RETHINKING WORK: THE 70-HOURS A WEEK MYTH
Everyone must have heard Narayana Murthy’s statement about working 70 hours a week, making one wonder, "How is this possible?" It seems excessive, but understanding his statement requires a deeper look. Our brain doesn’t differentiate between work and leisure; it only knows activity and rest. People label activities as work or hobbies based on their perception. The autonomic nervous system operates in two states: active (sympathetic) and restful (parasympathetic). When you enjoy what you’re doing, it doesn’t feel like work.
The Nature of Work and Stress:
Work can either be a source of creativity and focus or a form of rest, depending on how one views it. Enjoying your work can make even long hours feel light, while a stressful job, even for a short time, can be exhausting. The brain doesn’t distinguish between different stress types.
"Choose a job you love, and you will never have to work a day in your life".
Curiosity and Stress Reduction:
Curiosity can change the game. Being curious about outcomes reduces anxiety, turning fear of the unknown into excitement. Your perception of work and its outcomes hinges on your curiosity. With curiosity, anxiety drops, making it possible to work long hours while maintaining rest and relaxation. Consider Narayana Murthy, who may work long hours driven by passion without feeling burdened. The real issue arises when you are forced to work against your will, leading to stress and harm. Engaging in activities you dislike, even if they seem leisurely, like arguing on social media, can be more stressful than enjoyable work.
The Real Issue: Compulsion vs. Choice
Understanding true rest versus what feels like work is vital. Activities that seem restful, like social media scrolling, can be more stressful than work.
"Identifying what truly relaxes you versus what strains you is essential"
Think of a passionate artist who spends hours painting. To them, it’s not work but joy. They might spend 16 hours a day creating art and feel more energized than someone who spends 2 hours doing a stressful job they dislike. Shifting your mindset to view work through the lens of curiosity and passion can transform how you experience your daily activities. This change can lead to lower stress levels & greater satisfaction, and enhanced productivity regardless of the number of hours worked.
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