Activity

When you do something with love, the work itself is the reward.

The quote encapsulates the idea that the intrinsic value of an action or undertaking comes not merely from the end product or potential accolades but from the process and intention behind it. Let’s break it down and expand upon its meaning:

1. Doing Something with Love: This phrase suggests approaching a task with passion, care, and commitment. When one injects love into an activity, it often means they are deeply engaged and find personal value or meaning in it. Love, in this context, does not just refer to romantic love but to a broader sense of enjoyment, enthusiasm, or devotion to the task at hand.

2. The Work Itself Is the Reward: Traditionally, we think of rewards as external validations that follow a completed task: a paycheck, a trophy, an accolade, or public recognition. However, this quote shifts the focus to the internal rewards one can experience during the work itself. These internal rewards might include a sense of purpose, personal growth, joy, satisfaction, and the fulfilment arising from honing one’s skills or contributing to something larger than oneself.

To expand further on this, consider the following points:

Mindfulness and Presence: When you are engaged in work that you love, you are likely to be more present and mindful. This deep immersion, often referred to as ‘flow,’ can be a deeply satisfying state where you lose track of time because you are so involved in the task at hand.

Quality Over Outcome: When the process is driven by love or passion, the focus is often shifted towards excellence. The person may take care of the minutiae and the quality of the work increases because the work itself is a source of satisfaction, regardless of the external reward.

Resilience in Face of Challenges: If you love what you do, you are more likely to persist when challenges arise. Obstacles become part of the learning curve instead of insurmountable barriers, and overcoming them is part of what makes the work rewarding.

Altruism and Service: Doing something with love can also be outward-facing. For instance, volunteer work or helping others can be driven by love and compassion. In these cases, the reward lies in the positive impact one creates, the help provided, or the happiness of others.

Personal Identity and Self-Realisation: Work done with love can be an expression of one’s identity or a step towards self-realisation. When individuals engage in work that aligns with their values and passions, they not only find joy in these actions but also build a sense of self and purpose.

By doing something with love and seeing that as the reward, the process becomes a form of enrichment and personal development. Our society often overemphasises the final product, but this quote reminds us that there is immeasurable value and gratification to be found in the act of creation, service, or expression itself.