I recently walked into a gift shop where I saw a placard that read:

 “Work like a Captain, Play like a Pirate”

This instantly put a smile on my face. What a fun and interesting notion!

After all, I think the concept that has become all too familiar to a vast majority of people, these days, is to ‘work like a dog’ – and by that I mean a sheepdog, not the one that lies around and naps all day while you go off to work to bring home the dog biscuits.

And who can blame us? In a world that’s rife with economic uncertainty, high unemployment rates, constant price inflation and precarious job security, the message that’s perpetuated is just to be grateful that you have a job at all, regardless of whether or not you actually like it or earn a decent income. In fact, it’s no wonder that people are now working harder and putting in overtime without due remuneration, because if you won’t do it, the next guy certainly will.

Of course, I’m all for working hard and I understand the drive behind wanting to make a success of your career and life. However, at what point does hard work and the desire for success become an obsessive treadmill of achievement to the degree where you no longer have time to enjoy your life in the present? As we constantly rush through the everyday chores and tasks on our endless to-do lists are we forgetting to live in the moment? And not just live, but love our lives and enjoy them with the people who matter most to us.

For my twenty-fourth birthday, I was given the following quote:

“It’s easy to create a life full of distractions and business, but not as easy to create a life full of love. It’s especially easy to allow one’s career to become a companion. It is quickly found, however, although success and excitement may flourish, it somehow seems empty without someone to share it with.”

These are wise words, which are all too easily forgotten. And yet, we truly do only get one life. Why, then, are we so prone to squandering our time chasing after things that may seem important now, but are not as relevant or meaningful in hindsight?

So, by all means, work like a captain. Take charge, be responsible, inspire those around you and navigate the stormy seas with bravery and determination.

But, at times, it’s equally important to play like a pirate – and, no, I’m not talking about drinking copious amounts of rum and collecting lots of loot in your car’s boot! I mean blowing off steam, being light-hearted, celebrating your successes and having fun with your ‘hearties’.

So, don’t just be a captain; be a pirate captain! And as you sail the seven seas, try to apply these seven C’s for a better life for yourself and others: caring, compassion, consideration, confidence, commitment, contentment and creativity.

Remember, no man is an island and your crew mates are vital to keep you shipshape. Every voyage has a destination and a purpose. If you’re not enjoying the journey, then where are you really headed?

© 2016 Audrey Whyte   All Rights Reserved