What are one of the only variables we can control in order to succeed more in life? It seems the answer is hard work.

Why hard work?

I believe hard work is both overrated and underrated.

Hard work ain’t banging your head against a wall. Furthermore, it doesn’t mean we must always be “working” (toilsome labor).

To me, hard work is seeing the work in itself as fun, creative, enjoyable, interesting, and worthwhile in itself! To create things in order to empower yourself and others, and to take on great and epic challenges, because it is more interesting!

Harder is funner

I believe if we work hard on something we truly believe in and care about, it is the apex of fun, enjoyment, and it is the optimal way to live life.

Insanely bold and audacious

A few years ago it was my personal ambition to become #1 on Google for street photography. After 2,000+ blog posts on the topic of street photography from 2010-2017, I accomplished the goal.

From 2017-2019 it was my personal ambition to become #1 on Google for “photography philosophy” and “photography entrepreneurship”. And I achieved it.

Now what? My next massive goal — become #1 on Google for “photography”. It might take me 2 decades — but slow, steady, and strong wins the race!

Why have an audacious goal in life?

To live a basic life and to accomplish basic goals is quite easy. To me, basic is no fun. I consider myself a child — and for my childlike mentality, I prefer great and epic challenges. This is when I feel the most excited and alive! The easy and boring route in life doesn’t interest me one bit.

Bolder is better.

ERIC