On Career Development: The Harder You Work The Luckier You Get

I am a great believer in luck, and I find the harder I work, the more I have of it.

~ Thomas Jefferson

I have also heard this expressed as “the harder I work, the luckier I get.”  I have found this to be to be true in my career.  I do believe luck plays a role in achievement and success, but I also have found that luck and success are directly correlated to persistent effort.

A great story to illustrate this principle is found in the movie The Pursuit of Happyness, a biographical drama film based on Chris Gardner’s nearly one-year struggle with homelessness and how he worked hard to provide for his son while securing a coveted job as a stock broker with Dean Witter.  Will Smith does a wonderful job portraying Mr. Gardner and I recommend the film.

For a short inspirational clip showing Chris receiving the job at Dean Witter, click here.  It’s just under four minutes in length.

If you believe in yourself and your vision, work hard to achieve it.  It’s amazing the doors that open as you move toward your goals.  There will be set backs for sure.  Expect them.  However, learn from them and keep going.  It’s all part of your personal development.  Experience is the best teacher there is.

~SLE