The Power of Doing the Work ALONE

The Power of Doing the Work ALONE

You’re On Your Own…

Success often comes from solitary dedication. The truth is, if you want to achieve your goals, you need to embrace the reality that much of the journey will be traveled alone. This isn’t a call for isolation but a recognition that the most crucial work is often done in private, without applause or recognition.

The Quiet Work Matters

I firmly believe that what you do in private will eventually show up in public. It’s the quiet, unrecognized efforts that lay the foundation for visible success.

Here’s why you should keep pushing forward:

Do the Work When No One is Watching

This is when the real magic happens. It’s easy to put in the effort when there’s an audience, but true growth occurs in solitude.

The moments when you’re alone with your thoughts, quietly working away from the spotlight, are the moments that truly shape your character and skills.

When you work in solitude, free from the pressure of external validation, you are given the freedom to make mistakes, learn, and grow at your own pace.

There’s no need to perform for anyone else; you’re solely accountable to yourself!

This freedom fosters creativity and innovation, allowing you to explore new ideas and methods without fear of judgment.

You know deep inside whether you've given your all to create great work and create something valuable and you know when you've cheated yourself...at least I do!

Take your time to feel great about the work you create. Rushing to get content out or even delaying through procrastination can cause you to cheat your work. 

Trust your gut…you will know!

Do the Work When No One is Cheering You On

Silence can be deafening, especially when those around you doubt your efforts.

Push through it.

Their doubts do not define your potential.

Solitary work builds discipline and consistency. It’s easy to show up when others are watching, but the real test of commitment is what you do when no one else is around. Developing a routine and sticking to it, even when it’s difficult, cultivates a strong work ethic. This discipline becomes a part of your character, making you reliable and resilient in the face of challenges.

Working alone helps build self-confidence. As you develop your skills and see the progress you’re making, you gain confidence in your abilities. This self-assurance isn’t dependent on external praise but comes from a deep-seated belief in your own potential. Knowing that you can rely on yourself to get the job done, regardless of external circumstances, is empowering.

You may have a coworker, a boss, a spouse that doesn’t support you. Believe it or not, it’s more common than we admit. Rather than trying to prove something to them to only cause friction, prove it by the work that you do and the outcomes. Eventually they will see and hopefully believe. 

Do the Work When You’re Unsure

When you work in solitude, you have the opportunity to carve out your own unique path. Without the influence of others, you can pursue what truly matters to you. This authenticity allows you to develop a style and approach that are uniquely yours. It also means that when you do succeed, the success is genuinely yours, born out of your personal dedication and hard work.

There’s also a profound satisfaction that comes from embracing the process itself. When you find joy in the work, independent of any external reward, you tap into a deep source of motivation. This intrinsic motivation sustains you through challenges and setbacks, keeping you focused on your long-term goals.

Uncertainty can paralyze many, but it’s in these moments that persistence is most crucial. Even without clear guidance or immediate results, keep moving forward.

Do the Work Even Without Immediate Benefits

When you consistently do the work when no one is watching, you lay the groundwork for significant achievements. It’s the accumulation of small, daily actions that lead to mastery and success. Each time you choose to work instead of procrastinating, you make progress. These incremental steps might seem insignificant in the moment, but over time, they compound into substantial growth.

Opportunities often come without warning, and there’s no time to prepare when they do. By consistently doing the work when no one is watching, you ensure that you’re always ready. You build a foundation of skills and knowledge that you can draw upon when needed. This preparedness allows you to seize opportunities with confidence and competence, increasing your chances of success.

The fruits of your labor might not be visible right away. Trust in the process and stay committed. Your future self will thank you.

My Personal Journey

I’ve had to push hard when no one was paying attention, and no one cared. While I have an amazing spouse, he doesn’t always support the work that I do or some of the decisions I make. I’ve also had bosses that didn’t support me as well especially when I had some non-confirmative ideas. 

You might wonder, “Why bother then?” The answer is simple: I knew deep down that the work would matter eventually. I understood that opportunities come without warning, and the only way to be ready is to always be prepared. When the moment arrives, there’s no time to catch up.

Here’s what I do to stay ready:

Read Books

I constantly seek to improve my skillset or learn something new. Books are an invaluable resource for continuous growth.

I look at reading as a necessity for success. Leaders are readers. Successful people consistently read and continue to learn. 

Attend Conferences and Workshops

Even if I don’t know anyone attending, I sign up and go. Although I’m more of an introvert, I push myself to be there, be present, and participate, which sometimes is draining. The knowledge and connections gained are totally worth the discomfort in the end.

Reach Out to Successful Individuals

I call people who don’t know me but whose success I admire. Their advice and insights can be transformative. Even for those of you out there who are more social, I know it’s not easy picking up the phone and cold calling someone to ask for their time. It’s interesting though, that although I personally feel nervous doing this, the people I’ve reached out to have been kind and welcoming of my call. Not everyone will act this way. However, most people have a kind heart and want to be helpful, and it also makes them feel good as well that you recognize what they have accomplished. It’s often a win-win for both parties.

Engage in Educational Webinars and Online Courses

I stay updated with new skills and trends through online learning. I must admit that I often sign up for too many and can get bogged down in too many different topic areas so I’m working on planning my commitments to be more aligned with my current goals and focused areas I’m working on.

Write and Create Content

Even if no one reads my work or watches my videos and podcasts, I keep creating. It’s a practice that sharpens my skills and clarifies my thoughts. I post on social platforms like LinkedIn and X daily and I also make a point to spend time finding like minded individuals to follow their work and support them as well. There are so many great creators today and great ideas so I try to network with those that I find value in.

Enjoying the Process

As strange as it may seem, I enjoy the work and the process. It’s tough to keep pushing forward, especially when the path is unclear, and recognition is absent. Yet, deep down, I know that consistency will pay off in the end.

Your Dreams Are Worth It!!!

If you can relate, don’t give up. Keep grinding and trying, even when it’s hard. Your dreams are worth the effort. Consistent, solitary work is the key to being ready when opportunities arise.

Doing the work when no one is watching is where true growth happens. It builds discipline, confidence, and a unique path that’s authentically yours. By embracing solitude and committing to consistent, daily actions, you prepare yourself for the opportunities that lie ahead.

Remember, it’s not the audience that matters, but the dedication you bring to your work. Keep pushing forward, even when no one is watching, and trust that the magic is happening within you.

YOU DO YOU!

Three things to ALWAYS remember:

Be CONFIDENT!

Be EMPATHETIC!

AND ALWAYS HAVE PASSION!!!!