Hard Work DOES Pay Off

This past week has been good to me. Well, when you think about it, everyday you're alive is a good one. So, in that case, this week has been very good to me ... emphasis on very.

As children we all had our parents tell us that hard work pays off. My mom encouraged my sister and I to practice our tap routines every night and strive for perfection. And, when I walked up on stage to receive my first place trophy, all those nights of practice made me even more proud.

Also, as children, my sister and I didn't receive $10 for every A we got on our report card. I remember at the end of the semester, my friends would tell me how much money they got. Well, of course I wanted in on that, so I asked my parents why I didn't get money for my straight A report card. I'll never forget what my mom said ... "Amanda, we are never going to give you money for good grades. You need to get good grades because it's important for you and your future ... not for money." I'm pretty sure I stormed off to my bedroom for dramatic effect, but she was right (as she usually is). When I got into the college of my choice (Go Badgers) and when I was accepted into the journalism program, all those good grades paid off.

I have learned what a lot of people sadly never learn. Hard work and persistence really does matter in the long haul. Just like you're not going to wake up one day and be able to run a marathon, you're not going to get what you really want without working for it.

When I moved to New York City eight months ago, I knew I was going to have to work extremely hard in this dog-eat-dog city. And, I have. During this very good week, I was offered a great full-time opportunity with the company I've been working with the last few months. Then, on Saturday I had my first go go audition. Although I was a little nervous about getting on top of a bar, once I was up there it was as natural as dancing in my basement back home. I didn't get a trophy, but I got the gig. Yes!

Finding a rewarding job and go go gig was not a breeze. I worked hard for both of them. And, I'm glad that's what it took. If everything just fell into place without any effort, you eventually take it for granted ... and very likely won't give it your best. Once you get what you worked hard for, you're going to do your best to keep it ... and be better at it every day.

Now, if you ever become a parent, encourage your kids to work hard. And, don't pay them for their grades. They'll thank you someday. I'm going to go call my mom now.