Work isn’t just about getting a paycheck; it builds character, promotes dignity, and gives you control over your life. But some folks don’t see it that way. As Sam Ewing, the professional baseball player, said, “Hard work spotlights the character of people: some turn up their sleeves, some turn up their noses, and some don’t turn up at all.”
Some people will do anything to get out of work. Examples range from those who say a job is “beneath them,” to folks who want to start at the top without paying their dues. Some folks try to get by with sheer personality, while others dodge work by hiding in the corner and then stealing the credit. Additionally, some people request promotions or demand more pay, not because it’s earned, but because they want it. In all these cases, the common denominator is the same — hard work is not part of the equation. What none of these folks realize is that hard work isn’t a punishment; it’s a gift.
There’s No Substitute for Hard Work
On a fundamental basis, an entry-level job provides valuable lessons. It teaches us to show up on time, follow directions, work hard, and get along with others. Here are 12 life lessons that hard work offers:
Expectations. Set the bar high. If you accept mediocrity, you’ll be mediocre.
Courage. Put fear aside. Set stretch goals and leave your comfort zone.
Discipline. Stay focused. Remain strong when days are tough.
Integrity. Build trust. Keep your promises. Live with honor.
Pride. Make yourself proud. Always give 110%. It’s the extra 10% that everyone remembers.
Creativity. Don’t accept the status quo. Be a problem-solver. Make things better.
Humility. Accept wins with grace and learn from your losses.
Determination. Stare adversity in the eye and stay the course when confronted with overwhelming challenges.
Flexibility. Even the best-laid plans go awry. Be flexible and remain open to new opportunities.
Teamwork. Be a team player. Your colleagues’ success is your success.
Personal responsibility. Accept responsibility for your actions. The buck stops with you.
Make a difference. You were hired to add value, not to be a placeholder.
Hard Work Is Good for Your Wallet and Your Soul
Hard work builds character, contributes to success, and promotes happiness. The converse is also true. When people are rewarded without making the effort, it reduces confidence, promotes dependency, and robs individuals of their personal dignity. The fact is, when any part of the human body hasn’t exercised properly, it will atrophy. The same is true of the spirit.
The bottom line is that, while work makes you a buck, it offers you so much more. Hard work provides a sense of purpose. People don’t want a handout. They want to know that they’ve earned their success, which enables them to have control over their lives. They want to wake up each morning and be excited to get out of bed. They want stimulating work that keeps them on their toes and contributes to their personal and professional growth. This makes their days more rewarding and their experience more valuable. This doesn’t happen when folks sit on their duff or have success handed to them on a silver platter. It happens when people know that they’ve earned their keep. You can achieve anything in life as long as you’re willing to work hard and you put your mind to it. Are you up to the job?
What Do You Think?
Please leave a comment and tell us what you think or share it with someone who can benefit from the information.
Additional Reading:
Do You Have a Strong Work Ethic?
25 Actions that SHOUT Strong Work Ethic
Is Self-Reliance More Than a Buzzword?
Why Work If You Don’t Have To?
The 13 Key Ingredients of a Strong Work Ethic
Earning Success the Old-Fashioned Way
There’s No Substitute for Hard Work
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Awesome article about the rewarding of hard work, we all need to consider our jobs as a calling, I do lift very heavy boxes 8 hours long without stop and most of the time without any help, doing it all by myself, I felt energized and I Loved that place. Unfortunately they only needed for a very limited time.
Your article set one to think and is very inspiring.
Hi Kamai
You sound like you love your work. Good for you!
It’s so much better to love what you do than go home and complain every day. My guess is that your next employer will be lucky to hire someone with your work ethic. Best of luck 🙂
Thanks for taking the time to write.
Best,
Frank
With the right mindset in place, it all just works!
Great article
So true, Andrey. So true.
Thanks for taking the time to write.
Best,
Frank
Hi Frank – Hard work does not mean just working yourself hard. YOu can do that but then get loose control of yourself physically – no time to look after your body, mentally – start getting mad or angry because you are always overworked and tired, emotionally – because you are not taking care of your emotions as a lot is going on at work and emotions needs to be sorted out and the right ones brought by convincing oneself. So that is hard work where you take care of yourself internally and also add value to your purpose. Is it not? Not just working hard to increase the output?
Hi Ram
I understand what you’re saying. I believe that hard work and mental health are not mutually exclusive. I totally subscribe to your point that people should live a balanced life. As I like to say…work hard, play hard.
Thanks for taking the time to write.
Best,
Frank
Your words are inspirational. I lived my life with all these qualities (or at least aspiring to…) but things got in the way; people with different belief systems, material things basically the opposite of who I am. Reading your words is helping me dig deep and look inside to find the man I know I am. Thank you
Hi Michael
I’m so glad my words resonate with you.
It’s important to be your own person. Set your bar high and don’t lower your standards for anyone. Some of the most precious things you possess are your honor, your dignity, and your reputation. Make yourself proud. You have to live with yourself for the rest of your life.
Thanks for taking the time to write.
Best,
Frank
This is very inspirational, I believe I now have a new lease in life. I’m Gonna Start now Following These
Hi Curtis
I’m so glad you like the post. As the Chinese proverb says, “A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.”
Thanks for taking the time to write.
Best,
Frank
Good stuff Frank!
I found your article while relaxing after working hard on projects around my home all weekend. It is a great feeling to clean-up and relax, knowing and feeling that you have given it your all on something.
Keep up the good work, Frank
Kevin
I completely understand, Kevin
World-class athletes will tell you if you want to raise your game, give it your all during practice. That said, I find it very gratifying to know that I did my best rather than checking an item off my to-do list.
Thanks for taking the time to write.
Best,
Frank
Hey Frank,
I have a question. I’ve been feeling extremely tired and really low on energy for a longer time now. It’s hard for me to get anything done, and even though I sometimes push my limits, I simply feel even more overwhelmed and exhausted. For a long time I had the mindset that I just have to overcome your mentality, that I’m just finding excuses for my lazyness. But it really has become hard for me to focus, to formulate my thoughts, to listen to people, and to do absolutely anything. Many of my friends have told me that I’ve become a ghost, which sums it up pretty well, because I am mentally and physically absent. I tried to relax and calm down but time just passes by and I can’t help but feel more and more tired of life. And I don’t know if the right steps are to do more while being exhausted, or to do less, even though I’m already doing barely anything. I really don’t know what to do and would love to hear your take on that.
Hi Anna
I’m so sorry that you’re struggling. My best advice is that you seek professional care. I hope that you’re able to secure the help that you need.
Thanks for taking the time to write.
Best,
Frank