"Dreams don’t work unless you do. The middle of the journey is where champions are made." – Gary Vaynerchuk
Let’s cut through the noise. You're already off track if you’re out here looking for some "secret formula" to success. There isn’t one. No shortcut. No overnight hack. Success is built, brick by brick, by people willing to show up and work...EVERY. SINGLE. DAY.
But here’s the good news: You
have control over the two most significant factors determining your success:
YOUR
attitude and
YOUR
effort. That’s it. Everything else? It’s noise: external circumstances, industry trends, luck. Nothing matters as much as the mindset you bring and the hustle you execute. Let’s break it down.
The Exciting Start, The Sweet Finish, and the Messy Middle
The start of any big goal is easy. It’s exciting, filled with optimism, and the energy is through the roof. The finish? That’s amazing, too. You see the payoff, the results, the recognition. That’s the highlight reel moment.
But the middle? Oh, that’s where most people quit.
The middle is where you start doubting yourself. It’s where the grind feels endless. It’s where life throws curveballs. And this is where your
attitude and effort decide between pushing through or tapping out.
Attitude + Effort: The Non-Negotiable Success Formula
These two are linked.
When your attitude is up, your effort follows. When your effort is high, your attitude stays strong. But the opposite is true. If your attitude tanks, your effort drops. If your effort fades, your attitude crumbles.
So, do you know the actual work? It’s ensuring these two factors stay locked in because that’s how you break through when things get tough.
How to Protect Your Attitude (So You Don’t Self-Sabotage)
- Keep Your Vision Front and Center – Have a clear, detailed picture of what success looks like. Not just "I want to be successful"—I mean,
where are you? Who’s with you? What does it feel like? The more vivid, the better. When things get tough, look at that vision and remind yourself why you started.
- Feed Your Mind Daily – Motivation fades. You need constant reminders. Read books, listen to podcasts, or follow people who inspire you. A single quote at the right moment can be the shot of energy you need to keep pushing.
- Surround Yourself with Winners – Who’s in your corner? Are they pushing you forward or pulling you down? Have a mentor, a coach, or a friend you can call when things get rough. Make sure they believe in your mission—otherwise, they’re dead weight.
How to Control Your Effort (So You Actually Make Progress)
- Have a Plan, But Stay Flexible – No plan? No direction. But also, is a plan set in stone? That’s a trap. Create a roadmap, but be willing to pivot when needed. Success is about adaptation just as much as execution.
- Find Your Recharge Ritual – When you feel your effort slipping, don’t just push blindly. Step back. Do something that refuels you. Exercise, listen to music, and get creative. That reset can fire up your effort again.
- Know When to Rest – Hustle is excellent, but burnout is real.
If you’re running on fumes, your effort won’t be 100%. Savvy players know when to step back, refresh, and come back stronger. Sometimes, the best move is a strategic pause, not a forced push.
Final Thought: Be Ready for the Tough Moments
Here’s the deal.
Everybody hits the wall. That’s normal. What is the difference between those who make it and those who don’t?
The ones who make it are prepared for that moment.
Your attitude and your effort are in your control. The moment you fully own that, you start playing the game differently. No more excuses, no more waiting. Just execution. Now, what are you gonna do today to move forward?
