I Am Slowly Learning That Working My Ass Off Does Not Guarantee Success

I am slowly learning that working my ass off does not mean I am going to be rewarded, but that cannot stop me from producing as much as possible. I have pursued this career path because I am passionate about what I do for a living. Even if I did not get paid, then I would be following the same trajectory. I do not need attention to feel validated. I do not need someone to continuously pat me on the back and remind me I am valuable.

I am slowly learning how frustrating it is to be denied the recognition I have fought so hard for — but I am not going to spend my limited time on this planet complaining about how unfair the world is. I am not going to whine about how I should be getting paid more, getting celebrated more, getting rewarded more. I don’t feel like I am owed success. If success happens to come my way, I will be thankful. I will be appreciative. I will consider it a bonus.

I am slowly learning I am not going to wake up one morning and magically have everything I have ever wanted. I have to work my ass off. Not for days. Not for months. Not for years. For decades. I can never stop hustling. I can never take a break, even if it feels like I am already exceeding expectations. I cannot compare my journey to the people beside me, because their capabilities are none of my business. I am only going to aim to top myself. I am going to push myself further every single day.

I am slowly learning the only reason I want to reach success is because I have earned it. Not because I argued my way to the top. Not because I knew someone who helped advance my career. Not because I got lucky. I want to deserve my success. I want to say that I worked my ass off for years to get to my final destination without stumbling, without complaining, without creating a toxic environment for the people surrounding me.

I am slowly learning that, even though there are going to be times when I wonder whether I am moving forward or hovering in place, I should not be hard on myself. I am doing the best I can. I am working hard. I am working nonstop. I am not going to criticize myself, I am not going to wish I was achieving more, when I am doing everything within my power to reach my dreams.

I am slowly learning that working my ass off does not guarenteed success, but without that hard work, there is no chance in hell I am going to reach success. I might as well try. I might as well spend my lifetime pursuing my passions, so at least I can say I am proud of myself. That way, even if I am not commercially successful, I will still feel fulfilled. I won’t feel like I wasted my time here.