Dedication is a funny thing. There are some people out there who are willing to suffer, and sometimes die, for their passion. For example, Ludwig Van composed his “greatest works…including the Ninth Symphony” (Hyperhistory.com) while completely deaf. Marie Curie died of “aplastic anemia from exposure to radiation” (Wikipedia.org) caused by her research. And then there’s Ronnie Lott.
I don’t watch the Super Bowl, but I am aware enough to know that it just happened. It reminded me of a story my best friend, a hardcore football fan (and former player), once told me about a football player who broke his finger during a game. Because this gentleman was concerned about not being able to play, he had the doc cut off said broken finger. When my friend told me about Ronnie Lott, I could see that maniacal glint of the true believer in his eye. My friend seemed almost wistful that, besides his knees, he couldn’t sacrifice more to the game.
In 1981, Lott was drafted by the San Francisco 49ers where he went on to “win eight division titles and four Super Bowls” (Wikipedia.org). There is also a trophy named after Mr. Lott that “is the only college football award to…recognize athletic performance and the player’s personal character attributes” (NBClosangeles.com). In addition, Mr. Lott “was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2000” (Fanbuzz.com). These are really impressive achievements. But what was that about an amputated finger again?
I had heard that Mr. Lott broke his pinky during a game and then had the doctor amputate it in the locker room so he could return to the game, unencumbered. This is only sort of true. While it is factual that he broke his finger and it is factual that he returned to the game with it taped up, Mr. Lott didn’t have some bizarre Dr. Frankenstein hack his finger off amid dirty jockstraps.
According to Dan Brown, author of “100 Things 49ers Fans Should Know & Do Before They Die,” Mr. Lott was given the choice to go through a long surgery that would keep him sidelined for a minute or to have his finger amputated just above the first joint. He chose the second option and was back in time for the 1986 football season.
This sort of dedication is admirable, but is it good for you? How much are you willing to give up for a job, no matter how passionate you may be about it? Forbes.com suggests that if you give too much, your “tireless work ethic” will not be valued, as everyone is so “used to seeing you killing yourself.” It becomes rather a situation like: Ho hum, Employee A worked all weekend. Again. In addition, according to Forbes.com, your blind dedication can cause you to pass up offers that could turn out to be better for you in the long run. Dedication and loyalty are great things, just not if they mean you end up hurting yourself.
I don’t have to tell you how dedicated Bourke Accounting bookkeepers and tax preparers are. During this tax season, our Bourke Accounting reps are giving up family and free time to make sure that your financial needs are well met. However, as devoted as they are, they still understand that there are more important things in this life than the job – just try to keep Bill in the office if his pup, Loretta, gets sick! At Bourke Accounting, we’re willing to sacrifice for the game, just not all the way.
Come see us any time. Our number is 502-451-8773 and don’t forget to visit our website at www.bourkeaccounting.com. See you soon!