Work Ethic: Earn the Reward Before You Cash It In
In a world where instant gratification is the norm, the concept of earning success before being rewarded is slowly fading. Whether in business, sports, or fitness, the expectation of recognition before the real work is done is setting a dangerous precedent, one that stifles growth, discipline, and long-term achievement.
The Problem With Getting Paid Upfront
Michael Jordan summed it up perfectly:
"When you look back at that era, Jordan, Magic, Bird, Barkley, we earned what we got. When corporate America came to us, we had a game that validated their admiration and sponsorship. Now, they get that before they play one first game. So, in essence, you're paying the kid off the potential. When you get something so easily, you’re not going to work as hard."
This mentality doesn’t just apply to professional athletes. It’s the same in any pursuit, whether you’re climbing the corporate ladder, running a business, or training for a goal.
When rewards are given before they’re earned, work ethic suffers. The hunger to improve disappears. The why becomes blurred. And in the long run, it weakens the very foundation of success.
Hard Work First, Recognition Later
As a personal trainer, I was often asked to encourage clients to “celebrate the small wins” or “smell the roses” along the way. While I always acknowledged progress, my focus was never on stopping to celebrate, it was on what comes next.
Recognising progress? Absolutely.
Using it as a confidence boost? Of course.
Taking the foot off the gas? Never.
Why? Because true growth happens in the process, not in the reward.
When you become too comfortable with small victories, you risk losing the drive to reach the bigger goal. That’s why I never saw the journey as something to be celebrated—it was something to be mastered.
Work Ethic is Non-Negotiable
Success is built on the back of consistency, discipline, and delayed gratification. Whether in fitness or business, the formula is the same:
Put in the work.
Improve every step of the way.
Let results speak for themselves.
Then—and only then—comes the reward.
The problem today? Too many expect the cheque before the job is done. The promotion before the skills are mastered. The recognition before the effort.
It doesn’t work like that. It shouldn’t work like that.
The Takeaway
Stay hungry. Stay humble. If you want success, put in the effort first. If you believe in your ability, prove it through action, not expectation.
The reward is always sweeter when it’s earned.
Now, what’s your take? Do you think small wins should be celebrated more? Or is the hunger for more the real key to success? Drop a comment or DM me—I’d love to hear your perspective.