They Are Not Jealous of The Work It Took
Dear Collective Family,
This week, we’re focusing on something that often gets overlooked when we see others achieving their goals or living the life we aspire to the hard work behind it all.
It’s easy to admire someone’s strength, success, or skills and feel a twinge of envy. We might think, “Wow, I wish I could do that,” or “I’d love to have that kind of life.” But here’s the reality: while people might be envious of the results, no one envies the grit and sacrifice that it takes to get there.
What we see is the finished product—the highlight reel. What we don’t see are the countless hours of effort, the early mornings, the sacrifices, the missed social events, or the moments of doubt that person pushed through. The sweat equity that makes their achievements possible often goes unnoticed. I had a former boss that would use the phrase, “just show me the baby.” What he meant was, “I don’t care how the baby was made and what it took to get here, just show me when it’s done.”
Behind Every Success is Hard Work
Every strong body, every thriving business, every personal accomplishment comes with a story of hard work, discipline, and perseverance. The truth is, the road to success isn’t glamorous. It’s filled with challenges, setbacks, and moments where quitting feels like the easiest option.
Success isn’t accidental. It’s built from all the small decisions we make daily—the choice to show up when it’s tough, to keep going when it feels like progress is slow, and to do the work when no one is watching.
The Price of Ambition
What most people envy is the result, but few are willing to pay the price to get there. Whether it’s putting in extra hours at the gym, spending late nights honing your craft, or practicing discipline in your personal life, there’s always a cost to achieving greatness. And the truth is, not everyone is willing to invest the time and effort it takes.
When you see someone else succeed, remember that what you’re witnessing is the culmination of consistent hard work. And when you feel yourself comparing your journey to someone else’s, remind yourself that the work you’re putting in—right now, in this moment—is what will set you apart in the long run.
Embrace the Process
There’s a saying that goes, “Success is never owned, it’s rented—and the rent is due every day.” If we want the results, we need to be willing to embrace the process.
It’s not just about reaching the destination; it’s about who you become in the journey. The discipline you develop, the resilience you build, and the confidence you gain from doing the work—those are things that can’t be taken away from you.
So, let’s shift our focus this week. Instead of being envious of what others have, celebrate their hard work—and more importantly, celebrate your own. Because no matter where you are on your journey, you’re putting in the effort. And that’s something to be proud of.
3 Things to Keep in Mind:
Celebrate the Journey – It’s not just about the end result. Appreciate every step, every challenge, and every small victory that’s moving you toward your goal. The journey is what shapes you.
Hard Work is the Difference-Maker – The gap between where you are now and where you want to be is filled with hard work. Embrace it, knowing that each effort you make brings you closer to what you desire. That statement of the difference between ordinary and extraordinary is that little extra.
Stay Focused on Your Own Path – It’s easy to compare yourself to others, but remember that everyone’s journey is different. Stay committed to your own path, knowing that the hard work you’re putting in will eventually pay off.
Let’s go into this week knowing that the work we put in matters—even if no one else sees it, even if no one else envies it. It’s the work that makes the success worth it.
With relentless determination,
Charlie
