We’ve all heard phrases like “soft life,” “work smart, not hard,” “big God, small girl,” and others that glamorize success without the need for hard work or sacrifice. These ideas have become deeply ingrained in society, often pushing the narrative that success should come without struggle, hard work, or even the faintest measure of discomfort.
The truth is, many of us have been sold this lie—and some still quietly hold on to it, even if just subconsciously. It’s easy to believe when we see people boasting about the “soft life” with little to no visible effort behind their success. Those who show any substance often rely on motivational quotes and the appearance of wealth rather than real, measurable progress.
For those who’ve realized the “soft life” is a myth and have returned to the timeless value of hard work, kudos to you. But for those who still believe that success can be attained without effort or pain, it’s time to wake up.
The adages we grew up hearing—“No crown without a cross,” “After the rain comes sunshine,” and “Hard work is the key to success”—are true. We saw these principles in action in our families, communities, and our history. People worked hard, often in the toughest conditions, and found meaning and fulfilment in their labour. Their success wasn’t overnight. It was earned—through sacrifice, discipline, and perseverance.
In those days, hard work was revered, and success was a direct result of commitment. People worked late hours, trekked long distances, and pushed through physical and mental challenges, but they were fulfilled because they knew that every hardship would lead to something meaningful. There was a sense of purpose, and mental health wasn’t as fragile because people were too busy working toward real goals.
Today, we face a different challenge. The “soft life” agenda is tempting, with its promise of easy success and instant gratification. Yet, it often leads to depression born not from real struggles but from idleness and unrealistic expectations. We compare ourselves to others who seemingly “blew up” overnight, wondering why our hard work hasn’t paid off the same way. But this mentality is harmful and false.
It’s time to rediscover the power of hard work. Embrace the joy that comes from doing meaningful, consistent work. Reject the idea that success comes without effort. Surround yourself with people who respect hard work, and commit to giving your best in everything you do.
The path to fulfilment is found in diligent, purposeful work. Success doesn’t happen without the process. Focus on the journey, and let the results follow.