First Work, Then Reward

“I run on the road, long before I dance under the lights.”

– Muhammad Ali

(1942-) Fighter

The problem, and it is a problem, of instant gratification is far more than people seeking out cheap, quick thrills.  We live at a time when it is easy to get what you want, right now.  It takes no time at all to prepare a meal, do work around your home or gather information.  It is wonderful that we have the ability to create and develop such wonderful conveniences, however, fast and easy does not work with all things in life.  When it comes to success, you still have to work for it.

                I believe this kind of thinking has lead many into believing three common myths.  You have heard these before, maybe even believed them yourself.  Each is not only untrue, but can be highly destructive to the people who pursue them.

Get Rich Quick

                Anyone over the age of 18 most likely has been approached by someone, in person or through media of some kind, and told they can become rich in their spare time.  That is one of the most common lies that success-minded people have fallen for.  Everyone wants to be rich.  Everyone wants to be successful.  Everyone wants to do it with the least amount of effort and work.  Soon however, everyone finds that they get neither rich nor quick.

                If you want to become successful and to accumulate wealth, you had best understand and accept this fact: If you are not willing to work hard you will never achieve this goal.  A quick study of history will show you that anyone who has achieved success and wealth has worked - and worked hard - to get what they wanted.  Not in their spare time, because successful people do not have "spare time" as they work toward a goal.  Not quickly, for they were willing to do what it takes for as long as it takes to achieve their dreams.

Work Smarter, Not Harder

                Actor, Mike Rowe, from the TV show, Dirty Jobs, refers to this bit of advice as, "The worst advice in the world."  And I agree.  I do not oppose a good [I stress good] education.  What I do oppose is the idea that all you need is a diploma and you are on your way to easy street.  Reality is that the majority of people now graduating with a degree do not end up working in their field of study and the majority of them are not working at all.  Rowe also said, "We're lending money we don't have to kids who can't pay it back, educating them for jobs the no longer exist."

                What we all need to understand is that the only way to success is to work smarter AND harder.  Education is more than just attending classes.  Success-minded people know that they must be learning all the time.  Read books, take classes and be a constant student.  While you are doing that, work your butt off and you will see just how success is really achieved.

You Deserve It

                Nothing makes me more crazy than this constant bombardment of people tell us that we deserve it.  Deserve what?  According to our media and advertising agencies, you deserve to be rich, healthy, strong, well fed, have every convenience under the sun and to have a better mate than you have.  Here is the hard truth: Unless you are willing to work hard, do what it takes to develop yourself and put in the time, you deserve nothing at all!

                I know that sounds hard, but at least it is the truth.  Never be taken away by some snake oil salesman who tells you all that you deserve just because you live on this planet.  There is no free lunch in life.  Successful people know this and that is what makes them successful.  You deserve what you are willing to pay for in life; and by pay I mean to work for, invest in and learn.  You can have it all, you just can't have it for nothing.

                You matter!  You matter to the world and to yourself.  Remember to be your best, love God, have good manners, achieve the unknown and change your world.

John Patrick Hickey is an author, speaker, Life Coach and proud Scouter. To read more from John Patrick Hickey or to get his books, training and book him to speak to your church, business or group, visit our website at http://www.growthcenter.net or www.johnpatrickhickey.com.   © 2014 John Patrick Hickey