What is the value of hard work? This is a question that crosses the minds of many teens and young adults. So is there really a value to hard work? The answer is a resounding YES! people are drawn to those who display an aptitude for hard work. It pays dividends. Laziness is not attractive and will not gain you any respect.
How does one develop a strong work ethic? It helps to have a good example to follow but unfortunately not all teenagers are fortunate enough to have a parent or other family member that sets that example. As a parent we can help our teens by involving them in what we do. Let them see how we are working hard and interacting with people. When they see us modeling good work ethics they are more likely to follow our example. If we are a teenager or young adult and do not have this good model to follow we can look around us and try to follow the example set by other successful people. We can even ask them for guidance and more often than not they will be pleased to be a mentor.
As a parent we can give our children responsibility for small jobs around the house or garden in return for an allowance. Show them how we want each task to be done and the high standards you expect. If they fall short of the standard, have them do it again. Teach them to take pride in their work and to undertake any job to the best of their ability.
Children should be encouraged to take on a part time job when they become older. This will not only teach them responsibility but the value of money along with life skills such as time management, reliability, honesty, and working with others. Let your child know that money is not the only incentive for working hard.
As parents, teenagers and young adults we can donate our talent, time and hands to help others. Get involved in charitable organizations, church activities and youth groups. There is something to be said about helping others where the only ‘pay packet’ you’ll ever receive is a grateful ‘thank you’ coming from a sincere heart. Sometimes just knowing that you helped alleviate someone’s discomfort through your work is payment enough. It brings a joy and a sense of satisfaction that sadly many people have never experienced or understood. This is where the old biblical saying ‘more happiness in giving than receiving’ really comes into its own. In helping others you invariably help yourselves in more ways than you can imagine.
Having a strong work ethic also brings with it other perks such as respect and self reliance. You are not beholden to anybody. A sense of satisfaction knowing, that you have done a good job and of course the rewards and opportunities that come with hard work.