It is so easy to think and imagine a thing. In fact, the things you see were first thought of- they were created in the mind- before becoming a reality. However, it takes more effort to execute what you have imagined and what you have created in your mind. More so, it takes more than hard work, to achieve your desired result; it takes diligence.

Diligence is the quality of being productive. It is strategically working hard to achieve a purpose. In other words, it does not just entail hard work, as some think, but also strategic execution. Diligence is the elder brother of hard work. It is the ability to focus, persist, and overcome distractions. Unfortunately, we live in a world of distractions where both attention and focus duration go for a toss the moment you sit down to get a job done. However, only those who can work diligently on their goals win hands down.

How then can you be diligent?

1. Be Strategic
While hard work is putting in a lot of effort to get a job done, a diligent person strategically plans to get a job done. You can have one and a hundred goals written down, and you might even give yourself a hundred and one reasons to get the job done but if you don’t strategically plan on how to go about it, you may get frustrated and give up on your goals. Be strategic when mapping out your goals.

2. Be Sacrificial
You must have admired a great person around you. You must have even said to yourself that you’d love to be like them when you grow up. The truth is that behind the physical achievement is an unseen and not-so-recognized sacrifice. Do you desire their achievements or do you love the result of your desired dreams? Then, you must be ready to sacrifice – sacrifice your time, your sleep, wrong associations, etc.

3. Be Persistent
Persistency instills self-discipline and makes you focused and aware of what you are meant to do. A diligent person is persistent and dogged, in achieving his goals, even in the face of failure.

4. Be Committed
You must be committed to your success. You must be committed to your dreams. When you commit to a goal, your perspective changes. You begin to look at problems as solvable and hurdles that can be crossed. The entire focus, therefore, shifts to making things happen and finding the ways forward.

5. Be a Good Time manager
A diligent person is a master of time management. Managing your time wisely makes your life less stressful, limit errors, allow you to complete more work, and still have time for yourself. As a young person, if you fail to master time management now, you may find it difficult to maintain and find the right balance in life.

In summary, diligence is an exceptional quality to have if you yearn to accomplish your big goals, want to become successful and be known for your outstanding feat. Once diligence becomes a habit, you will work effortlessly, achieve excellence and experience extraordinary success.

Don’t forget to comment on how this has blessed you. Do like and follow also.

Till next week, be diligent. Be productive!