The Benefits of Working for Your Wins

WHEN people ask me how I built a successful business, my answer is simple: 20 years of work, compromise, commitment, resets and integrity. These skills weren’t innate but developed over time, perhaps influenced by an early memory of my grandmother reading The Little Red Hen by Alfred Bennett. This childhood tale, steeped in values of effort and reward, left an imprint that aligns with the principles instilled by my parents: responsibility and the power of working for what you earn. In today’s world of instant gratification, the timeless wisdom of The Little Red Hen remains profoundly relevant.

For those unfamiliar, the story follows a hen who asks her barnyard friends to help her grow wheat, harvest it, and bake bread. Each time, they refuse. When the bread is ready, they eagerly offer to eat it, but the hen declines to share, reserving the reward for herself and the one friend who helped.

Moral of the story

The moral is clear: those who work deserve the rewards. But the tale also highlights the joy of creating something meaningful and the enrichment that comes from overcoming challenges.

Research supports the value of effort and persistence. Dr. Tal Ben-Shahar, a professor of positive psychology at Harvard, emphasizes that happiness arises not from instant success but from pursuing worthwhile goals. This process, known as “eudaimonic happiness”, ties to long-term satisfaction rather than fleeting pleasure. Neuroscience reveals that as we achieve milestones, our brain releases dopamine, a chemical that motivates us and brings joy from reaching goals. In essence, the journey—not just the destination—creates fulfillment.

Have you considered there are pitfalls to instant gratification? In a world where instant gratification is just a click away, studies show that it doesn’t lead to lasting happiness. Instant success, like winning the lottery, often results in the “hedonic treadmill,” where initial excitement fades, leaving us chasing the next high.

The science of wellbeing

Dr. Robert Waldinger’s research from the Harvard Study of Adult Development highlights that meaningful, long-term achievements foster sustained well-being far more effectively than quick wins.

The Little Red Hen’s friends missed not only the reward of enjoying fresh bread but also the fulfillment of working together. Collaboration enhances happiness by fostering community and strengthening relationships.

Neuroscience shows that helping others releases oxytocin, the “bonding hormone”, promoting connection and well-being. A Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health study found that contributing to others lowers depression and increases life satisfaction. Johann Hari’s Lost Connections further explores this, illustrating how contributing to others benefits individuals and communities alike.

Resilience, a key topic in my work with corporate clients, grows through facing difficulties. The Little Red Hen’s journey was rife with challenges—rejection, self-reliance, and hard work. Neuroscience tells us that overcoming obstacles strengthens neural pathways associated with resilience. Each effort builds emotional and psychological strength, fostering confidence, adaptability, and overall well-being.

Guiding light

I'll always be grateful for the subtle imbedding of timeless wisdom this story gave me through my formative years which have paid dividends through my career:

• Happiness in the Journey: Embrace the process of working toward goals. Reflect on how overcoming challenges has contributed to your growth.
• Shift from Instant Gratification: Cultivate patience and focus on long-term rewards. Start small, embrace each step one at a time, and savour the satisfaction of your effort.
• The Joy of Giving: Contributing to others enhances your happiness and creates shared success. Generosity fosters connection and fulfillment.

By embracing the principles of The Little Red Hen, we can bake our own bread of fulfillment and well-being.