On the one hand there is no substitute for hard work. On the other hand some people don't have to work as hard as others to to reach the same level in a given d

On the one hand there is no substitute for hard work. On the other hand some people don't have to work as hard as others to to reach the same level in a given domain. So the upshot is you can use this as an excuse or a motivator. If you're an optimist you look at those two sentences and go "Cool!! I can do anything I decide I want to as long as I put in the requisite effort." If you're a pessimist you look at them and say. "I'm going to have to work harder than other people if I want to some things" And if you're a realist you look at them and go "So, how much effort do I need to put in to reach my any of my goals?" and start prioritizing.