Let's explore Chapter 19, where we discover how work isn't just what you do - it's a powerful medicine for purpose and wellbeing.
Chapter 19: Work is Medicine
Here's a revolutionary thought: Work isn't meant to drain you - it's meant to sustain you. As the Japanese concept of "ikigai" teaches us, your work should be at the intersection of what you love, what you're good at, what the world needs, and what you can be paid for (García & Miralles, 2017).
The Paycheck Isn't The Point
There's a village in Okinawa where they don't have a word for retirement. Instead, they have "ikigai" - a reason to get up in the morning.
Think about that.
While we're counting down to Fridays, planning our escapes, and dreaming of retirement, they're living differently. They're practicing medicine.
Not the kind with prescriptions. The kind with purpose.
Here's the plot twist: Your work isn't just what you do. It's who you become while doing it.
The fascinating part? When people find their "ikigai" - that sweet spot between what they love, what they're good at, what the world needs, and what pays - something extraordinary happens: Their immune systems get stronger Their stress levels drop They live longer They die happier
But we've turned work into a transaction: Time for money Energy for status Life for retirement
The irony? We spend our health to make wealth. Then spend our wealth to regain health. Something money can never buy.
Consider this:
- Every project is a chance to grow
- Every challenge is an opportunity to evolve
- Every interaction is a moment to contribute
- Every day is a chance to create meaning
Maybe work isn't something to survive. Maybe it's medicine to thrive.
Because here's the truth: The paycheck isn't the point. The purpose is the medicine.
What kind are you taking?
The Science of Purposeful Work
Let's break it down:
Purpose and Health
"People who have a sense of purpose in their work live longer and stay healthier" (Steger, 2016).
- Immune function
- Stress resilience
- Cognitive health
- Longevity markers
Flow States
"The best moments usually occur when we're stretched to our limits in a voluntary effort to accomplish something difficult and worthwhile" (Csikszentmihalyi, 1990).
- Peak performance
- Optimal experience
- Time dilation
- Deep satisfaction
Contribution Impact
"Success is not the key to happiness. Happiness is the key to success. If you love what you're doing, you will be successful" (Schweitzer).
As Arianna Huffington notes, "We need a new definition of success that goes beyond money and power to include well-being, wisdom, wonder, and giving" (Huffington, 2014).
The Four Elements of Work Medicine
Purpose Alignment
"Your work is to discover your work and then with all your heart to give yourself to it" (Buddha).
- Values clarity
- Mission alignment
- Vision creation
- Impact focus
Skill Mastery
"Mastery isn't about perfection. It's about a process" (Pink, 2011).
- Continuous learning
- Deliberate practice
- Skill development
- Excellence pursuit
Value Creation
f"The only way to do great work is to love what you do" (Jobs).
- Problem solving
- Innovation
- Service orientation
- Meaningful contribution
Life Integration
"Work-life balance is not about equal time in each role, but meaningful time in each" (Friedman, 2014).
- Boundary setting
- Energy management
- Priority alignment
- Lifestyle design
Practical Work Medicine
Here's how to transform your work into medicine:
Daily Practices
- Purpose reflection
- Skill development
- Value creation
- Energy management
Career Design
- Strengths alignment
- Impact focus
- Growth opportunities
- Contribution clarity
Workplace Wellbeing
- Environmental design
- Relationship cultivation
- Stress management
- Flow cultivation
As Simon Sinek reminds us,
"Working hard for something we don't care about is called stress. Working hard for something we love is called passion" (Sinek, 2009).
The 12 Medicines of SelfCare recognize work as essential medicine because:
- Purpose heals
- Contribution fulfills
- Growth transforms
Remember:
- Work can be medicine
- Purpose is powerful
- Impact matters
Ask yourself:
- Does my work align with my purpose?
- Am I creating meaningful value?
- How can I make my work more medicinal?
Your work is waiting to become your medicine. Will you let it?
References:
Csikszentmihalyi, M. (1990). Flow: The Psychology of Optimal Experience. Harper & Row.
Friedman, S. (2014). Leading the Life You Want. Harvard Business Review Press.
García, H. & Miralles, F. (2017). Ikigai: The Japanese Secret to a Long and Happy Life. Penguin.
Huffington, A. (2014). Thrive. Harmony Books.
Pink, D. (2011). Drive: The Surprising Truth About What Motivates Us. Riverhead Books.
Sinek, S. (2009). Start with Why. Portfolio.
Steger, M. (2016). "Meaning in Life and Health: Proactive Health Orientation Links Meaning in Life to Health Variables Among American Undergraduates." Journal of Happiness Studies.
