Hard Work = Results

A Four Letter Word

You know what I hate? Excuses, laziness, the word “can’t”. In fact, in my household, can’t is nearly considered a four letter word. The only time it should be used is when you TRULY CANNOT do something. There is a big difference between “I can’t” and “I don’t want to”.

I think we all find it too easy to make as many excuses as needed to convince ourselves it can’t be done, whatever “it” is. What is your it? What is it that you want? Are your motivations pure and righteous? If so, it is likely that you CAN accomplish it. I say this because of the verses in John 14:13-14, but God doesn’t promise that He will do the work for you. Nope, many times His blessings require your efforts. This means you gotta get off your thumbs and get it done.

Set Your Goals

For me the things I’m always striving for are:

1. A better Christ follower and giver of myself.
2. A better father and husband.
3. A more mentally and physically fit person.
4. A better web developer.

What are your goals? What do you want? Make a list and put it in front of your face everyday. Hang it on a wall, put it on your desk. Focus on your goals. It’s amazing what will happen.

Surround Yourself With Those You Admire

I’ve also learned that it’s best to surround yourself with others that have qualities you admire and want to have reflected in yourself. Fortunately for me I have some killer friends that keep me grounded and will tell me the hard truths when I fall out of line. You know who your real friends are by those who are willing to hurt your feelings. If you don’t have someone like this in your life, re-evaluate your relationships. Kids are also good people to ask honest questions, they’re inherently blunt and typically say things like they are. I love kids. They don’t care about being politically correct, which is something we all need.

Work Hard AND Work Smart

It’s one thing to work hard. However, all the hard work in the world might not get the results you desire if not coupled with working smart. You don’t drive nails in the wood with a hair brush. Well, you can, but it wouldn’t be a pleasant or efficient experience. I’ve learned that a huge part of working hard and smart, is efficiency!

A couple of examples of efficiency I personally employ is SCRUM/AGILE style developing. This style of development keeps everyone on track and making progress efficiently.

Another example I would use relates to fitness. I like HIIT or burst style interval training coupled with weight training. The results are very effective and allows me to get in, get the work done, get results, in a relatively short amount of time, (around 25-45 minutes).

Conclusion

For me, “Work Hard, Play Hard” is an all encompassing attitude toward everything in life. Proper balance is something we all need, (especially me). Work can be very fun and rewarding too, so let’s get to work!