What do Madam CJ Walker, Oprah Winfrey, and Serena Williams have in common? They all grew up in poverty and still ended up becoming rich and famous. Feel-good stories about going from rags to riches like theirs tend to have one common thread: hard work. But is it really all you need to become successful? Here’s the truth about success and hard work.
Does hard work matter?
Success and hard work go hand-in-hand. Unless you were born rich, you’ll have to work hard if you want to be rich. That’s not a bad thing, though. Hard work also teaches you a number of things about what you need to be successful. Here’s why you need hard work.
Hard work helps develop discipline
Success isn’t about a “big break.” Instead, it’s about giving your best every single day. By working hard every day, you’ll find yourself getting closer and closer to your goals.
It helps you get ahead
The most successful people didn’t get there by making mediocre work. Being a hard worker can get you more opportunities for a raise, promotion, or even a better job offer.
Growing your career is a competition, whether it’s against your competitors or yourself. By working harder and doing it consistently every day, you’ll also give yourself a leg up on your competition.
But sometimes, hard work won’t be enough to help you pay the bills. If you need money desperately, here’s my list of things you can do.
It gives you something to leverage
With enough time, hard work will get you results and accolades. You can use these results as leverage when you’re applying for different, hopefully higher-paying, jobs. Businesses love to hire hard workers, and results can help set you apart.
Hard work shows that you’re committed to success
Most people give up on trying to achieve their dreams. Not you. If you want to show that you’re committed, working hard every day shows that you’re prepared to do what it takes to be successful.
It teaches you other important skills
Hard work can teach you important skills that you need for success. Time management, networking, and working with other people are all vital skills you can learn from working hard.
They’re important skills to have no matter what career track you’re in.
But if you want a career track that can lead to a 7-figure salary, check out my article here.
It helps you earn more money and opportunities
Clocking in overtime hours is a great way to earn some extra money if your job allows them. Doing so can also help you stand out from your coworkers when it’s time for a raise or promotion.
Hard work is its own reward
Just the fact that you’re inching closer and closer to making your dream a reality can make anyone feel good. Hard work, in itself, can already make you feel like you have a purpose.
However, hard work alone isn’t enough to make you a millionaire. Otherwise, there’d be more millionaires in the world. If you want success, you need to keep working hard, but you also need to:
Dream big
Have you heard of the quote, “Shoot for the stars, aim for the moon?” What it really means is to have a big goal for yourself. If you’re dreaming too small, you might stop working hard after achieving your dream–even if you can accomplish much more.
Remembering the inspirational words of other melanin sisters and revisiting their successes will help you keep the dream alive. Here are some empowering quotes to reflect on to keep your dreams at the forefront of your mind.
Build your skillset
Most jobs can be automated once the technology is there. To make sure that your dream isn’t cut short by AI, you need to build your skills and become irreplaceable.
Your skillset isn’t the only thing you should be building, but your investment portfolio, too. By investing your money rather than spending it, you’d be growing the fruits of your hard work to be much bigger! Here’s everything you need to know about investment assets.
Expand your network
Your network is your net worth. It’s important to make connections with your coworkers, seniors, and bosses to expand your network. You’ll never know who’ll come at you with a job offer or potential business partnership.
Don’t burn bridges
Bouncing off the previous point, even when you have sour work relationships, don’t ever burn bridges. A toxic boss may be a reliable business partner in the future–or at least may be connected to one.
Remember your why
Even the most successful businesses can forget their “why.” Not only is your “why” the reason you work hard, but it’s also why people choose you. Many businesses forget their “why” in favor of profits and, as a result, alienate their own customers. When you’re chasing success and doing hard work, you need to remember your why.
Don’t be afraid to post updates on social media
In the age of social media, seeing is believing. Posting your work updates on sites like LinkedIn is important because it shows that you know how to work. Ironically, not taking the time to post your updates makes it look like you’re not working hard at all.
Take care of yourself
When you’re chasing success, you might be tempted to take some shortcuts when it comes to your health. Sleeping late to work more hours or eating more fast food because its convenient will come back to bite you. No amount of money is worth sacrificing your well-being for.
Keep learning
When chasing success, you have to keep growing every day. Otherwise, you’ll be no closer to your goal than you were yesterday. Never stop learning, and don’t say no to free advice.
That’s why you have to join my money squad! It only takes a few seconds, and as a member, you’ll receive new and potentially life-changing financial tips every week. Sign up today!
