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When Hard Work Isn't Enough: Knowing When to Move On

#beatburnout #changeforthebetter #changingtimes #confidence #failforward #focus #mentoring #selfconfidence Sep 24, 2024
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This past week, I was sitting with a few athletes, reflecting on our undefeated season so far. There were a lot of positives shared, but one comment hit me hard. One player simply said, “Sometimes hard work isn’t enough.” This player is someone I deeply admire. He shows up early, stays late, puts in the work, and is well-liked by his teammates. Yet, despite all that effort, he’s not getting the playing time he wants because others in his position are performing better.

As a coach, one of the hardest parts of the job is finding ways to reward people who put in the work. In a competitive landscape, that opportunity can be hard to find. This young man’s words—“Hard work isn’t enough”—rang truer than I wanted to admit.

 

Why Hard Work Alone Doesn’t Always Guarantee Success

 

This comment resonated even more for me after witnessing what happened to two colleagues over the summer. Both were in senior leadership positions. They were dedicated, intelligent and made enormous sacrifices for their organizations. Yet, new leadership came in and decided to make a change in their roles. They were putting in the effort. They had the passion. But for one reason or another, it just wasn’t working. The truth is, no matter how badly we want something, how much we’ve prepared, or how diligently we’ve shown up—success might be beyond our reach. Those of us who have worked in senior leadership roles or top level athletics know that this lack of security comes with the territory the closer you are to the peak.

It might be because of talent. It might be due to external forces—maybe your boss just doesn’t see or value what you bring. Or maybe it’s plain, dumb luck. There will be times when things just don’t bounce in your favor.

 

Recognizing When It’s Time to Move On

 

It’s hard to accept, especially when every motivational post on social media tells you, “Never give up,” and society says, “Don’t be a quitter.” When you’re driven, and you’ve always been the high-performer, it’s almost impossible to hear that quiet voice whispering, “Maybe it’s time to move on.”

WARNING: If we keep pushing ourselves on a path that’s no longer viable, we’re not just wasting time—we’re also harming our own self-confidence and well-being. There’s real damage in continuing to grind for something that simply won’t materialize.

So, how do you know when it’s time to let up on the gas and take a new direction?

 

Signs That It's Time to Reassess

 

  1. The Joy Has Faded. One of the clearest signs that it’s time to reassess is when the passion you once had begins to fade. You’re dragging your feet to practice or dreading going into the office. If showing up feels more like a chore than a challenge, it’s time to stop and look for lights on the horizon.
  2. You’re Daydreaming About Other Paths. If you’re spending more time thinking about what you could be doing instead of focusing on what you are doing, that’s another red flag. Daydreams about different opportunities aren’t just distractions—they might be signposts pointing you toward a better-suited path.
  3. You’re Burnt Out. When fatigue and exhaustion take over, and you no longer have the energy to do the things that used to drive you, it’s a sign. We often think of burnout as temporary, something we can recover from by “pushing through,” but it can also be a signal that something fundamental needs to change.

 

Moving On Without Guilt

 

Here’s where it gets tough. When we think about letting go of a dream or goal, there’s often an emotional toll. We associate leaving with failure. We see it as quitting. I want to challenge that idea.

Not achieving a specific outcome doesn’t make you a failure. Success isn’t always measured by reaching a particular goal—it’s also measured by how much you’ve grown, what you’ve learned, and the positive impact you’ve had along the way.

I want you to take a moment and reflect. Look at what you’ve accomplished. What have you built? What have you contributed?

In fact, after that tough conversation with my athlete, another player chimed in. He said, “I genuinely notice how important the contribution of the players off the field is to our success.” Even though the first player wasn’t seeing the playing time he wanted, his entire team was noticing his leadership in practice, his energy on the bench, and his mentorship to younger players. He is making a massive impact.

Sometimes, you’re influencing the outcome in ways that aren’t immediately visible. Just because you didn’t achieve the specific goal, doesn’t mean you didn’t make a difference.

 

Lessons in Letting Go

 

The hardest part about moving on is the internal narrative that tells us we’re giving up. It’s that small, critical voice that says, “You didn’t try hard enough.” Hear me say, that’s a lie.

Moving on is not quitting. It’s recognizing that life is fluid. We grow and evolve. The path that once made sense might not be the right one anymore.

When hard work isn’t enough, it’s an opportunity to pivot and realign yourself with something that suits your talents, your passions, your opportunities and your current life stage.

In fact, I’ve found that some of the most successful people I know are those who have changed course. They didn’t just keep banging their heads against the same door—they found a new door to open. They used what they’d learned along the way and redirected their energy into something more aligned with who they are.

 

Knowing Yourself Is the Ultimate Victory

 

Whether on the field or in the boardroom, success is never just about the final score. It’s about knowing yourself, understanding your strengths, and recognizing when it’s time for a new challenge.

If you’re reading this and feeling stuck—if you’re grinding hard but getting nowhere—listen to that quiet voice that’s telling you it’s time for a change.

Remember, greatness isn’t about NEVER letting go. It’s about knowing when to keep going and when to move on. It’s about using the insights you’ve gained along the way to find a path that brings you fulfillment, joy, appreciation and success.

So, here’s my challenge to you: Take stock. Evaluate where you are. If the path you’re on is no longer serving you, don’t be afraid to pivot.

The journey is long, and success comes in many forms. Keep moving towards your greatness—wherever that might lead.

 

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