Hard Work: A Student's Perspective on Authenticity and Balance

Hey team!

Lately, I’ve been reflecting on what hard work truly means. I’ve noticed that when I prioritize self-care—like nourishing my body, getting enough sleep, and being emotionally aware—I feel energized and focused. This has made me realize that hard work is not just about grinding away; it’s about taking care of myself so that I can show up fully each day.

There’s a common belief that if successful people work long hours, I should too if I want to achieve the same success. However, this mindset is misleading. Success isn't just about how much we produce or the hours we clock in; it’s about the quality of our experiences and how fulfilled we feel. I’ve come to understand that true success comes from aligning my efforts with my values rather than simply measuring achievements.

For me, one of the most important aspects of hard work is self-care. I make it a point to turn off my computer by nine o'clock each night. I know that the work I might do late at night is often less meaningful than ensuring I get adequate rest. When I choose to step away, I’m not just prioritizing sleep; I’m giving myself the chance to perform at my best the next day. Taking care of our biology—our physical and mental health—is foundational to sustaining any kind of hard work.

In the past, I used to rely on caffeine, skip meals, or push through sleep deprivation to work more. But I quickly realized that these habits took a toll on my overall well-being. My performance suffered, and I became trapped in a cycle just to get through the day. Eventually, I learned that nothing is more valuable than my body's ability to function at its best. No project, grade, or extra spending money can outweigh the importance of health. It's not always obvious at first, but evolution has gifted us with an incredible biology. Our biology is our nature which is dependent on nurture to reach our ultimate potential. Real food, movement, sleep, and connection with others are the tools I now use to maintain balance.

This holistic approach to self-care naturally leads me to another realization: the quality of our effort matters more than the quantity. Being intentional with my tasks is key. When I approach my studies with mindfulness, I can find meaning in the work I’m doing rather than just completing assignments for the sake of it. I remind myself that I am not above the task at hand. This mindset helps me avoid the traps of ego and entitlement, allowing me to focus on the positive impact I can have.

In the past, I would stay up late studying just to hit some arbitrary quota of effort, but it often felt empty. What was my effort really about? Was I trying to prove something to myself or to others? I’ve realized that ambition is often misinterpreted. It gets thrown around to describe "rising stars" or those destined for greatness, but that idea feels like entitlement. True ambition, to me, isn’t about seeking validation or pleasure under the guise of hard work. It's about doing the work, humbly, without expecting greatness in return. After all, how can anyone be "destined" for greatness simply because of their desire? It seems like the same kind of validation-seeking we see on the internet or with substances, just dressed up differently.

Now, when I care deeply about the effort I put into studying or working, I check my ego at the door. I recognize that I’m not special for doing what I do; I’m simply fulfilling my duty—both on a day-to-day level and on a larger, existential scale. Taking pride in my work in isolation from the countless factors that allow me to walk this earth seems laughable. I'm shaped by so many influences—my environment, my biology, my experiences—that I realize I can't claim full ownership of my "success."

Ultimately, I’ve realized that qualitative experiences—how I feel, how I connect with others, how much meaning I find in my work—are far more significant than any quantifiable measure of success like grades or hours worked. We are all equals, and our journeys are uniquely our own. We didn’t choose how hard-working we are (if you don’t believe me, consider whether someone you see as lazy would be any different if they had been born with your genes and lived your life). We also didn’t choose the opportunities we’ve had. Holding ourselves to unrealistic standards can lead to feelings of inferiority or superiority, which are unproductive. Just as I wouldn’t bully or look down on my younger self, I now try to treat myself and others with compassion and understanding. Every person I encounter, no matter how grumpy or spiteful they may seem, has a history that shaped them. I strive to value them as fellow humans, not too different from myself.

In conclusion, hard work is not merely about ambition or productivity; it’s about authenticity and balance. By focusing on self-care, challenging outdated beliefs, and valuing our subjective experiences over quantifiable measures, we can redefine what hard work means. I encourage you to reflect on your own definitions of success and consider how you can align your efforts with your true values.