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The Myth of Hard Work: When More Effort Isn’t Always the Answer

Writer's picture: Amber HowardAmber Howard

From a young age, many of us are taught that hard work is the key to success—persistence pays off, never give up, no pain no gain. And while discipline and effort certainly matter, sometimes we can get trapped in a cycle of “more effort” without seeing results. In his book You² (You Squared), Price Pritchett challenges this assumption, suggesting that pouring in more hard work can actually hinder us from making the leaps we want in performance. Instead, true breakthroughs often require us to rethink our strategy, open our minds to new possibilities, and step outside our usual ways of doing things.


The Fly at the Window


In You², Pritchett shares a vivid example of a fly desperately trying to escape through a closed pane of glass. With each frantic attempt, it exhausts its life force, convinced that “if I just try harder, I’ll succeed.” Only a few feet away, an open door offers a clear path to freedom. Yet the fly never sees this alternative approach because it’s fully committed to the same strategy—trying harder—despite repeated failure. In the end, its effort is futile.

This metaphor shows how more effort and brute force don’t necessarily lead to greater success. Sometimes, the key is to pause, step back, and look for a different route entirely.


My Personal Revelation


Growing up, I remember watching other kids in junior high seem to breeze through life; they looked so effortlessly “lucky.” At some point, I decided I was never going to be that lucky. My only way to “win” was by working as hard as I possibly could. Over time, this approach left me burned out, frustrated, and constantly feeling like it was never enough. No matter how much I accomplished, I believed more hustle was the only answer.


Much like the fly in Pritchett’s example, I was fixated on doing more of the same—piling on effort—rather than rethinking my methods or mindset. Only recently have I begun to realize that real breakthroughs come not from doubling down on what isn’t working, but from trying something entirely new.


Where the Myth of Hard Work Comes From


  • Cultural Narratives: We celebrate stories of late nights, early mornings, and hustle culture. Tales of the “self-made” person can overshadow the fact that ingenuity, timing, connections, and luck also play huge roles in success.

  • Fear of Laziness: Many of us equate working less with being lazy. We worry that if we’re not always busy, we’re not worthy of success.

  • Control and Comfort: When we work hard, it can feel like we’re in control of our destiny. Changing the plan can be scary—it means stepping into unknown territory where our usual effort-based metrics might not apply.


Three Actions to Achieve Success More Fulfillingly


  1. Question Your Strategy: Before automatically adding more effort, pause. Ask yourself, “Is there an open door I’m missing?” Look for alternative routes, ask for input, or brainstorm fresh ideas. Often, small shifts in your approach can lead to exponential gains.

  2. Adopt a Leap Mindset: Instead of incremental improvements, consider where a quantum leap might be possible. Could you collaborate with someone new? Acquire a skill that drastically changes your efficiency or opens up new markets? Give yourself permission to dream bigger and explore leaps instead of steps.

  3. Embrace Ease and Flow: Recognize that working nonstop can stifle creativity and rob you of joy. Make space for rest, play, and reflection. Notice when you’re pushing so hard that you can’t see new opportunities. Often, it’s in moments of relaxation or inspiration that real breakthroughs occur.


Beyond the Pane of Glass


The next time you find yourself working harder without getting closer to your goals, remember the fly at the window. More effort isn’t always the answer; sometimes it’s about finding the open door. Breakthroughs happen when we release the belief that our value lies only in our hard work and remain open to new possibilities.


By questioning our strategies, adopting a leap mindset, and making room for ease and flow, we can transform the way we approach success. After all, achievement isn’t just about grinding; it’s about discovering the path that truly leads to the results—and life—you desire.

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