What is Hard Work, Anyway?

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We've all heard the phrase, "Work hard and you'll succeed." It's plastered across motivational posters, echoed in graduation speeches, and repeated like a mantra on social media. 

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Over the past few years, I’ve heard the following statements from execs, CEOs, and founders:

• “They just clock out.”

• “I have no idea how to give them a real work ethic.”

• “No one goes the extra mile.”

• “I think they believe they’re working hard.”

But real hard work, the kind that propels you to the very top, isn't just about long hours or burning the midnight oil. It's a lifestyle shift, a mental rewiring, and often, a series of sacrifices that many aren't prepared to make. Leaders have become incredibly frustrated that it seems “no one wants to work anymore,” and I’m not sure if they’re wrong. It’s hard to find people who will work as hard as you do, and who are as committed as much as you are—so I thought I’d write this piece.

What does it really mean to work hard? This is what I’ve seen—and I’ll pull no punches.