Hard Work is the Startup Cheat Code

I’ve observed that a simple yet significant key to success often remains neglected – putting in the work. This mantra, seemingly cliched and pedestrian, holds an immense amount of truth and potency.

Let me narrate an incident. About a week ago, I published a Tiktok video, a short clip of 41 seconds, where I expressed my need for a digital strategist. At the 30-second mark, I shared my phone number and asked interested parties to text me. Despite the clear instructions, it was surprising to see how many responses I received via DMs, calendly, Zoom, or in the comment section of the video, all proclaiming, “I’m the right person for you”.

In a situation where the instructions were clear and the task was straightforward, an alarming number failed to follow them. They missed the cheat code – the discipline and diligence to put in the work. This anecdote underlines a prevalent issue: people often bypass the hard work and expect success to miraculously rain down.

The solution is surprisingly simple, yet notoriously hard to implement. It’s encapsulated by three words – ‘put in the work.’ Be ready to invest your time, energy, and effort. If you find yourself wondering why success hasn’t knocked on your door yet, it might be time for introspection.

Let’s borrow a perspective from the former COO of Facebook and the founder of LeanIn.Org, Sheryl Sandberg. She once said, “There’s no such thing as work-life balance. There are work-life choices, and you make them, and they have consequences.” That principle applies here too. Your choices to commit to the work or bypass it directly correlate with the results you yield.

Remember, the most potent way to outcompete the majority on this planet is not through a secret formula or a magical shortcut. Instead, it’s through consistency, diligence, and the willingness to roll up your sleeves and get the job done. Best of luck!