I recently read an article from the Daily Stoic. It referenced the notion of doing a lot, working hard, holding yourself to high standards, “higher anyway, than most.”
Then it referenced the notion of appreciation, and that even though many people hold themselves to high standards and work very hard, they often wonder if others really appreciate them. This sometimes leads to decisions of apathy or disengagement, because “Why should I work hard if no one notices?”
In reflecting on this, the author makes a valid realization, one that some people just grasp better and quicker, and for others, they may never come to terms with. The reality is, people will never likely show the level of appreciation for work that is deserving and of great quality. Think about it in every setting we live and work. There are examples of excellence all around us, but often the recognition, and even appreciation, does not correlate to the effort given.
Here’s the best part, and the lesson we need to instill in our students as they learn to navigate the complex world they are growing up in: “Appreciation and recognition is not a thing we can control. It’s not something that’s up to us. We can’t demand a good reputation but we can deserve one. So it goes for appreciation.”
We don’t do good works for a pat on the back. We don’t leave a nice tip for the waitress so she’ll run out of the restaurant and thank us. We do it because it’s the right thing to do as leaders, as good people, because the world needs role models so our children’s children are taught the right way to do things.
So let us strive to be worthy of appreciation but indifferent to whether we get it. Let’s keep trying. Let’s keep holding ourselves to those standards. If anyone notices, great. If not, well, that’s not why we were doing it.
I hope you all have a great start to your new year and that 2024 brings happiness, peace and success in all that you do.
Garrett Rogowski is superintendent for the Wittenberg-Birnamwood School District.
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