Let’s talk about something no one likes to hear – yet knows deep down:
success doesn’t come without work
And by work, I don’t just mean “clocking in and clocking out” – I mean the kind of effort that pushes you, the kind that makes you uncomfortable, the kind that separates those who succeed from those who almost made it.
One of the best pieces of advice I ever received was from Pete Morrissey who taught me, “Successful salespeople do the things that unsuccessful salespeople fail to do.”
This isn’t just a mantra; it’s a truth. Whether you’re in sales or any other field, it’s that willingness to go above and beyond, to tackle what others avoid, that sets the winners apart.
So, how do you measure up when it comes to work ethic? Let’s take a quick pulse check. On a scale of 1-4, where do you stand today?
- A Sloth. You dream of success, but you’re hoping it’ll show up while you’re lounging. If only life would deliver results like takeout, right?
- Lethargic. You move, but it’s at a snail’s pace. You’ll get there… eventually. But that fire? It’s barely a flicker.
- Working it. You’re in the groove. You show up, you put in the hours, and you’re steady. But could you push harder? Could you find another gear?
- Racing. You’re relentless. Every moment, you’re in motion, finding ways to grow, pushing boundaries, and you’re determined to reach the finish line ahead of the pack.
Now, let me be clear: having a strong work ethic isn’t a magic bullet to success. It’s not the only ingredient in the recipe, but it’s a non-negotiable one.
Work ethic is the truth behind the glitter of achievement, and yet, so many people shy away from it.
Why? Because it’s hard. Because it means doing what’s uncomfortable. Because it’s not glamorous, but it is necessary.
The real question isn’t just, “Where are you now on that scale?” It’s “Where do you want to be?”
- If you’re sitting at a 1 or 2, what will it take to bump yourself up?
- If you’re at a 3, what’s holding you back from being that person who’s constantly moving forward, with passion fueling every step?
- Scoring yourself a 4, how will you sustain the effort?
The path to success is paved with consistent, sometimes (perhaps MOSTLY) gritty effort. It’s about choosing to act when you’d rather coast, showing up when it feels easier to back down, and pushing forward even when the path ahead feels uncertain.
Here’s a challenge: Pick one thing today – just one – that you’ve been avoiding. The thing, no matter how small, that feels “hard.” The thing that would move you closer to your goal but is easy to push off for later (aka never).
Now do it. No fanfare, no waiting for the perfect moment. Just do it.
Success isn’t reserved for the lucky or the naturally gifted. It’s waiting for those willing to outwork the competition, to show up consistently, and to do what others won’t.
Are you ready to race?
Lynn