Play hard, work hard
One phrase which has grown trite is the motto "Work hard, Play hard". I hear it often from my high-achiever friends. There are several nuances to the interpretation of this phrase. The most obvious one is that of balance, making sure after your tough 40-hour week living in your cubicle that you take that Mediterranean cruise to unwind. I definitely subscribe to the whole balance philosophy.
However, where my world view diverges from that of most others is the directionality of the two components. Many people see it as work hard IN ORDER TO to play hard. Their view is that paying your dues in your daily grind at work will earn you the financial resources so you can afford leisure activities. If they were to inherit millions or win the lottery, they would quit their work and just play. For me, I get great intrinsic fulfillment out of my work of helping people have babies, so that it is a reward in itself. However, after intensely working nonstop, I start to lose my energy and I need to do some play in order to recharge. So the reason I play is to replenish my ability to work. Funny, I probably spend as many hours, if not more, playing than those other people, but thinking of it the way I do somehow just feels more satisfying.
