An Uncomfortable Truth About Your “Hard Work”
In today’s culture, hard work is often praised as the ultimate virtue. We celebrate those who grind, hustle, and put in long hours. But is hard work enough? Or is there something deeper that sustains true excellence and fulfillment?
The distinction between work ethic and hard work is subtle yet significant. Understanding this difference can transform not just how we work, but why we work—aligning our efforts with divine purpose rather than mere productivity.
Work Ethic: The Foundation of Purposeful Labor
Work ethic is a mindset—a deeply ingrained belief system about the value of labor, discipline, and responsibility. It’s more than just effort; it’s an approach to work that reflects integrity, reliability, and purpose. A strong work ethic means:
Showing up consistently, even when no one is watching.
Giving your best effort in all circumstances.
Maintaining a standard of excellence beyond external rewards.
Viewing work as a responsibility rather than just a means to an end.
Hard Work: The Expression of Effort
Hard work, on the other hand, is action. It refers to the intensity and exertion put into completing a task. Someone can work hard without necessarily having a strong work ethic—for example, working long hours out of necessity but without true dedication or care for the quality of the work. Hard work alone can lead to burnout if it lacks a greater purpose or guiding principle.
A Personal Journey: From Hard Work to Purpose-Driven Work Ethic
Purpose escaped me through my 20s. I wish I could say it wasn't for a lack of trying, but it was. At 27, the biggest "career risk" I had ever taken was moving positions within my company. While I didn't know it at the time, this was my first step toward launching Noble. Looking back, I recognize two key patterns in my early career:
I prioritized "hard work" over "work ethic," which ultimately led to a distorted view of work.
I focused on short-term financial success over long-term impact, making me highly risk-averse.
It wasn't until I decided to truly "shake the snow globe"—moving from Boston to Austin and committing to working in the health and wellness space—that my relationship with work changed. My purpose in this world became clear, and I finally experienced deep fulfillment in my career path.
The Biblical Concept of Avodah: Work as Worship
Just about a year ago, I attended a faith-based event during SXSW here in Austin. I was there to support a close friend, unsure of what to expect. To my surprise, the event profoundly impacted me, helping me put words to many of the challenges I had been facing in my work life.
The event featured a “Shark Tank”-style panel where entrepreneurs pitched businesses to astute investors, who then provided feedback. After a few pitches, one of the investors spoke about a word I had never heard before—but when I did, I knew it was one of the reasons I had been called to attend that day.
The word was Avodah.
In the Hebrew tradition, Avodah holds a powerful meaning. It translates to both "work" and "worship." This dual meaning highlights that our labor is not just about survival or success—it’s an act of service to God. True work ethic integrates discipline with devotion, ensuring that hard work is not aimless but rather a means of fulfilling one's higher calling.
When we embrace Avodah, we recognize that work is not separate from faith—it is an extension of it. Whether we are tending to our families, running a business, or creating something with our hands, our work becomes a reflection of our spiritual commitment.
Aligning Hard Work with a Strong Work Ethic
If hard work is the engine, work ethic is the fuel. Hard work without a strong work ethic can lead to exhaustion and frustration, while work ethic without action remains stagnant. The key is integrating both with faith and purpose:
Commit to Excellence: View your work as a form of stewardship, whether big or small.
Prioritize Integrity: Let your actions reflect your values, ensuring that effort is not just about achievement but about doing what is right.
Find Purpose Beyond Productivity: Instead of working for mere survival or status, align your efforts with service to God and others.
Biblical Wisdom on Work and Work Ethic
Scripture offers profound wisdom on the value of work and the integrity with which we should approach it. One verse that encapsulates this well is Colossians 3:23:
Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters.
This verse reminds us that our labor is not merely about earthly success or recognition but about honoring God through diligence, integrity, and faithfulness in all that we do.
This piece of scripture has been a guiding principle for us here at Noble Origins over the last few months, as we’re focused and committed to building a brand of purpose and meaning. Beyond just creating a great product, we’re devoted to the mission of fueling our customers' bodies for their divine purpose. We’re working diligently on re-establishing our message, our brand, and our product, to fully align with this mission. The last few months at Noble have been the most fulfilling I have ever had working, and a lot of that has come on the other side of God providing us with amazingly talented people coming on board who share our vision.
Work as a Calling
I believe that work is not just about making a living—it’s about making a life that honors God. A strong work ethic, grounded in faith, transforms hard work into something meaningful and sustainable. When we see our labor as Avodah, we shift from mere productivity to purpose-driven excellence. In this way, work is no longer a burden but a sacred calling.
So the next time you find yourself working hard, ask: Am I simply exerting effort, or am I aligning my work with a deeper purpose?
Brilliantly put and just as I needed to hear it - I'm starting my own business and aiming to quit my job in a few months. Amen!
Beautiful