In a world where instant gratification and handouts are the norm, the rarity and value of earning what you have through hard work and dedication cannot be overstated.
I don't mean to be 'ok boomer,' but in today's world, it feels like many things are handed out—whether it's opportunities, praise, or even material goods. Everyone gets a participation trophy just for showing up. People have developed an expectation of rewards without putting in the necessary effort. But there's something extraordinary about the satisfaction of earning something through your hard work.
Here is a quick personal example. When I was 11, Apple had just released the first iPod Nano. I wanted one so badly but needed the $200 for it because at 11, $200 might as well be a million dollars. My dad used to own a restaurant, and he told my brother and me that we could earn money by getting up early in the morning (6:30am, which is BEYOND early for an 11-year-old kid) and go with him to clean the place. So that summer, my brother and I would get up every day with him, sweep and vacuum the entire place, and then get paid at the end of the week. Between those mornings, my brother and I would wrap stacks and stacks of to-go plates in foil and earn money that way, too. Those days were also a bonding time for me; my brother and our cousin who would come to help, too, because after we'd finish, we'd have the rest of the day to play in the woods or play video games. Once I made enough money and got my hands on that iPod, I felt like THAT GWORL. I reflect on this experience to remind myself that with enough determination, anything is within my reach.
The difference between those who simply expect success and those who earn it lies in their determination to push through challenges. It's easy to want something handed to you, but the reward feels more fulfilling when you've truly worked for it. You feel a deeper sense of pride in your accomplishments, and this sense of achievement sets you apart from the crowd. Others will take notice, too, and more people will want to work with you. I've seen it unfold for myself.
The process of working hard towards a goal isn't always glamorous. It often involves difficult decisions, persistence, and late nights and/or very early mornings. But at the end of it all, when you finally reach your goal, you'll know that every step was worth it because you earned it. No one can take that away from you. It's what makes the reward sweeter and leaves a lasting sense of accomplishment, especially in this time of instant gratification.
So, embrace the grind.
What have you worked hard to achieve? Share your hard-earned success stories in the comments below, or DM me!
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