First…toss out everything you’ve learned in school for a moment and listen closely to this simple, yet most important, lesson most universities fail to teach.
This lesson emphasizes the fundamental characteristic required to elevate you to the top 20% of wage earners within your chosen field. Employers eagerly pay dearly for those who consistently possess this priceless quality.
You may think I’m alluding to ingenuity, creative skills, or even experience…but you would be mistaken.
It’s true…folks with these wonderful talents will most certainly be found within the top 20%. Yet, countless others, with far less impressive credentials, enjoy the sweet fruits as well. And what basic quality is it that ties them all together…a strong work ethic!
Their character knows no boundaries, obstacles, or time clocks. Feeling inferior or superior is not in their DNA. They always show up early and never engage in petty workplace gossip…too busy looking for opportunities to learn more about the business and getting the job done.
Those with a strong work ethic rise above in every profession… business, medical, entrepreneurial, arts, manufacturing, sales, managerial…you name it, the list goes on and on.
Over the past 40 years, I’ve had the pleasure to have known, learned from, and worked with such people…and believe me there is no level of education or expertise which dominates this elite group.
Their formal education runs the gamut, from not finishing high school to doctorates within their field.
You see…you can have all the education money can buy, as well as every opportunity imaginable. But without the catalyst of a strong work ethic churning within you, you’ll merely blend into the tapestry of mediocrity, along with most of your other co-workers who are doing nothing more than just putting in their 40 hours wondering why they are being passed by.
Yes, having and using this strong work ethic not only separates the 20% from the 80% in terms of higher wages, but they’re the happiest as well.
Why? Because they have found a way to love their work…and you know what they say about that. Find a job you love and you won’t work a day of your life. I know this to be true because I have one.
Put it this way…literally, those I know who are the most successful in their chosen field have internalized this strong work ethic.
Just by sharpening this one skill to perfection you will:
a) Eliminate 80% of your competition.
b) Enjoy job security…be recession proof.
c) Be promoted over others.
d) Earn much more.
e) Learn to love your work.
If that’s not motivating enough, try this on for size. For those who have a strong work ethic, it has never been easier to get and keep a good job…and here’s why.
Our government, in an effort to help those in need, have made it much too easy for those who aren’t, to take advantage of our many safety nets.
The Catch 22 is…the assistance given is just enough to get by on. In many cases, it’s even a little more than an entry level wage. Therefore, for those who don’t want to begin the struggle working at entry level wages, which by the way, most of us face launching our careers…choose to stay home as life passes them by.
Consequently, this takes many able bodied persons, who would otherwise be competing for your job, out of the workplace for a very long time…bad for them…very good for you.
Listen…life, love and the pursuit of happiness is a wonderful opportunity we all enjoy here in this country. Please understand…this blessing is not a spectator sport…it’s a one-time shot of living life to the fullest.
Our capitalistic system is the way we play this game in our country…the rules are simple.
The ones with a strong work ethic learn to love their work.
The ones who love their work have the most fun.
The ones who have the most fun…win.
Now…put your diploma in a frame…get a job and begin building that strong work ethic of yours. Nothing…I mean nothing will take you further. Hang on and enjoy the ride.
If you like what you see, please share with a friend.
Bill Peak
