)

Here's your weekly dose of Fuel Your Mind Friday where I share business building ideas, lifestyle design hacks, and inspirational content to help you thrive in your work and find purpose in your life.

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THE RISK OF GREAT WORK ETHIC

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​Theodore "Teddy" Roosevelt, the 26th President of the United States, has long been the poster boy of strong work ethics. Roosevelt, who struggled with asthma as a young child, used work and activity to get over his illness. As a teenager, he became an expert on natural history before attending Harvard. After graduation, he published a popular history book about the War of 1812. He later paved his way into politics, rising to Vice President by age of 43. And then finally, upon the assassination of President McKinley, he rose to the Presidency where he served for two full terms.

Roosevelt undoubtedly exemplifies the benefits of a strong work ethic. His career is a highlight reel of one big accomplishment after the other. But, what's often overlooked is Roosevelt's life after he left office in 1909.

Teddy, addicted to work and action, could not find peace in sitting at home. Instead, he tried to run for President again, failing epically as his former protege beat him out. Then, he went on expeditions to the Amazon River and East Africa, nearly dying in the Amazon and killing 1000s of animals for sport in Africa. He even tried to join World War I at the age of 59, seemingly not knowing what to do with himself.

Work ethic brought Roosevelt to greatness, but it was an addiction that he could not curb and one which nearly led to his death. It's this addiction that may lie in each of us as well. It's this inability to rest and be at peace that may drive us to greatness, but may also very well drive us over the edge.

Yes - it is admirable to strive for big things. We admire the athlete who leaves it all on the field, the businesswoman who rises to the C-suite, and the entrepreneur who disrupts an industry. Having a great work ethic is commendable, but, only if we are applying our work ethic for the right reasons.

As you reflect on your own work ethic, it may be worth asking yourself what drives it. Are you working on the right project for the right reasons? Are you wasting your time on things that don't matter? Do you have the ability to "turn off" your work addiction whenever you'd like?

There are huge rewards in having a great work ethic. But if you can't find peace or sit still what good does it do you?

Can you find your own balance?

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- Brendan

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