Ever since I was young, the notion that hard work is the key to success has been passed down to generations. Parents always try to inculcate this into their children that hard work is the only active key to achieving all set goals. While hard work is undeniable essential, several other factors influence success. Factors like opportunity, luck, connections, talent, environment, and timing.
Hard work is not excluded when it comes to success. Many successful individuals are bosses in their field today because of the time and effort they invested. Their consistent efforts helped them build skills, develop resilience, and push through all obstacles. Hard work is a major tool that fosters discipline, perseverance, and problem-solving abilities all of which are crucial in overcoming challenges.
Hard work builds credibility and trust, taking a class for example, during my signout on Friday, we celebrated our class rep for his hard work, dedication, and humility in driving the affairs of the class. Anytime there was an issue, we trusted him to handle it well, and he had never disappointed us. This earned him respect among his peers which gave him the opportunity for advancement. He was determined in everything concerning the class and that made everyone love him. But just as hard work guarantees success, several other realities are overlooked. Many hardworking individuals may not achieve their goals due to circumstances beyond their control. Every one of these other factors also counts in writing a success story.
- Opportunities and access:- It's an obvious fact that people from wealthier backgrounds have it easier than any other average individuals. They have better education, better connections, and resources. Two hardworking individuals may have different outcomes if one has access to quality schools and the other does not. Opportunity is sometimes the bridge between hard work and success.
- Talent: This is one of the factors that accelerates the path to success. Natural talents pave the way for one more in life than someone struggling to keep up with skills or talent. Talent does not replace hard work, it only complements it.
- Timing and environment:- being in the right place at the right time is a jackpot. This is why many people choose to go in search of greener pastures because they believe it will give them an edge in life. The environment also determines the level of one's success; the rate at which one would be able to do well in the urban areas might not be the same as in the village because of limited resources and other challenges. We are in the 21st century, where the Internet is everywhere and everything we do, which is why you see the rise of many content creators; they are making use of the time we're in.
- Support systems:- a very important factor that cannot be overemphasized. Success is rarely achieved in isolation; emotional, financial, physical, and psychological support from friends and family can uplift one's journey. Many are out there struggling day and night just to make a living. The journey hadn't been easy for them because they had no one to call their own; they are all alone in the vast world, while some get things done at the twinkle of an eye. That makes a great difference in success stories.
- Luck: This might sound weird, but it cannot be overlooked. Luck can play a part in success. Unexpected encounters, or unplanned meetings can change one's life in seconds. While one can't rely on luck, its role cannot be ignored.
In an educational setting, I've heard several cries from my coursemates on how hard they prepared for an examination, and in the end, it didn't go as they wanted. Hard work sometimes doesn't operate in a vacuum. Hard work is necessary but not always sufficient for success. It is a foundation where many other achievements are built, but it must be supported by many other factors, as I have mentioned earlier. While striving to be hardworking, other factors should be recognised because true success often lies between efforts, environment, and opportunities.
Thanks for your time and your comments will be appreciated.