How many times have you done your best, poured your heart and soul into something, and received no recognition?

No one recognized how hard it was.

No one saw how you struggled to learn things so you could do well.

No one realized you did this on top of all your other work.

No one even realized that you took the initiative and went above and beyond just because you could, because you felt pride in your work.

It’s discouraging isn’t it? I can’t count the times I’ve been there. Whether it was taking the initiative to organize both walk-in’s while completing my other tasks when I worked in a restaurant, or supporting new members of my team as they complete training and join the rest of us, or even just being the person everyone comes to for a pep talk. Recognition is sparse.

Do it anyway. Do your best. Stretch those capabilities and skills. Keep them active and sharp.

Do it because you’ll need those abilities someday. Do it because you deserve to take pride in your work, no matter what it is.

Do it because you can.

And remember, not everyone sees or appreciates the sunset every day. It doesn’t stop painting the skies in beautiful colors just because no one complimented it or appreciated it the day before.

I’ll end here with a quite from the Desiderata.

Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans. Keep interested in your own career, however humble; it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time.

~Max Ehrman