We all grew up being told that if we wanted to succeed in life, we have to work hard, but is this really true? Is hard work actually the key to success?
It sounds like it should be true.
More hours, more effort – surely that is how you get better results.
When we were at school, we are told to study hard if we wanted good grades and a good job. Spend more time doing assignments, practicing our instruments, reviewing the lectures.
Stay up late, get up early, and don’t party too much.
But does hard work produce results?
I have just supported my granddaughter to through year 11 and 12 in high school. She got the third top mark in the school and top girl, and this earnt her entrance to advance science course at university. Congratulations are certainly in order.
But did she really work harder than every other girl in the school, and harder than the other 96% of students in the state?
She certainly attended school every day, she did her homework, she put in effort. But she also worked at least three shifts a week at a fast-food place and enjoyed her weekends off. She did housework, cooked meals and earnt her 100 hours to get her driver’s license.
In other words, she lived a well-rounded life. The two boys that got higher marks also worked at part time jobs, played sport and enjoyed their lives.
So, what gave them the advantage?
I saw them study smart. They asked questions, they supported each other, they understood the game they were playing and played it well.
And they took time off to destress and live life.
Are they above average smart? Probably, but not in the genius category. Did they have other advantages? No.
This was a regional state high school with plenty of social problems around them. Each one of these three kids had major issues to deal with.
Could there be something else they are doing that most are not?
One had English is his second language and he only learnt it in high school. The other ran away from an abusive home. The third was from a divorced family.
None of them had an ideal time. None of them were at an elite school. None of them had a parent tutoring them nightly. They didn’t get any specialized help and they all had to work part time jobs to support themselves.
The difference that I saw was they applied the principles of mindfulness, into their daily routine, even though none of them knew this was what it was called.
Applying the principles:
- Intentional work
Instead of studying more hours they made sure that when they studied they were fully present, focusing on one task at a time. They planned their study time for each day and week. Even putting up weekly study schedule for their week. This schedule fitted around their work and sport schedule, including rest times.
- Mindfulness exercises.
This might not have looked like our version of mindfulness, but they did debrief their days, their stressors, the struggles. And they enjoyed their weekends off!
- Self care
They included heathy eating and exercise into their days and got a good night’s sleep as much as possible. (sometimes they didn’t get home from work until 11, so not into bed until 12 and then up for school at 7)
This approach isn’t just for high school kids…
This is how successful people achieve all the things they do.
- Intentional work hours
- Daily mindfulness exercises
- Non-negotiable self-care
This is very different from the “work harder” mantra that you often hear.
But does it yield results in the “normal” world.
In a single word – YES
Transformative approach
Reports from those who have tried this approach in the work environment report that it is ‘transformative.’
A marked reduction in stress is the first thing that is noticed. Being present in the moment. This mental clarity means that you are more effective when working and increase overall productivity.
Work satisfaction levels rise
It also means that work satisfaction levels rise. The intentional focus on one task at a time results in higher quality outcomes and this adds to the feeling of being more fulfilled overall.
Mindfulness and self-care major bonuses
The daily mindfulness exercises (deep breathing, meditation, EFT, journal writing) are an oasis of calm allowing for a sense of peace in what could be a very hectic day.
And the commitment to self-care adds a major bonus. Regular exercise, healthy eating and ample sleep leaves you feeling energized and refreshed. This then allows you to handle challenges and bounce back from setbacks.
A life full of success is about being mindful of how we use our time and energy and taking care of ourselves so that we can perform at our best both at work and at home.
Working longer hours, trying to get a million things done at one time, working late into the night, and weekends might allow you to achieve the current deadline, but it is a failure for a life of success.
Applying the principles
Applying the principle of working intentionally, not harder or adding more hours, produces profound results: increased productivity, improved work quality, reduced stress and enhanced personal satisfaction.
If you want to be successful in your business and in your life, then take note of those successful people around you and work less, enjoy life more.
If you would like to learn more about how to be successful, and have a great life – book a free 30 min chat here.