Most things of importance and value in life require some level of effort. Some people get lucky and have success, happiness, and self-fulfillment fall into their laps, but they are rare. A little extra effort makes a big difference in life. We all must accept that many people may be more intelligent, better looking, more talented, have more advantages, and be more capable than we are; however, only you can decide whether they will outwork you. I have found that when you are tired and/or feeling lazy and could easily talk yourself out of doing something, but do it anyway, that separates you from the pack. Success in life and business requires consistent, focused, sustained effort.
Most people will do what they must do to survive. It’s part of our natural survival instinct. Despite many media reports and political ads to the contrary, most people in this nation get up every day and go to work, procure food and water, provide secure shelter for their families, and obey the rules of civil society. Depending on your socioeconomic status, life can be either difficult or easy, but it always requires some effort. Sadly, far too many people must struggle with the necessities of existence. No one wakes up every day, does nothing, and thrives. Even the wealthy must work to stay that way. In addition, too much leisure ends up having a long-term adverse impact on any individual or society—look at your history books.
Of course, we all know that there is a significant difference between success and survival. I would argue that regardless of where you look, the hardest-working people in a community do better than their peers. You will remain stuck at that level once you accept your lot in life and become complacent. Good things tend to happen if you aspire to something better and consistently work toward that objective, especially when it’s difficult. We see this occur in business all the time. Companies that rest on their laurels and record of success become vulnerable to more hungry competition.
I have always struggled applying Darwin’s theory of the “survival of the fittest” to human existence, but I understand why people try to do this. It’s natural to want to get answers as to why some people progress whereas others do not. While I am not comfortable narrowing it down to simple answers, I do believe that work ethic, focus, perseverance, and adaptability are four variables that tend to influence the outcome. I encourage you to always put forth the extra effort in your life in the places where it matters most to you. You will get average results at best if you perform like everyone else.
Related articles
- A meaningful life (consultmax.wordpress.com)
- “Happiness Without a Good Work Ethic Is Pretty Impossible.” (happiness-project.com)
- Work ethic of an artist (mikealrogers.com)
- The Four D’s of Work Ethic (beyondinsurance.wordpress.com)
- Values (socyberty.com)