“For it is commonly said: completed labors are pleasant.”
This timeless observation comes from Marcus Tullius Cicero, a Roman statesman and philosopher. His words resonate across centuries. They capture a universal human experience. The feeling of satisfaction after finishing a difficult task is deeply rewarding. It is a unique blend of relief, pride, and joy. This simple truth holds profound implications for our work, personal growth, and overall happiness. But why does completing a task feel so good? Furthermore, how can we use this ancient wisdom to improve our modern lives?
The Psychology Behind the Pleasure
The satisfaction of completing a task is not just a fleeting emotion. It is deeply rooted in our brain’s chemistry. When we finish something we set out to do, our brain releases dopamine. This neurotransmitter is a key part of our reward system. It makes us feel pleasure and reinforces the behavior. Consequently, we are more motivated to tackle and complete future tasks. This creates a powerful cycle of achievement and reward.
Psychologists also point to the Zeigarnik effect. Source This principle suggests that people remember unfinished or interrupted tasks better than completed ones. . An incomplete task creates a state of underlying mental tension. Completing the task resolves this tension. This resolution brings a powerful sense of mental relief and closure. Therefore, the pleasure we feel is the brain’s way of rewarding us for tying up loose ends and restoring cognitive balance.
Cicero’s Original Context
To fully appreciate the quote, we should understand its origin. Cicero was one of Rome’s greatest orators and thinkers. He wrote this line in his philosophical work De Finibus Bonorum et Malorum (“On the Ends of Good and Evil”). In this text, Cicero explores the ideas of various Greek philosophical schools. He weighs different perspectives on what constitutes the best possible life. The quote appears in a discussion about the Epicurean view of pleasure.
Epicureans believed that pleasure was the highest good. However, they defined it not as fleeting indulgence but as a state of tranquility and freedom from pain. Cicero explains their view that even the memory of past labors, once completed, becomes a source of pleasure. The struggle is over. Only the sweet satisfaction of achievement remains. This context shows the quote is not just a casual remark. Instead, it is part of a deep philosophical inquiry into the nature of human happiness.
Modern Applications: From the Office to Personal Goals
Cicero’s wisdom is incredibly relevant today. In the workplace, the principle of completed labors drives productivity and morale. Finishing a major project or even just clearing a long to-do list provides a tangible sense of accomplishment. This feeling boosts confidence and motivates teams to tackle the next challenge. Effective managers understand this. They often break large projects into smaller, achievable milestones. This allows their teams to experience the pleasure of completion more frequently, which sustains momentum.
Fueling Personal Growth
This concept extends far beyond our professional lives. Think about personal goals. You might be learning a new language, training for a marathon, or mastering a musical instrument. The process is often filled with frustration and difficulty. There are moments when you want to quit. However, the memory of these struggles fades when you finally hold a conversation in that new language or cross the finish line. The pleasure of completion validates the entire effort. It transforms the memory of hardship into a narrative of perseverance and triumph.
Moreover, this principle is a powerful tool against procrastination. The thought of a large, daunting task can be paralyzing. We often focus on the anticipated difficulty of the labor itself. Cicero reminds us to focus on the pleasant feeling of its completion. By visualizing that future satisfaction, we can find the motivation to begin. Breaking the task into small, manageable steps makes the reward of completion more immediate and accessible. Each small victory builds momentum toward the final, pleasant outcome.
Finding Balance: The Journey and the Destination
However, does this mean we should only focus on the finish line? Not necessarily. While completed labors are pleasant, an overemphasis on the end result can lead to burnout. It can also cause us to miss the value and learning opportunities within the process itself. Modern psychology often emphasizes the importance of mindfulness and finding joy in the journey. The ideal approach involves a balance.
We can appreciate the struggle and growth that happen during the labor. At the same time, we can look forward to the satisfaction of its completion. The pleasure of the destination is often richer when we have also valued the journey. For example, a mountain climber certainly feels immense pleasure at the summit. Yet, the memories of the challenging ascent—the beautiful views, the camaraderie, and the personal strength discovered—are equally important parts of the experience. The final pleasure is a culmination of the entire effort, not just the last step.
Conclusion: The Enduring Wisdom of a Completed Task
Cicero’s observation that “completed labors are pleasant” is a simple yet profound truth about human nature. It speaks to the inherent satisfaction we derive from effort, persistence, and achievement. This feeling is powered by our brain’s reward system and our psychological need for closure. From ancient philosophical debates to modern project management and personal development, this principle remains a powerful motivator.
Ultimately, this wisdom encourages us to embrace challenges. It reminds us that while the work may be hard, a unique and powerful pleasure awaits us at its conclusion. By setting clear goals, celebrating our progress, and looking forward to the reward of completion, we can fuel our motivation and build a more accomplished and satisfying life.