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It’s All About Hard Work - Not Luck!

by Darlene McDaniel on March 15th, 2007

By definition, Luck can be defined as a chance happening, as that which is beyond the control of a person. Many people believe you make your own luck in any given situation, including the job opportunities they get.

I have to say up front, I don’t agree. Luck can’t be it. By definition, it is beyond the control of the person. I believe you have a lot of control over your career, over your education and over how strong your skills and abilities are, that you offer to a potential or current employer. Abraham Lincoln used to say, "The harder I work, the luckier I get." and Thomas Jefferson said, "I’m a great believer in Luck and I find the harder I work, the more I have of it." YES! It’s about hard work! I found and article by Steve Pavlina that you should read about hard work. 

Here is a snippet:

"Most people will do what’s easiest and avoid hard work — and that’s precisely why you should do the opposite. The superficial opportunities of life will be attacked by hordes of people seeking what’s easy. The much tougher challenges will usually see a lot less competition and a lot more opportunity."

 In my opinion we have much control over the sweat equity we invest in every area of our life, including your job search, your interview and ultimately the job you do every day for your employer.You are responsible for strengthening your skills and abilities. You are responsible for your work ethic. It is not a matter of Luck, it’s all about how hard you are willing to work.

Here’s another snippet from Steve Pavlina:  

"When you discipline yourself to do what is hard, you gain access to a realm of results that are denied everyone else. The willingness to do what is difficult is like having a key to a special private treasure room. The nice thing about hard work is that it’s universal. It doesn’t matter what industry you’re in — hard work can be used to achieve positive long-term results regardless of the specifics.

 "As you think on these things, let me leave you with a quote from Oprah Winfrey, she says, “The big secret in life is that there is no big secret. Whatever your goal, you can get there if you are willing to work hard.”

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POSTED IN: Coach's Cornor, Marketing YOUrself, Preparation & Planning