Sometimes Success Means Doing the Hard Things

By Maura Gergerich, Toppel Peer Advisor

Get up earlier than you want to get up.

Everyone loves those days that you get to wake up without an alarm at whatever time you want. Unfortunately, getting an early start to the day is the way to be productive. It may be super disheartening to be up before the sun, but getting where you need to be on time without having to skip breakfast will pay off.

Give more than you get in return right away.

Starting something new in life is always scary. College comes with enough struggles and then once you move on into the “grown-up world” you have to be willing to put in as much effort as you can and more. You have to be kind to everyone even though you may not like them. Not everyone you meet will be your cup of tea, but you will most likely work with these people anyways so it makes sense to learn to do it with a smile. You will be given responsibilities and deadlines that may seem crazy but prove to your superiors as well as yourself that you can deliver results that exceed expectations.

Try and fail and try again.

Sometimes success won’t come instantly. That’s just how life is. But, picking yourself back up and taking chances will make you a valuable asset. The only true mistake is one you don’t take the opportunity to learn from.

No excuses!

Your life is your decision. Take responsibility for your actions when things go wrong and still don’t be shy to take responsibility for your success too. Be willing to step up and lead so you can keep moving forward.

You have to do the hard things. If you go through each day just skimming the surface and doing the bare minimum that’s all you will ever get out of life. Your courage to do the things that scare you will help you grow as a professional and you may even surprise yourself at how amazing you are.