AMVCAs and the Untold Story of Hard Work

“The elevator to success is not running; you must climb the stairs.” – Zig Ziglar

The AMVCAs took place last weekend and it was all glitz and glamour.  It was a celebration of creativity, storytelling and more importantly, a celebration of Work. Yes, work! That unattractive four letter word that many in our generation do not want to hear. For many of us, if it does not happen in five minutes, then we no longer want it. Everything has to happen fast and now!

What we see when we come to such Award Shows are women all dolled up and men looking all dapper. But behind all that fancy display are days, months and even years of sheer hard work. I am a filmmaker, I know how much work goes into creating something of value. I know how much mental, emotional, physical, and financial resources need to be invested into any creative work. There were days I was tempted to throw in the towel, there were nights I asked myself what I was doing. But I have learned that if you want to get things done, you have to work hard.

Have you ever tried something and put it off because it seemed too hard?

What are you currently avoiding because it seems totally impossible?

This is a fact: For as long as you do nothing, it would remain impossible. Quitting is easy, anybody can quit. That small middle where success and failure collide is where our true character is put to the test. Nothing extraordinary happens when things come too easily.

Hard work helps you build capacity; it helps you learn to manage your time and resources, it helps you learn discipline. Without hard work, you would not acquire the necessary training needed to manage success when it comes.

You think opportunities are scarce? I’ve got news for you; Work harder! It was Thomas Edison that once said: “Opportunity is missed by most people because it is dressed in overalls and looks like work.” Hard Work opens new doors, provides greater insights and results in deeper understanding.

Finally, I would say, be patient. You are not in a competition with anybody but yourself. When you put yourself in a place where you compete with others, you limit your potential for growth – because someone else has become the standard. There is no shortcut to success, I know it sounds cliche, but you have to climb the dusty and sometimes creaky stairs.

There is really no shortcut to success, I know it sounds cliche, but you have to climb the dusty and sometimes creaky stairs to success.

I wish you a fruitful and super productive week. Let’s do this!

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I was unable to attend the Awards last weekend but I followed it and it was a lovely one. Big congratulations to all the winners!!!