Hard work is still necessary

It seems like the idea that you must work hard to get the life you want has fallen out of favor.

In the court of public opinion, working smart is better than working hard.

But is that really true?

IMO: no.

Working smart and working hard are two separate things—and they are absolutely not mutually exclusive. I find it so silly that we are asked to choose which one’s “the way.”

Will hard work make you successful?

On its own, probably not.

Will smart work make you successful?

On its own, probably not.

I believe that both are necessary.

I come from a family of hard workers. I watched as my mom worked hard in every aspect of her life as a hairstylist, a mother, and a homemaker. My dad did the same as he juggled many professional endeavors. 

Being a hard worker was ingrained in me. And yet… I (and many others) struggle to be proud of the work. There’s such an intense focus on the goal and the result—we fail to remember that the journey is the most important part.

Don’t forget to be proud of your effort.

There is honor in being dedicated and working hard to get what you want.

One of my favorite songs over the last few years is “Fire” by Louis the Child.

I listen to it over and over again when I’m IN IT. Working hard, making difficult choices, sacrificing, overcoming challenges to get exactly where I want to be in life.

Here’s my favorite line:

“If I go down in flames, the smoke is gonna spell my name.”

To me, that means: put everything you have into what you decide to do.

Work hard and be proud.

And enjoy the journey.

❤️