Hard work: whatever you do, do it with all your might and forget about the hype

Compare two quotes: 1) “Talent can beat hard work when hard work doesn’t have talent” and 2) “Hard work can beat talent when talent doesn’t work hard.” Both statements offer a principle to live by, but only one is popular (answer: see paragraph #4). Are they both authentic? The words of one of these statements were rearranged to alter the focus, but something else is controversial.

Famous athletes like Kevin Durant and Tim Tebow have repeated the popular saying giving it notoriety, but the person responsible for the original quote is only known by name. Google and Wikipedia offer no background and some say the mystery guy doesn’t exist. So where does Tim Notke, the alleged author, fit in? If Tim Notke doesn’t exist, is the quote authentic?

A valid source lends credibility to a quote by making it more impactful, but it is not required. Wording alone can be good enough for the popular and famous athletes who use it to add impact.

The goal of all of these angles of thinking is to use the context of the quotes to recognize authenticity. Tim Notke’s quote (maybe) (#2) is a great example of trying to figure out if the quote itself makes it popular or the celebrities who quote it. Trying to discern what is the power or exaggeration behind the words, some caveats are to determine the authenticity.

Just because a famous person quotes something doesn’t make it true, relevant, or authentic for everyone in every case. Does the quote even apply to Tim Tebow and Kevin Durant because they both worked hard, but they’re both obviously very talented? Also, no one disputes Tim’s hard work or success, but it didn’t result in a successful professional football career. Authenticity recognizes limitations.

Hard work can beat talent, but people who promote the quote of being able to do anything as mind over matter are in for big disappointment. Hard work is commendable, but many people have worked very hard to realize that without a certain level of talent, success is elusive.

Michael Jordan was one of the greatest basketball players of all time, but he didn’t make it past minor league baseball. Muhammad Ali was excellent at boxing and never publicly attempted any other sport.

When hard work authentically beats talent, there is a deep sense of satisfaction. The correct mindset includes: 1) gratitude for outside help, and 2) a humility that many things could have gone wrong and brought defeat. Sure, the thrill of winning the Super Bowl, National Championship, Pulitzer Prize, Academy Award, etc. against the competition is rewarding, but the outcome of an event doesn’t define a person.

King Solomon (Eccl. 9:10) said: “Whatever comes to your hand to do, do it with all your might…”, and adds to that “forget about exaggeration”. Taking this perspective positions a person to have little or no regrets and to use defeat as a learning experience.

Even when a lofty goal is achieved, the higher the degree of excitement, myself included, the more likely there is a dysfunctional mindset that this is the ultimate fulfillment. The internal dialogue might be, “If I just get my Ph.D. or complete Ironman, I’m done.” Depending on how deluded the person is in thinking that an achievement or award gives meaning to life, it depends on how big the disappointment is whether the expectations were met or not.

In short, quotes are a great source of inspiration. Acknowledging exaggerated statements within a quote will dilute the message. Understand that the source context and background are different from your own. Fitting into society’s projected lifestyle or idea of ​​hard work and success doesn’t define you. Be authentic, persevere and do your best in what you set out to do.

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