Hard work beats talent when talent doesn't work hard—yes, that’s the essence of what makes someone inspire to be better than they are. In a rapidly shifting world where the constant pressure to improve is seemingly all-pervasive, it's easy to wish to be someone better. So who is wishing this and why now? It's the individual, particularly in Western societies like the United States, amidst the socio-political shifts happening in the last few decades. With the value of personal responsibility dwindling and collectivism rising, it’s the perfect storm for this existential crisis. In these transformative times, it’s vital to remember that wishing to be someone better translates into good old-fashioned hard work and perseverance.
Imagine success: Where are the role models? The first step in wishing to become someone better is to set one's sights on true greatness. Where are the people who climbed the ladder through grit and resilience? They are often those from outside the spotlight—they are the family business owners, the self-made entrepreneurs, the disciplined officers in the military. They are the embodiment of pulling oneself up by the bootstraps—a term scoffed at by the progressives yet embraced by those who practice it. Forget the frivolous influences of glorified social media stars whose idea of contribution is a pithy hashtag.
Self-Reliance: The backbone of becoming better Self-reliance is not a myth, but a principle deeply entrenched in conservative values. This doesn't mean isolation; it means the ability to control your destiny without waiting on policymakers to grant you a better life. It’s about realizing that the tools to improve your life are already within your grasp—resilience, tenacity, and a refusal to rely on a nanny state. The sooner one accepts the truth that no one is coming to save us, the quicker personal growth occurs.
Hard work: The non-negotiable requirement The power of hard work is underestimated by those perpetually looking for shortcuts. The truth is uncomfortable but invigorating—everyone who truly becomes better than who they were has put countless hours into mastering their craft. The desire for instant gratification is an obstacle if not outright rejected; no real progress will happen overnight or through some government welfare program.
The Power of Discipline Allowing discipline to shape you is revolutionary in a society that celebrates comfort over challenge. It's often enduring the hardship, making sacrifices, and finding strength when things get tough that adds layers to a character. Discipline transforms drama into action and turns dreams into realities, steering one towards an upward trajectory.
Values: Compass for improvement No one becomes better without understanding and holding onto values. Integrity, honor, and respect are cornerstones that provide life's meaning. Observe those who might not immediately resonate with Instagram glamor but who lead lives of principles. Their success isn't an accident but it's strategically founded on core values.
Freedom: The ultimate enabler Real personal development is tied to the notion of freedom—specifically, economic and individual freedom. One isn’t truly free if they’re always waiting for bureaucracy’s approval. Economic liberty is a vehicle for innovation and an incubator for dreams. It's a simple but profound concept—where there is freedom, the opportunity for self-betterment follows.
Competition: An invigorating motivator In striving to be someone better, competition is a necessity—not a killer. Forget the voices whining about equity over equality of opportunity. Competition instills accountability, incentivizes performance, and encourages people to outperform. Even the tiniest competitive spirit makes individuals better, sharper, more resilient.
Faith: The spiritual pillar For many, including those of conservative persuasion, faith plays a larger role in becoming someone better. It’s an anchor, providing strength and humility. Having faith—whether in a religious context or simply believing in oneself—provides a worldview that transcends material measures of worth.
The Community Contribution Amidst striving to climb higher, personal improvement is nothing without a sense of community. Those who are truly successful extend their gains to better their communities. It's about uplifting others through your journey and remembering that contributing to the whole while remaining distinctly individual is a conservative tenet.
Accepting High Expectations Finally, embracing high expectations is crucial. While the popular narrative encourages mediocrity and entitlement, embrace challenges. Welcome rigorous demands on your time, focus, and energy. After all, to be someone better means aspiring to standards that the complacent few might sneer at, but the intrepid few welcome.
Yearning to be better is a sign of a society that's still driven and passionately invested in the future. So while others fashion platitudes about transformations that ignore these pillars, some of us will choose to climb the ladder of personal greatness the conservative way.