Chapter 1: The Reality of Work

We all have additional tasks ahead of us, and that’s an undeniable fact. The current state of affairs is just the beginning, and we feel that reality dawn on us each morning and night.

Take a moment to scroll through your feed. If you see someone burning the midnight oil, it’s a sign for you to do the same. There are no valid excuses.

Honestly, if you’re not putting in the effort, it’s fair to say you don’t want your goals badly enough. Consider that individual in Bangladesh who tirelessly clocks 12 hours at a call center, only to dedicate another 8 hours to his side project. He manages just 2 hours of sleep and 1 for commuting.

These circumstances aren’t for everyone, but let’s face it: success isn’t meant for the average person.

There’s still so much left to accomplish.

The world is both expanding and contracting at the same time. If you haven’t taken stock of your opportunities lately, you may have already lost out to a startup in Ecuador. Their team of seven is working around the clock to secure the funding they need to thrive.

And what about that woman in Ireland who has mastered her schedule? While it may be more rigorous than most, she has committed to finishing her tasks long before others even rise. Rumor has it, she is sacrificing more than what seems humanly possible—her desire for success eclipses that of many.

Meanwhile, Kevin in Cleveland has been awake for 28 straight hours. His determination is unparalleled among his peers, many of whom are satisfied with mediocrity. Kevin is driven; he wants to be prepared when opportunities arise.

There’s still a mountain of work ahead.

I have six books to tackle, two online courses to complete, a botanical biography to pen for a garden walk, a content calendar to refresh, and hopefully find a few moments to take a break. Too much fiber in my diet!

My “To-Do List” only grows longer; it appears that for every task I check off, three more pop up in its place.

Work is my primary focus.

A few weeks back, I had a conversation with a friend about balancing our busy schedules and how challenging it is to accomplish everything. His approach was to prioritize tasks based on their significance, yet he overlooked eliminating activities that yield minimal results. He believed certain commitments were non-negotiable.

I couldn’t disagree more. Everything is up for negotiation; everything can change.

My friend wanted to start a podcast and asked if I’d join him. Initially, I thought it was a fantastic idea. We compared schedules and picked a few dates. But as weeks passed and our plans fell through, I began to rethink the feasibility of the project.

What started as a week of planning turned into two. A month later, it was clear that not only was this idea unlikely to materialize, but my friend also lacked the time and energy to truly commit. After a candid discussion, we decided to put the podcast on hold. He expressed a desire to re-enter the dating scene, which I completely understood and respected.

What I realized was that he didn’t want it badly enough. If he did, he would have put in the necessary effort and found a way to make it work.

In contrast, I recognized that I wanted my success more than he did. I was prepared to make the sacrifices needed for it. If that meant being flexible, I was ready to engage in that process.

I am committed to reading more and writing longer. Pushing myself to the brink will ultimately make me stronger, and that’s the work I must undertake. It’s what I truly desire.

Where we direct our energy, positive outcomes are sure to follow. If you can increase your output, you’ll be better prepared for what lies ahead.

If this wasn’t called work, we might as well refer to it as play. And I’m fairly certain that if this were a traditional game of kickball, I’d hit a home run every time.

There’s no time to waste.

A couple in China is maximizing their efforts to enact significant change by investing extra hours.

A man in London is putting the final touches on his streetwear line as dusk falls.

A dedicated group of high schoolers hasn’t missed a night of studying, all aiming for a spot at MIT.

Two entrepreneurs, a home healthcare professional, a poet, a musician, and a 62-year-old widower are all putting in the extra effort.

As for me, I’m wrapping this up so I can dive into more work.

Chapter 2: The Soundtrack of Dedication

In the realm of hard work, music often serves as a source of motivation.

The first video, "The Isley Brothers - Work to Do (Official Audio)," perfectly encapsulates the essence of dedication and labor. It highlights the importance of perseverance in the pursuit of our goals.

The second video, "Vanessa Williams - Work To Do," further emphasizes this theme, reminding us of the relentless drive required to achieve our aspirations.