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Remember Hard Work?
By: Jon Gordon
Issue: May 2010

Why this old-fashioned virtue can lift you out of the recession and propel you to the top

If you’re like most people, you’ve probably spent the first half of the year fretting: about the economy, the stock market, the job market, the future. Maybe you’ve spent so much time worrying about what could happen that you’ve lost sight of the plans you had all along. You know—those dreams about getting ahead and aspiring to bigger and better things. It’s easy to get complacent, even in the good times. But when you’re paralyzed by fear that it could all be gone tomorrow, the temptation to lay low and not make waves can be almost overwhelming.

Don’t succumb. Now is actually the perfect time to get ahead. And the secret to succeeding has little to do with an impressive degree (or pedigree) or with knowing the right people. In fact, it’s not a secret at all but something society seems to have almost forgotten about: hard work.

Now is the time to start. By really pouring on the elbow grease, you can not only set yourself apart from the less ambitious around you, you can help pull yourself out of the fire.

Following are a few guidelines for revving your work ethic into overdrive:

Burn The Midnight Oil. Nobody expects you to work all the time, and like everyone else, you need the occasional break. These days your willingness to go the extra mile—and the extra hour—won’t go unnoticed. Spend a few extra hours each week at the office, or at home in the evenings, striving to get it done.

Be Willing To Bear The Load. Now is the time to step up and take on new projects and extra responsibilities. Volunteer to head up the new client account or to help out with any duties left behind when co-workers leave. Following up on new business leads might not be in your original job description, but they are tasks that must be done to keep the business running and your paycheck coming.

Polish Up Your Marketable Skills. Yes, money is tight these days and your time is probably even tighter. And the thought of adding one more thing to your schedule may send your brain into a tailspin. But if there was ever a time to add to your skill set, it’s now. Make a list of specialized skills that are important and that could give you an advantage, then research continuing education in your area and online for increasing your talents and certifications.

It’s a great way to increase your worth to your employer and your clients and to constantly keep yourself current.

Be A Penny-Pincher And A Pitcher-Inner. In a down economy, every single penny counts. Come up with a few cost-cutting ideas and new ways to improve the bottom line. And don’t hesitate to pitch in yourself.

Remember to keep your mind focused on improving your situation. When others are scattering their energy, you are practicing and zoom focusing on the skills it takes to do your job right. If you infuse your talent with hard work, passion and a drive for excellence, you’ll find yourself at the top of the ladder when everyone else is scrambling to stay on a lower rung.

Jon Gordon is a speaker, consultant and author of “The Energy Bus: 10 Rules to Fuel Your Life, Work and Team with Positive Energy,” “The No Complaining Rule: Positive Ways to Deal with Negativity at Work” and “Training Camp: What the Best Do Better Than Everyone Else.” He and his books have been featured on CNN, NBC’s “Today Show” and in “Forbes” “Fast Company,” “O Magazine,” “The Wall Street Journal” and “The New York Times.”