Hard work PAYS off

Have you ever experienced disappointment after putting in hard work to achieve something? Have you found yourself wishing you hadn’t taken on a challenging task, only to push through and complete it? I believe that people often feel regret for missed opportunities and chances when they fail to put in the necessary effort. Regret can become a habitual response, fostering a victim mentality that hinders personal accountability.
I consider myself fortunate to have had individuals in my life who pushed me when I resisted, offering honest feedback that, though uncomfortable at the time, proved invaluable. While I initially resented their high expectations, I later realized that those who merely sympathized with my struggles never contributed to my personal growth. They were merely comforting friends, akin to temporary fixes like drugs, alcohol, or fast food. Despite the momentary relief they provided, the underlying reality remained unchanged. Consequently, such individuals are no longer central to my life, and if they are, I refrain from seeking their advice or assistance.
Life is undeniably challenging, especially when we opt to avoid the hard work required to attain our goals. What does it mean to truly work for something? I pose this question because many individuals comprehend the effort needed to achieve their aspirations yet refrain from putting in the work. It’s often easier to conjure up excuses than to commit to the daily grind, especially when it seems like our peers are enjoying life while we lag behind.
I once heard a friend address an audience, stating that it takes 10,000 hours to become an expert in something. He further broke down the math, explaining that dedicating just 2 hours a day to a craft would amount to 13 years to achieve expertise. It’s crucial to note that expertise is distinct from being the best, a distinction that requires even more time and effort. In today’s fast-paced world, this extended timeline may seem unwelcoming.
We find ourselves living in the fast food era, characterized by a social media-driven quick-fix generation that believes success can be achieved overnight. Do you share this belief? The allure of quick fixes often leads to long-term disasters. Consider the analogy of the fast food industry: families who don’t plan meals ahead end up emotionally eating, opting for quick, convenient options delivered within thirty minutes. While this practice saves time in preparation and cleanup, the long-term consequence is poor health.
I am grateful for my upbringing in a household where dinner was cooked daily. Despite my inclination toward fast food as a lazy young adult, I gradually recognized the importance of home-cooked meals for both my family and myself. I firmly believe that the fuel we provide our bodies impacts our mental and physical health, influencing self-perception. Quick fixes, whether in food or other aspects of life, rarely offer lasting solutions.
Consider the rarity of individuals becoming wealthy solely through winning the lottery. How many of these individuals go on to donate their money to charitable causes? The statistics are disheartening. I use the term “awful” because, if these same individuals saved their money instead of gambling it away, they could accumulate more wealth. This mentality often steers people away from long-term goals, trapping them in a cycle of regret.
I have been in business for nearly seven years, and while I haven’t faced failure, I acknowledge that I am still on a journey of learning and growth. The initial two years are critical for most businesses, and the fact that I am not where I aspire to be highlights the ongoing challenges.
If the goal is to be a millionaire, one must adopt a work ethic comparable to a billionaire’s, even if that effort initially only yields six figures. Success demands dedication beyond what is immediately apparent.

Thanks for reading
Your friend Wakime