How to Work Harder Than 99% of People

In our fast-paced world, success often hinges on how hard you’re willing to work. But what if the secret to outworking 99% of people lies not just in effort, but in identity? Understanding and harnessing the power of identity can transform your life, influencing your beliefs, behaviours, and, ultimately, your success.

Identity shapes every aspect of our lives, from belief systems to daily actions. Consider athletes who undergo intense training and preparation to compete at the highest levels. Their entire identity is wrapped up in being champions. They eat, sleep, and breathe their sport, adopting the mindset and habits that align with their goals. This concept can be applied to achieving unparalleled levels of productivity and success in any field.

Take a moment to reflect on your self-identity. Do you see yourself as lazy or addicted? Confident or shy? Healthy or weak? Your self-perception significantly impacts your actions and outcomes. By reshaping your identity, you can alter your behaviour and enhance your productivity.

Redefining Your Identity

Let’s delve deeper into the process of redefining your identity. Start by examining your current self-beliefs and how they influence your daily life. If you constantly tell yourself you’re lazy or unmotivated, these thoughts will shape your actions and reinforce a cycle of underachievement. Conversely, if you see yourself as disciplined and hardworking, your actions will align with these positive traits.

Embracing A New Identity

I’ve established a daily routine that maximises productivity. I wake up, pray, exercise, shower, eat, work, read, and repeat. There’s no room for deviation because it’s not in my programming to slack off or get distracted. Developing such a routine requires discipline and consistency. Begin by identifying the most critical tasks that align with your goals. Schedule these tasks at specific times each day, creating a structured plan that leaves little room for distractions. Over time, this routine will become second nature, driving you towards higher productivity levels.

The Power of Neuroplasticity

Our brains are incredibly malleable, capable of being rewired through consistent habits and beliefs. Just as coding inputs yield specific outputs, the inputs you feed your brain—thoughts, beliefs, and actions—determine your success. Feed your brain with positivity, discipline, and purpose. Reinforce productive habits until they become second nature.

Neuroplasticity allows us to form new neural connections, enabling us to adopt new behaviours and discard old ones. By repeatedly engaging in positive habits, we can strengthen these neural pathways, making the behaviours automatic. This process is similar to coding a machine, where specific inputs produce predictable outputs.

Learning from High Achievers

The world’s most successful individuals work tirelessly, unaffected by emotions or obstacles. For example, Elon Musk, known for his intense work ethic, often works over 80 hours weekly. He is driven by a vision and an unyielding commitment to his goals. Or consider Kobe Bryant, the late basketball legend famous for his "Mamba Mentality," focusing on relentless practice and improvement.

These high achievers exemplify the identity mentality. They have programmed their minds and bodies to perform at peak levels, regardless of their challenges. By adopting a similar mindset, you can train your brain to prioritise efficiency, productivity, and resilience.

Practical Steps to Becoming a Machine

Shifting your identity to that of a machine might sound extreme, but it’s a powerful strategy for achieving unparalleled productivity and success. Here’s how you can start:

Set a Routine: Establish a daily schedule that prioritises your goals and stick to it religiously. This routine should include time for work, exercise, and personal development.

Eliminate Distractions: Avoid time-wasting activities like excessive social media use. Identify the distractions that consume your time and find ways to minimise or eliminate them.

Reinforce Positive Beliefs: Continuously remind yourself of your new identity and the behaviours that come with it. Use affirmations and visualisation techniques to reinforce your machine-like mentality.

Nourish Your Mind and Body: Feed your brain healthy foods, enriching information, and constructive habits. A well-nourished body and mind are essential for maintaining high levels of productivity.

Tackle Your Tasks with Intensity: Approach your tasks with intensity and purpose, leaving no room for laziness or hesitation. Attack each task with the determination and focus of a machine.

The Competitive Edge

Remember, the competition is fierce. Many people desire success, resources, and opportunities as you do. By transforming your identity, you position yourself to outwork and outperform 99% of the population. Embrace this identity, attack your goals with unwavering determination, and watch your productivity soar.

Shifting your identity requires commitment and effort, but the rewards are immense. By adopting this mindset, you eliminate excuses, prioritise efficiency, and relentlessly pursue your goals. As you consistently reinforce your new identity, you’ll achieve productivity and success you once thought impossible.