Invisible hard work

On the one hand, we value hard work. Industrious and hard-working — these are compliments in our culture. We are people who strive.

We want others to be hard workers, too.

At the same time, we give a lot of credit to people who “make it look easy”. We value confidence, style, and a perceived effortlessness.

It’s a curious dichotomy (hypocrisy?) that can be overlooked.

Work hard, but don’t look like you’re working hard.
Push past your limits, but don’t look wanting.
Put in a lot of effort, but make it look effortless.

These unspoken expectations can weigh heavily.

When we more openly accept that struggling can look like struggling, trying can look like trying, and hard work can look like hard work — the more generously and effectively we can endeavor together.