Remember that effort does not always equal results. Trying never guarantees and outcome. Working hard is no guarantee of achievement.

But it vastly increases the chances.

Expecting results without putting in the effort is betting on luck. Things rarely turn out exactly the way we want, but putting the effort in multiplies the likelihood.

Achieving results from hard work is far more rewarding than floating on the tides of chance. A job well done as a result of personal toil enhances our pride and our sense of purpose. The sheer mental satisfaction of working to get a result can overcome a huge amount of exhaustion.

Assuming that your “natural abilities” will carry you through is more than likely a mistake. Natural abilities are developed and enhanced through practice. Every attempt is practice and the harder you practice the better you get. Ask any artists, musician, sportsperson, entrepreneur.

Search for optimal amount not minimum dose. Optimal is the point at which the level of effort delivers the best likelihood of the target result. It’s where the ratio of progress to effort is greatest. Minimum dose is the least amount of work to see any progress at all.

Optimal effort is hard to find. It’s always preferable to be slightly over rather than slightly under. A little bit of additional effort is rarely a bad thing.

Don’t expect great things if you’re not willing to put in the effort.