Teaching the value of hard work
Thursday, August 28th, 2008I like working hard, getting things done, and having something to show for my labor. This current remodeling project at my house gives me a lot of feedback. Each day we can see the enormous progress we’ve made.
My three sons benefit greatly from working with me. I am an efficient driver of labor, and I understand how to use people effectively. My work crews get a lot done.
Far from being an easy boss. I demand competent, efficient work, and I occasionally chastise my sons for working too slowly. At the end of the day, however, they take pride in what they have done. (I do not stand for shoddy work of any kind; if it’s not done right, it’s ripped out and redone.) They also appreciate the hard cash I pay them when we quit work. I want them to experience the instant exhilaration of gaining cash through well done work just completed. That connection needs to be clearly imprinted on their brain.
Even though I’m tired at the end of the day (we worked 10 hours today), and my ribs still hurt like heck as we crawl around in the attic cutting pink board insulation to fit around all the pipes and wires, I’m still delighted. I like accomplishing things more than anything in the world. Teaching my sons the love of accomplishment through the use of hard work is very important to me.
It will someday be vital to their future.





