One can only achieve success through diligence, perseverance, and hard work. I’ve never met a successful person who displays poor work ethics or reluctance to achieve success without hard work. Without a passion for succeeding and an unwillingness to be industrious, opportunities might pass you by the wayside.
Many people might assume that I achieved my position as a CEO because I’m pretty or perhaps lucky. If truth be known, I’m the hardest working woman you will ever meet, and some may even describe me as a workaholic. When working toward achieving my goals, I have no limitations on what I can do since work is work regardless of gender.
My work ethic and inspiration came from my father. After he moved to Canada, my father worked as a machine operator in a factory, and although it wasn’t the best paying job, he enjoyed it.
His shift began at 8 a.m., but he would show up to work at 7:00 a.m. every day. He was never late and never missed a day at work. He was always nicely dressed in dress pants and shirts. By his attire, you would think he worked in a professional office environment.
He took pride in himself and the work he performed. His nickname for me was “Thinks”! He would drill this message into my soul. He would say, “Thinks” you commit to a job by consistently showing up and being a hard worker.
He told me once that when someone sees you, they will see you are black, think you’re lazy and uneducated. The only thing you’ll have going for you is productivity and dedication. You cannot be mediocre. You have to be the best at work and set a high standard for yourself.
When I arrived in Canada almost 20 years ago, I began my journey working in a factory in Brampton, making $6.85 per hour, working 16 hours per day, 5 days per week for almost a year.
This first job was the start of excellence, determination, and grit. I have continued to be a hard worker since that time. I’ve had many different jobs over my lifetime, each a stepping stone to where I am today.
“I’m the hardest working woman you will ever meet, and some may even describe me as a workaholic.“
I was constantly mistreated at one of my jobs because of my tenacity and independent behavior. Some of my coworkers would ask why are I was doing so much for a company that didn’t care about me? My response was that this demeaning arrogance was not about them. It was about me.
I decided that if I stooped to their level, I would be depriving myself of greatness and my full potential. No one should get in the way of striving for one’s destiny. Instead, I took in knowledge and discipline as I excelled at becoming my own woman and a successful CEO.
I will always give 100% when it comes to working and achieving my goals. If you limit yourself in the workplace, you are limiting your growth and success. Remember, it’s not just a position; it’s a work in progress.
Ask yourself whether you’re progressive or mediocre? Is your work speaking for itself with dedication and pride, or is it speaking against you? Your work ethic and performance are a direct reflection of who you are throughout your life.