Hard-work as a metric for success

It is well documented that the best of the best attest their successes to hard work, determination, and a little luck. Far too often we set ourselves up for failure by setting unrealistic expectations and goals. If instead of shooting for the stars, why not each day build a step higher than the previous one. Though it may take much longer, the progress is tangible and consistent. You can watch your trajectory towards success rather then watch yourself burn up on impact.

If instead of using inches, pounds, and dress sizes as a reference for success and health, why not use tangible self reliable work ethic as the predominant metric. If you have ever heard of or used the RPE scale (Rate of Perceived Exertion) you know that it is a scale from 1-10 outlining your level of fatigue. 1= none 4-6 = moderate 7=8 = hard 9-10 = highest level of fatigue. It is all based on your personal perception of fatigue. Therefore, one day you may squat 225lbs for 5 and feel like it was a 6/10 and other days it may feel like the weight of the world is on your shoulders, 10/10.

Well, the idea of using hard-work as a tangible metric is similar to RPE. Where it is a two sided coin of "work completed" or "work to be done". If you show up, then half the battle has been fought. If you give at least 9/10 effort regardless of task, then you have worked hard and accomplished a 10/10. If you show up to the gym and half ass the workout you give yourself a 5/10, if you lay in bed and say f!ck it, i'll start tomorrow...1/10.

Regardless the decision you are always 1 point ahead of the day before.

Here's how it works:

Say we go month by month. 30 days in a month = 30 opportunities to get 10/10 = 300 total points.

If each day you simply wake up and throw your feet out of bed, you get 1/10. Workout and accomplish most of your tasks? 4-6/10. Go hard, complete everything, and do it to your best abilities? 7-10/10.

Regardless the outcome of the day, you are always putting one foot forward and getting something done. If we base ourselves off our weekly x/70 score or monthly x/300 score, we can clearly see whether or not we are working hard enough simply based on our own perception of hard work across the days. A monthly score less than 240 needs improvement.

Developing a sound routine and structured life surrounded with aspects of hard work will allow you to feel more accomplished.

Basing success off of inches, pounds, and dress sizes means nothing unless you are willing to put in the hard work. And we all know that with hard work comes these very things we want most. The best athletes in the world all seem to have the "best" bodies, the heaviest lifts, and the smallest waist lines. They don't do anything special but work hard, work effectively, and give it everything they've got.

The change you seek is within, and is only brought out through hard work and consistency.

Something to think about....

"Progression is built through consistency and tested by passion"

JB