The way you manage your career becomes a Blueprint for your kids.
They will either copy or rebel against it.
Teach them to hate work and they’ll do it.
(Or rebel against it by becoming workaholics)
(Or, you guessed it, rebel against it)
Teach them that work is just a way to pay the bills, finance their holidays instead of contributing to the world and they will take that on board.
Your relationship with work tends to become their relationship with work, regardless of their age.
The fact that you’re suffering in a job you dread, waiting for the weekend or retirement to come…
Impacts not only your energy, mood and the quality/quantity of time you spend with them,
But also how they see 𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐤 and 𝐥𝐢𝐟𝐞 in general.
You are their mould.
Kids do what parents do, not what they say.
It’s up to you to change the old conditioning.
And it can stop with you.
Many parents who’ve gone through the Aha! Moment Academy have wished they received this message when they were kids.
I didn’t receive this message myself but will make sure my kids will know that…
“Work is just as fun and as natural as breathing. It’s a way to contribute to others. Not a way to please others but a way to maximise their natural skills and make a positive impact. Learn to speak about the value you offer and know that money follows purpose – when you look after the world, the world somehow ends up looking after you”.
Here’s a simple exercise you can do today to improve your relationship with work:
1. Write down how you relate to work currently – become aware of any beliefs or feelings; for example:
- Describe your parent’s relationship with work. What did they think about work, what did they say about their jobs, what did they consider the the ultimate success or failure when it comes to work?
- Describe the messages you’ve picked up about the concept of work/job from the society, social media, or friends.
- What are the feelings, thoughts and beliefs you have at work and what message do you pass on to your kids through your language, behaviour and job choice?
2. Write down how you want to relate to work going forwards:
3. Think of a few ways in which you pass this new relationship with work over to your kids, not through words but through being
(remember, kids copy behaviour, not words).
That’s all I’ve got for you today
See you again next week.
Whenever you’re ready, there are three ways we can help you: