The One Thing Your Career Can't Thrive Without—And It’s Not Talent

You can't coach effort. Let that sink in. Say it out loud while looking in the mirror. Does it resonate? Whether it does or not, keep reading to find out why.

This idea, one that I believe in deeply, came from an old boss of mine who's now a Chief Revenue Officer (CRO). He brought immense value to the team by embracing this mentality, understanding that effort is the bedrock of success. And once you get it, really get it, you'll see why it's one of the most powerful insights you can have in your career and life.

Let's break it down. Effort is the difference between success and mediocrity. It's the fuel behind every achievement, big or small. And here's the kicker—effort can't be taught. It's either there, burning inside, or it’s not. If you understand this, you'll stop wasting time trying to light fires in others that just won’t catch. Instead, you'll focus on those who already have the spark, including yourself.

Now, let's dive in.

1. Effort is the great separator.

The people who put in the effort are the ones who get ahead. It’s not always the smartest or the most talented who succeed, but those who show up, grind, and keep pushing forward. Think about the colleague who works late or the friend who never misses a workout. They’re not waiting for someone to tell them to try harder. They just do it.

Now, imagine someone who doesn’t have that drive. They show up, sure, but they’re going through the motions. They’re clock-watchers, doing the bare minimum. They’re the ones who miss out on promotions, on opportunities. Because they’re missing that vital piece—effort.

2. Effort unlocks hidden opportunities.

Take job hunting, for example. The best opportunities aren’t on job boards—they’re in the conversations you have, the connections you make. The person who puts in the effort to network, to reach out, to follow up—they’re the ones who land the jobs that never get posted. They’re not just applying; they’re actively creating opportunities for themselves. Meanwhile, someone who only applies online and waits? They’re often left wondering why they’re not getting anywhere.

3. You can’t force effort on others.

How many times have you tried to motivate someone, only to see them fall short again and again? It’s exhausting. But here’s the truth: you can’t want it more than they do. If they don’t have that internal drive, no pep talk, no incentive, no threat will make them give more than they’re willing to.

But when you find someone with that intrinsic motivation, that hunger—you nurture it, you support it, and you get out of their way. They’ll go further than you can imagine.

4. Effort rewrites the rules of job hunting.

Instead of playing by the traditional rules—apply, wait, hope—you can rewrite them with effort. You identify a gap, pitch a solution, and show how you’re the person to fill it. It’s bold, it’s daring, and it’s exactly what those who understand the power of effort do. They don’t just look for jobs—they create them. While others are waiting for openings, they’re already inside, solving problems, and making yourself impossible to ignore.

5. Effort compounds over time.

The effort you put in today pays off tomorrow. But here’s the thing—it’s not immediate. The person who puts in consistent effort may not see results right away, but over time, it builds, it grows, it pays dividends.

Compare that to someone who only gives effort in bursts, when they feel like it. They may see short-term gains, but they’ll never achieve the sustained success that comes from consistent effort.

Here’s what I hope for you: that you recognize the power of effort in your own life. That you choose, every day, to put in the work, knowing it’s the key to unlocking your full potential.

Wednesday Warmup
Today, identify where you can apply more effort. Whether it's networking, a project, or a personal goal, choose one area where you can push harder.

Pick Your Focus: Write down what you want to put more effort into. Example: "Networking for job opportunities."

1. Choose One Action: Decide on one thing you can do to increase effort.

   Example: "Reach out to three new contacts this week."

2. Break It Down: List the simple steps needed.

   Example:

   • "Find contacts on LinkedIn."

   • "Write a personalized message for each."

   • "Follow up later."

3. Set a Deadline: Decide when you'll do each step.

   Example: "Research by Wednesday, send messages by Friday."

4. Track Your Effort: Note how you’ll check your progress.

   Example: "Count responses and set reminders for follow-ups."

If you're not putting in the effort, ask yourself why. What's stopping you from putting in the work? I'll explore this further next week.