The word pleasure is one word many people have associated with negativity and laziness most especially in religious circles. In Proverbs 21:17 King Solomon said, “Whoever loves pleasure will be a poor man; he who loves wine and oil will not be rich. The NIV version said, “Whoever loves pleasure will become poor; whoever loves wine and olive oil will never be rich.”
But this is not true even though it was written in the Bible. Pleasure is defined to be “a feeling of happy satisfaction and enjoyment.” As human beings, we can derive a feeling of happiness satisfaction, and enjoyment from a variety of things such as our love life, relationship, marriage, friendship, careers, business, and many more.
Taking pleasure in what you do means finding enjoyment, satisfaction, and fulfillment in the activities or tasks you engage in. It’s about experiencing a sense of joy, contentment, and enthusiasm in the process of working on something, whether it’s related to your profession, hobbies, personal interests, or everyday responsibilities. This positive experience can contribute to overall well-being and motivation, leading to a greater sense of purpose and fulfillment in life.
Human beings can not and can never be the same. We all have different natures and manners of approach to issues, events, and happenings around us. What makes life fun and beautiful is when we appreciate the uniqueness in one another and celebrate one another even if what the other person takes pleasure in doing is what we detest so much.
Taking pleasure in what you do can enhance your life in several ways. When you enjoy your activities and tasks, it can lead to increased motivation, productivity, and a sense of fulfillment. It can also contribute to lower stress levels, improved mental well-being, and a more positive outlook on life. Additionally, finding pleasure in your pursuits can strengthen relationships and social connections, as well as foster a sense of purpose and contentment in your everyday experiences. Overall, taking pleasure in what you do can lead to a more meaningful and enriching life.
Our personality is our identity and one thing that stands us out among the rest. But without taking pleasure in ourselves and in what we do and stand for there is no way anyone will recognize us talkless of patronizing us’.
Success in any field of the profession will elude anyone who does not derive pleasure in what he or she does. Without pleasure in what we do as professionals, recognition and professional progress become impossible. Pleasure in what we do is what fuels our passion for what we’re known for, be it business, politics, governance, religion, or civil society rebels, and gives us our rightful place in the field of life.
David was invited to the Palace based on the recognition of his passion and pleasure in playing Harp. Joseph was invited to the Palace based on his passion and pleasure of rendering services to people and standing out in what he does. If David did not get to the point of developing his playing Harp skills, there is no way he would have been invited to the Palace, married the King’s daughter, and eventually became a King. If Joseph had not put aside his troubles and been there to solve other people’s problems, there is no way anyone would have spoken for him in the Palace and there is no way he would have become a Prime Minister in the same Nation he was brought in as a slave. Only dedication to what one loves can change one’s identity from being a slave to becoming a Prime Minister. In Proverbs 22:29 King Solomon said, “Seest thou a man diligent in his business? he shall stand before kings; He shall not stand before mean men.” Where you stand in life is a function of what you have done and where you’ll stand in days to come will surely be a result of what you are doing now. Nothing happens in life by accident.
If your life remains the same after several years of toiling, it is either because you don’t know what you are doing, you are not passionate about it enough or you don’t know how the system works in such an area of profession. And to achieve success in any field of profession, you must know the system and how the system works. Then you must know how to either make the system work for you or recreate the system by crashing the old system. To crash the old system and establish a new system, you must have what it takes to do that and be ready to fight the old guards because they will come after you and be ready to destroy you. King Saul came after King David, Pharoah came after Moses, and the Chief Priest came after Jesus Christ, they will come after you because the old is always the enemy of the new.
Trying to create a new order of things will surely earn you potential enemies, supporters, and followers but the question you need to ask yourself is, is this the path you want to take? In Proverbs 14:12 King Solomon said, “There is a way which seems right to a man and appears straight before him, But its end is the way of death.” I must be sincere with you, if you are not ready to die for what you believe and stand for, then don’t bother embarking on the journey. In John 12:24 Jesus said, “Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except a corn of wheat fall into the ground and die, it abideth alone: but if it die, it bringeth forth much fruit.” Until you die for something you live for nothing.
To go far in life, you must take pleasure in what you do. Without it, there is no future for you. Taking pleasure in what we do can have a profound impact on our lives. When we genuinely enjoy our activities and pursuits, it can fuel our ambition, motivation, and perseverance, leading to greater success in our chosen endeavors. Finding pleasure in our work or interests can inspire creativity, innovation, and a strong work ethic, ultimately leading to personal and professional growth. Additionally, the positivity and fulfillment that come from enjoying what we do can enhance our overall well-being, leading to a more satisfying and rewarding life. This mindset can also help us navigate challenges and setbacks with resilience and determination, making it possible to achieve significant accomplishments and personal satisfaction.
We have several numbers of people who derive so much pleasure in what they do, countless individuals across various fields and professions who take pleasure in what they do. Let me start with Alhaji Aliko Dangote who single-handedly built the largest refinery in Africa if not in the world out of his passion for business and taking pleasure in doing what no one had ever done before.
The same recognition goes to Elon Musk, known for his work in space exploration, electric vehicles, and sustainable energy, Elon Musk is often seen as someone deeply passionate about the industries he is involved in. His enthusiasm and dedication to pushing the boundaries of technology and science reflect his pleasure in what he does.
Serena Williams is one of the greatest tennis players of all time, Serena Williams has demonstrated a strong passion and joy for the sport throughout her career. Her commitment to tennis and the enjoyment she derives from playing have been evident in her performances on the court. And then Malala Yousafzai, a Nobel Prize laureate and activist, Malala Yousafzai, has shown a deep passion for advocating for girls’ education and women’s rights. Her dedication and pleasure in working toward a meaningful cause have inspired many around the world.
These individuals serve as examples of how finding pleasure in what you do can lead to great achievements and fulfillment in life.
In conclusion, this article was written just to share a profound exploration of the concept of pleasure and its significance in our lives and pursuits. The concept was to illuminate the idea that pleasure, often seen through a negative lens in certain contexts, can indeed be a powerful motivator and a cornerstone of personal and professional success. Here are some key takeaways from my reflection:
Understanding Pleasure
Pleasure is the joyful satisfaction we derive from various aspects of life, including relationships, careers, and personal interests.
Personal Uniqueness
Embracing the unique pleasures of others fosters appreciation and connection among diverse individuals.
Impact on Success
Those who genuinely take pleasure in their work tend to experience higher motivation, productivity, and fulfillment, setting them up for success.
Historical Examples
The stories of David, Joseph, and other figures illustrate how passion and pleasure in their crafts led to recognition and elevated status.
Facing Challenges
Pursuing change and innovation may attract opposition, but a firm belief in one’s purpose can guide one through adversity.
Notable Figures
Contemporary examples like Alhaji Aliko Dangote, Elon Musk, Serena Williams, and Malala Yousafzai highlight how passion can lead to remarkable achievements and inspire others.
Resilience and Fulfillment
The pleasure derived from our endeavors not only enhances our creativity and work ethic but also equips us to tackle setbacks with resilience.
Ultimately, my message is to encourage us to cultivate pleasure in our pursuits as a pathway to a meaningful and impactful life.
Thank you for reading. If you have any questions feel free to reach me via WhatsApp at +2348037723500.