Lazy people do a little work and think they’ve worked hard.

Hard workers work hard and think that they’re being lazy.

I heard that from a coach some time ago, and it always stuck with me.

And I feel that this message is more important than ever. We need to share this with our kids, friends, family, team – everyone.

And there is no getting past your work ethic. There are no shortcuts or magic tricks.

Of course, we want to work smarter, recharge the batteries, enjoy the ride, etc., too. But no matter what you want to achieve in life, it will take hard work.

And you can’t fake hard work, nor can you cheat the process.

Fundamentally, all of us are examples. We are examples to everyone around us.

So, what kind of example do we want to set? What do we want to show those around us?

With my kids, I have tried very hard to be a good role model.

I’m not perfect by any means – I need to work on being more patient and a whole host of other things.

But I do try and demonstrate all the traits and qualities that I believe will help them in the future. I want to give them an opportunity to be better people, not just by telling them what to do, but by showing them.

I do the same with those that I work with. I like to think that those who have been with me for a long time, professionally speaking, feel that way, too.

Of course, I am open to the positive influence of others, too, holding myself accountable to be a hard worker and a better person. I also put in the introspection and effort to work on myself.

I did not have that type of male role model growing up. So, being the best father is something very challenging for me. It’s a constant work in progress, and I’m always learning. But I’d like to think it’s all going in the right direction.

But hard work has never been elusive for me – it’s always come naturally. Whether playing baseball and being the worst player on the best team or starting my career at age 17 with no real prospects or direction, I simply outworked my problems.

In doing so, I improved to the point where I unearthed new, exciting opportunities.

In that way, hard work is a privilege, not a burden.

Just work.

As we close out this week and start our weekend, I can say for sure that I am going to continue to “lean in” to that process, continuing to put in the effort to be the best version of myself; for me but also for my kids, my wife, my friends, my coworkers, and definitely for my clients.

How about you?

-J.D.