“The dictionary is the only place that success comes before work. Hard work is the price we must pay for success.”
— Vince Lombardi
In our culture, an interesting thing has happened since the evolution of the internet and the creation of reality TV:
Our understanding of success has changed.
Our definition of this word has shifted to include those who are “Insta famous.” And in this shift we’ve lost our ability to comprehend how much work true and lasting success requires. Because we’ve found all the glitter and glam of fame enticing, we’ve believed that the internet can short-circuit our path from dream to realization.
Only as everything online is happening so quickly, we often miss how fast a shooting star cannot only rise but also fall. People who shoot to fame quickly, usually aren’t ready to stay there. They burn out rapidly, never to be heard from again. Or, they are seen years later on random game shows trying to reclaim their fame.
As everything online is happening so quickly, we often miss how fast a shooting star cannot only rise but also fall.
True success, I believe, is found in building things that will last. It could mean investing in the lives of others, taking the time to build a business or career, or creating a life outside our jobs that improves our world. But this also involves a good amount of time working in places where no one but God can see us.
Hard work isn’t glamorous, but it’s important.
In the US, on Memorial Day we remember those who have died protecting our country. On Veteran’s Day, we celebrate those who have served in our armed forces. But today, on Labor Day, we celebrate those who have worked to build our country.
Our country has many legacies—not all of them pretty. But one we can celebrate and reclaim is hard work.
Despite all the division we’re experiencing right now, there is still a lot of good here. There are still many things that those who have come before us, took the time to build so that we could enjoy them today. We are benefiting from the success of others that they may not have even seen in their lifetime. Our country has many legacies—not all of them pretty. But one we can celebrate and reclaim is hard work.
Let us rest today. Let us enjoy our cookouts, time with family, and our long weekend. Then tomorrow, let’s get back to the good work we have before us.
Photo by Andrew Neel on Unsplash
