Don't Just Work Hard, Make Good Decisions Too

Hard work is something that almost all of us can say is valuable. It’s how big companies and organizations are built. It’s also how most of us achieve our goals. I don't want to undermine it at all. Hard work definitely something everyone needs in order to achieve any level of success. Working hard towards what you want is infinitely a better strategy than just wishing for it. Being able to put in the time and practice are work habits that everyone needs to be successful, no matter what field they're in.

As great as hard work is, it can only take you so far. This is where making good decisions makes all the difference. You need to be able to work hard doing the right things instead of working hard doing the wrong things. Figuring out the difference between the two is hard. It takes time and experience. You need to develop decision making skills crafted from conscious practice, taking calculated risks, and learning from trial and errors.

Think of it this way: working hard is an entry-level minimum wage job is a good thing, but it can only get you so far. You'll get raises and promotions, but in the long run, you probably won't earn as much as someone who started off in another field with a higher salary or in the same field, but higher on the corporate ladder.

You need to make good decisions that keep you away from dead-end jobs and ones that give you multiple opportunities for growth over an extended period of time. You need to make proactive decisions where you take the initiative, especially in doing the work that no one else wants to do or can't do.

Also, making good decisions aren't enough; you still need hard work. You just can't choose to go to medical school in order to become a medical doctor, you also need to apply, study, pass classes, exams, complete your residency, and much more. Making good decisions points you in the right direction, and hard work gets you there.

Roderick Conwi writes about personal and professional development at Nourishment Notes. He is also the author of The Procrastinator's Quick Guide To Getting It Done. To get powerful insights to enhance your day, join his FREE newsletter.