About six years ago, my Dad was losing his battle with ALS and had entered hospice care. After a short visit, I said my goodbyes, and as I left his room, he called out to me and said, “Chris, Keep up the Good Work.”
It was entirely out of context and seemed an innocuous statement at the time. I chuckled to myself and said: “ok, Dad, I love you, bye!”
Less than 24 hours later, he was dead.
“Keep up the good work” were the last words he ever spoke to me. It’s become my life mantra.
Those words have helped me through the most challenging times in my life. They seem so simple and almost silly. Yet, they buoy me in difficult times. Reminding me that no matter how down I am on myself, I’m usually doing something good. I recalibrate and lean into the good.
The past 15 months have most likely been the most challenging of your life.
Unemployment rates have skyrocketed, many have died, others slipped into depression—no doubt, some of you reading this right now are dealing with struggles. So I’d like to take my Father’s wisdom and pass that energy to you.
Keep up the good work.
Find the one thing you’re doing right, and keep it up. No matter how small it may seem. Keep doing that one good thing. Don’t wane. Summon all the energy you can, recalibrate and keep it up. As we climb out of the depths of our global pandemic lock-down despair, be gentle with yourself.
- You’ve had a tough go of it.
- You’re doing the best that you can.
- You’re giving it your all.
- It will get better.
- You deserve the best that this life has to offer.
Don’t be idle. Don’t take anything or anyone for granted. Lean into the good things in your life, and take good care of those things. Let the bad things roll off you. Surround yourself with people who lift you up. Put yourself in situations that highlight your strengths. Find work that fulfills you. Love the people who love you. Cut the people out of your life that bring you down. Take good care of the most enriching relationships in your life. Take good care of yourself.
- Nurture your mind by reading books.
- Nurture your body by allowing yourself to recharge – and sleep.
- Be kind to your mind, and allow for there to be space, and meditate.
You’re doing great. You’re going to be ok.
Keep up the good work.
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Chris Dessi
View More PostsChief Revenue Officer, Diamond Standard, Co.
