Summary

The article discusses the complex relationship between hard work and success, suggesting that while hard work is important, it is not the sole determinant of success, which also depends on other factors such as luck, timing, and opportunity.

Abstract

The author reflects on the common belief that hard work inevitably leads to success, questioning the validity of this notion through personal anecdotes and examples of public figures. Despite the societal expectation to succeed through diligence, the article highlights that success can be elusive even for the most hardworking individuals. It posits that success is multifaceted, influenced by a combination of factors including positivity, luck, and external circumstances. The narrative of success being directly proportional to hard work is challenged, with the author arguing that while hard work is a crucial ingredient, it is not a guaranteed formula for success. The article encourages a broader approach to achieving success, advocating for a blend of prayer, smart work, consistency, innovation, opportunism, and networking, alongside hard work.

Opinions

The author believes that there is no definitive measure of hard work that guarantees success.
Success is seen as a result of various contributing factors beyond just hard work, such as luck and external validation.
The article suggests that the societal narrative of success being a direct outcome of hard work can be misleading and demoralizing for those who work hard without achieving their goals.
The author emphasizes the importance of a positive mindset in the pursuit of success, while acknowledging that it is only one component of the overall drive.
The article points out that some individuals may find success with minimal effort due to fortunate circumstances, such as being discovered by a talent scout.
It is argued that success requires a holistic approach, combining hard work with other elements like prayer, smart work, consistency, innovation, opportunism, and networking.
The author encourages readers to consider the complexity of success and to remain open to the role of grace or unexpected opportunities in achieving their goals.

Will Hard Work Get You Success?

Maybe it’s not hard work, that has been holding you back

Few months ago, I had the intuition to write something about being successful and being hard working. Since then, I have had many questions probed by my ever inquisitive mind on the variations between success and hard work. What rate of hard work determines success?

Is there an assurance that success is bound to happen once you are hardworking? My love for this topic started, when a friend of mine complained to me about his pursuit of a particular goal. And truly, he has labored too hard for it.

If there is a certain series of boxes to tick for all the steps, do’s, and don’ts of attaining success. I’m sure he would sweep right past all of them, as he has been very focused and quite upright towards achieving that goal. But yet after all his efforts, the goal seems to be far off-site.

He grumbled a whole lot about not achieving all the goals he wanted and I pondered as to why that is so. Why do you have to follow the set rule that requires you to work hard to get success and still not achieve the said success at the end of it all?

It’s very dissolute and such a mind fu***ry for some, who have even gone the extra mile and way out of their lines to get things done in ways they aren’t proud of and still don’t get it. Life! Sometimes sting like a swarm of bees. Scratch that…. Life is almost at all times, a swarm of stinging bees.

What Rate Of Hard Work Determines Success?

Really, at this point with the books I have read, seminars I have attended, and courses I have taken. I don’t think the word ‘Measure’ relates to success in any way. These were the words of my friend in distress and obsolete complaints, about his hassles with life.

‘Hwang Dong-hyuk’ a South Korean screenwriter, testified about the multiple rejections he got in his constant struggles, hard work, and persistence to sell the Squid Game script for over ten years. Before it came to the limelight, as one of the most grossly watched Netflix series of this year.

When you consider the relations of the surrounding struggles of people around you, you would realize yourself. That, there is almost no measure for the amount of hard work that you have to put into the struggles of a particular pursuit to get you through that stage. This is because it might be easy and almost automatic for some, while it might be almost impossible for you at the same spot.

Is There An Assurance That Success Is Bound To Happen Once You Are Hardworking?

Well, you would agree with me, when I say that a certain level of positivity is needed in every individual’s race through life. Either you are aiming to be the best employee of the year, or you are aiming to write a bestseller, probably the best of the decade, maybe you are aiming to be a graduate of that faculty with honors.

All of these endeavors and many other more requires a pinch of positivity. It doesn’t even matter if it’s just 1% of the total drive. But the truth remains that other factors determine your success.

Charlize Theron was quite lucky, to have the successful talent hunter ‘John Crosby’ on the same grueling queue at the bank. When she raged about a check, which ignited her journey to Hollywood.

Rosario Dawson said in an interview made by T magazine that ‘I was going to finish high school and go study engineering or marine biology but an awkward childhood night dream, came to pass when I suddenly saw a popular movie director drive down my father’s lawn and proclaimed he was going to make me a star’.

Almost no hard work here right? Maybe a little more, after they have had luck and grace set the pace for them. Hence there are many other things, that determine one’s success in life. Hard work is only but an ingredient amongst the many other seasonings that makes a successful man or woman.

Think This Through

Although we all at one point have been told to dream big, aim high. As high as the moon and we just might probably fall amongst the stars, or the sky with an appreciable amount of hard work.

Also, almost every spiritual individual believes in the norm of success which is the simplest algebraic but exotic formula;

Success= Prayer + Hard work

But even this wouldn’t get you through it all. The present-day generation is quite hyped up about being successful and breaking through career chains, ‘financial burdens, and cutting off discovery walls. Hence the thoughts of just being hardworking alone should be denounced.

Henceforth whilst aiming to succeed at a particular goal, or trying to sizzle up a good career race for yourself. Work towards believing the motive by being prayerful, hardworking, smart working, consistent, innovative, opportunistic, and network-oriented. And most of it all, carry on till grace finds you in that pursuit and help you break the chains.

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