It’s the oldest term in the book, but in my opinion, there will never be a more important contributor to a person’s success than hard work. I believe there are exceptions to every rule. Sometimes a person gets lucky, and a success comes to them with relative ease.  But in the grand scheme, successful people have an abundance of discipline, and they consistently work hard. Personal success in the holistic sense, regarding personal relationships, career, personal fulfillment, family, health, and wealth, etc., takes hard work.  In a very general sense, I don’t define hard work in the sense of the total daily length of time working towards career and monetary success. I mean it, in the sense of being invested in whatever activities you choose to do. Reflecting your priorities, hard work may translate to being present and engaged when you’re hanging with your friends or on a date with your partner. It may mean being extra prepared for a meeting. It may mean being consistent and tenacious in your exercise regimen.

If you are present, engaged, and participate, you will already be doing more than most people in the same situations!

"(The) Dictionary is the only place that success comes before work. Hard work is the price we must pay for success. I think you can accomplish anything if you're willing to pay the price."

-Vince Lombardi