There are so many things that working hard can relate to. Are you currently on a diet and only eating healthy foods? Are you starting a new job and putting in a lot of effort? Whatever you are doing is helping you grow as a person. Everything you are doing has a purpose, and it will pay off very soon.
I recently just finished my second year at Ohio State. Most of the year, I was focusing on bettering myself and working hard to achieve each of my goals. One of my main goals was to become more confident.
Confidence doesn't just happen overnight. I had to really put myself in uncomfortable situations. I had to go into interviews proud of all of my accomplishments but also keep it humble. I had to really focus on school and make it a priority in my life.
I couldn't really see my results until a few months after all of these goals were being reached. I definitely went through a few slumps, but I just had to keep pushing. I kept pushing because I knew that all of my hard work would pay off.
I've realized that there are a lot of things you have to sacrifice in order to grow. This has been super hard for me to understand, but I know that it is essential. I'm not going to like everything that is changing in my life, but in a few years, I will appreciate it.
All of the hard work each of us is putting in right now will have a big payoff soon. We are so lucky to be in a country that allows you to do so many things. We are constantly learning something new and that is irreplaceable.
You may want to give up because you can't always see your progress on the surface. Let me tell you something. People notice when you are putting in extra effort for school. People notice when you go above and beyond at work.
What you are doing now matters. Keep saying this as many times as you need. Life is too short to be constantly worrying about something not paying off. Everything you are doing now will lead you to the future you are supposed to have. Keep working hard and keep your head up!