This article is part four of a six-part series.
Everyone has a different meaning for what working hard really is. In the past, Protestant work ethic emphasized the necessity for hard work as a component of a person’s moral and spiritual duty. As time has passed, work ethic has been preached by notable people such as Benjamin Franklin. It has been taught in public schools, embodied in popular novels, repeated in self-improvement books, and encouraged by parents.
Working hard is something that is instilled within a person from a young age. It develops over time like becoming a good athlete. Popular sayings like, “a bit of hard work never hurt anybody” or “nothing worthwhile is easy” or even “no pain, no gain” have been thrown around a lot in society. Beliefs like these not only describe viewpoints but also drive our expectations.
The image of hard work can also be distorted. For example, head out to the countryside and take a look at the way farmers carry out their daily tasks. Once you have captured that image, ask yourself if you would perform those tasks on a daily basis. Most people would probably proclaim that it looks like hard work in a tone of voice that implies hard work is undesirable and at a level beneath them.
This is a common problem with society—we look at any inclination of physicality as hard, tiring, undesirable, and in some instances degrading. Physicality seems to be a good thing during our leisure hours but not during work! The same thing goes with working out. There are many people who go to the gym and sweat for hours but dread the thought of physical work.
Hard work can be defined in many ways. Work can be physically hard or mentally difficult or something so unpleasant that it is hard to make yourself do it. Most people will look for the easiest way out and avoid hard work all together. That is exactly why doing the opposite sets you apart from others.
When you have the discipline to work hard, you gain results that other people aren't willing to work for. More results will fall into place if you have a greater capacity for hard work. Hard work does not have to be overly challenging to the point where it is painful or uncomfortable. A major key to success is to learn to enjoy the challenges that come along with work. Instead of running from the challenge, embrace hard work and you will gain the ability to execute your goals no matter what it takes. Tackling daily challenges help build character just as lifting weights builds muscle.