The Illusion of Hard Work

Hard work is hard work. Let me expand this simple statement: hard work is not a function of how long you have spent doing work, it is not a function of well you have completed your tasks; it is a function of how hard you work. Hard work is an illusion; and to overcome this illusion is to understand the true value of work.

You may be led to believe that hard work can overcome any obstacle - it is a fundamental tenet of nearly every ethic, and seems like sound advice, if only we had the patience to follow it. But to follow this "wisdom" blindly is not wise at all. The key to success is not hard work, but smart work. The key is to cut as many corners as allowed, and effectively use your time - if you can finish 90% of the work in 70% of the time, why bother with 100% of the work in 100% of the time? We grow up in grade school striving for that 100%, but we are then thrust into difficult situations, and we find that we have never learned how to rush and prioritize.

Perfectionism has its place. But efficiency is far more important. Hard work is a means to an end; but it is not an end in itself. Spending hours studying in the library is not noble - far from it. The mark of a successful worker is not how long they need to work, but how long they choose to work. Be sure to always be aware of that difference.

(P.S. Yes I realize this essay sucked.)