Beyond the Wheelbarrow: Redefining Hard Work and Embracing Resilience for Lasting Success

Whenever I discuss the need for hard work with people, especially the younger ones, many would say, “I beg to disagree.” They reason that if hard work was all it takes to be rich, then the wheelbarrow or truck (omolanke) pushers should be the wealthiest.

As a mediator, I was trained not to disagree with people but to see things differently. So, for those who believe in the postulation above, I think they apply their understanding of the word “hard work” principle to a narrow meaning.

Many people need to understand that hard work means applying physical effort in pursuing an endeavor. Hard work goes beyond the application of physical efforts to accomplish a goal. Hard work combines physical and mental focus on a reward-generating endeavor over a long period until success is achieved.

For athletes to perform optimally during competitive events, they must be physically conditioned to exercise over and above the time allocated to their events. For instance, a football match takes an average of 90 minutes. But routinely, the footballer does more than an hour of rigorous exercises before engaging in two-aside training for another hour-thirty minutes. But what the football fans see is a ninety-minute game.

In training, the sportsperson is taught tactical plays, which is mentally draining. The ability to remain mentally alert is what wins challenging games. People like Steve Jobs, Bill Gates, Thomas Edison, Richard Branson, and great inventors worked hard on their beliefs and passions to overcome.

So, when motivational experts say it is only working smart that catapults you to the top, that working smart takes resilience, mental focus, and the ability to see failure as a climbing robe to a successful end.

There is no alternative to hard work. But many say,” I have been working hard for years, yet there are no positive results.” Not being successful in a set pathway is a function of many variables.

First, we must use the correct principles and tools to work on the right things. Secondly, we ensure interval reviews and alternatives when we set on any venture. Thirdly, we should always remember that some endeavors do not materialize quickly. It could be a marathon, and to overcome it, we must develop the resilience to endure the pains of hard work. Fourthly, some quit too soon. Lastly, many embark on “busyness” working on wrong concepts without alternatives and exit routes.

Today is January 16, 2024. What have you started working on that the 21 or 40-day fasting would help you to achieve? If nothing yet, then the place to start is to ask God to open your eyes to the sources of value additions this year and give you the courage to unchain yourself from the wrong choices of the past.

Grace and peace!!!.