Less is Never More

Actor, Mike Rowe, of the hit TV show, Dirty Jobs and now, Someone's Gotta Do It, often talked about what he called, "The worst advice in the world".  Rowe tells how when he was in High School a counselor showed him a poster hanging on the office wall.  On one side was a picture a smiling guy, neat and tidy in his cap and gown and on the other side, a sad-faced, dirty laborer, with the caption under them that read: "Work Smart Not Hard". 

                Mike Rowe has been an advocate for the skilled trades and those who, as he puts it, work smart AND hard.  Rowe said, "Hard work is its own reward, and the willingness to get dirty is in short supply".  I believe this is key to all success.  Yes, we do not all get "dirty" in our pursuit of success.  The point here is not dirt, but the willingness to do what it takes to work hard and get the job done.  That is what is in short supply.

                We have developed a generation who too easily believe that all the good things of life should be handed to them.  They have been tricked into thinking that a good education alone will open wide the doors to success.  Then, they find themselves with a stack of degrees in their hands as they stand in the unemployment line.  Mike Rowe also wisely stated, "We're lending money we don't have to kids who can't pay it back, educating them for jobs that no longer exist.  I'm no expert, but I'd say that's profoundly disconnected."

"Average people look for ways of getting away with it; successful people look for

ways of getting on with it."

- Jim Rohn

(1930-2009)

Author/Speaker

                There is a real lie that is going around that says you can avoid hard work.  You can, but you can also settle for a mediocre life with no fulfillment of any of your dreams.  People are always trying to sell others on the idea that hard work is bad or it should be avoided.  We are told everything from education will get you a good job so you can earn a fortune in your spare time.  Where did this come from?

                Here is the hard, cold fact: If you want to succeed in life, you must work hard - maybe harder than you ever thought you could work.  Hard work is not a bad thing but a very good thing.  Hard work develops character, integrity, a sense of value and confidence.  Not to work hard is not smarter, it is out and out stupid.

                Why do so few really succeed in life and achieve their dreams?  It is because so few are willing to work hard, stay at it and achieve.  Education is good, but it is not a guarantee of success.  We should learn all we can and work as smart as we can, however, that education will, for the most part, be outside of a classroom. 

                You have more potential for success than you know.  Do not expect others to show you how or give you help or to open the doors.  Those things will happen, but they are not the keys to success.  You are the key to your success and your willingness, commitment and deliberate actions to get it.

                While others are looking for the easy way, you will be well on your way.  If you are willing to work hard, learn all you can, and never give up, you will not know failure.  That doesn't mean the way will be easy, but then, easy if for the weak and unmotivated.  You are a success-minded person and you will live that dream.

You can learn more about Personal Development from author and speaker, John Patrick Hickey.  To get his books, training and book him to speak to your church, business or group, visit our website at www.johnpatrickhickey.com. Be sure to sign up for free membership and get even more tools to help you achieve your dreams.  

© 2019 John Patrick Hickey. No part of this may be reprinted or published without the permission of the author.