Carly Ries
"Most people miss opportunity because it is dressed in overalls and looks like work."
- Thomas A. Edison
In the age of TikTok and YouTube overnight sensations, there are false assumptions that opportunities don’t necessarily require hard work. While this may be true for some of these internet stars, the vast majority of us still need to work hard for the opportunities that come
our way.
Hard work is just that: hard. It means showing up and giving your all even when you don’t want to. It means you put your head down and get the job done even when you’d rather be doing anything but the task at hand.
Ever seen the following equation?
Opportunity + Hard Work = Good Luck
When you think some people have it easy and just get all the good fortune, there’s often a good amount of work behind the scenes that you’re just never aware of.
In order to reach the success you desire, you must show up every day and give it your all, usually for a lot longer than you originally thought.
Here are a few steps to help you put in, and get through, the hard work so that you can reap the rewards.
Like what you see? This post gives you a preview of our guide, Unleash Your Inner Awesome: Motivational Quotes With Actionable Steps to Help You Reach Your Goals and Achieve Great Things. Be sure to check it out here.
Actionable Steps
Create A Vision of What You Want to Achieve
When you’re waking up at 5 AM to complete a task or working on a never-ending project without any light at the end of the tunnel, keep the vision of the outcome in mind. It will serve as a huge motivator during tough times. Try some physical manifestation of your goal - a picture or something else that you can look at to reinspire yourself.
Understand Why You’re Doing What You’re Doing
Sometimes work is just that, work. No bells or whistles, just good old-fashioned stuff that needs to be done. And while it may seem mundane or difficult at the time, you need to remember why you’re doing what you’re doing. Is it to save money? Gain experience? Get promoted? Provide for your family? Whatever it may be, having a clear understanding of why you’re putting in the work will help to get you through it.
Find Meaning in the Work
Remember, whatever work you’re doing right now is temporary. It’s simply a means to an end, so discover value in it and identify how it’s serving as a stepping stone to get you what you actually want.
Listen
Absorb all of the information you can. Sit back and be a sponge. Even if you think you’re starting to become a pro at something, there is always more to learn. Take that information and use it to better yourself and your future.
Find Ways to Make the Work Go By Faster
If your current situation is simply a means to an end, or the work seems to be a bit more difficult to get through than usual, find ways to make it go by faster. Play games with yourself (bet yourself how long it will take you to get a certain task done and see if you can actually complete it in that amount of time). Create a playlist you can listen to that will keep you motivated throughout the day. Create friendships in your environment that will help to speed up even the slowest of days.
Set An Example
It can be easy to give in to peer pressure if others are slacking or complaining but don’t cave. Be the leader for your peers. Go above and beyond and set the example. It will help you stand out from the crowd.
Advocate for Yourself
Sometimes getting what you want simply means asking for it. Don’t be shy about making your goals and dreams known. If other people are aware of it, they may be able to help you achieve it. Speak up when appropriate and let your voice be heard!
Want to get on the right path to success? Be sure to check out the Solopreneur Success Cycle to help you start, run, and grow your company of one.