Hard Work vs Fate

Several weeks ago, I penned a blog that began to address what I call a “one better choice mindset.”

I began with a question–how much closer to your goals would you be if you made one better choice each day?

In a nutshell, the choices that we make result in us either getting closer or further from obtaining our goals.

It can’t all just be about choices, right?

Many believe that there is an invisible destiny that dictates their potential for obtaining success.

While this might provide you with a degree of comfort during difficult times, I want to challenge you to view your successes (or failures) as the product of effort and not just luck.

Urban Meyer, the current head football coach at the Ohio State University, discussed in his 2008 autobiography, Urban’s Way, the topic of fate.

Meyer, then the coach of the University of Florida and fresh off of winning the NCAA National Championship, shared some of his core beliefs about his plan to win in college and life.

While some may not like Meyer’s style or university affiliations, one cannot overlook his successes and his ability to maximize the potential of those he leads.

On the topic of achieving goals, Meyer asked “If you believe in fate, why do (people) work hard? Why not just hope fate takes over?”

Take a second to ponder what Meyer is asking here—his argument is that a person MUST work hard to achieve their goals and not just wait for fate to “take over.”

If this notion bothers you, let’s find a compromise.

If you believe that your success is the product of fate or destiny, why not work hard just in case?

What’s the worst that could happen?

I met with a student once who told me that whether they were going to pass an upcoming test was directly a result of fate or destiny.

This really struck me. I suggested to them, and thankfully they took my advice, that they should still study for the exam, regardless of whether fate had determined that they should pass.

What concerns me is when people choose to not put in great efforts because they believe that fate, or destiny, will save the day.

When striving to obtain your dreams, your regret should never be failing to put in maximum effort.

You will form a habit of putting in effort that exceeds what is required and leaving little to doubt about whether you can achieve your goals.

Controlling your effort level is far more productive than waiting for fate to take over for you.