Work Without Excuse

“Hard work beats talent when talent doesn’t work hard.” – Tim Notke

There are two kinds of people: those who work to get things done and those who work at finding ways to avoid it. The latter are content to let others carry their weight, satisfied to watch from the sidelines while the real effort happens. This stirs something deep within me—a visceral frustration, an irritation that grinds on my soul.

Why does laziness provoke such a strong reaction? When I see uneven weight—one person pulling while others stand idle—it feels unjust. Even the phrase “Work smarter, not harder” irks me. Just work. Effort and intelligence are not mutually exclusive.

Yes, sharpen your saw. Yes, have a plan. But for the sake of all that’s good—get to work. Do something. Pick up a shovel and start digging. If someone’s already in the hole, grab another shovel and dig alongside them. Pull your weight. Be part of the solution.

Entitlement is a disease of the soul. If you create trash, take it out. If there’s work to be done, do it. Excuses have no place in my life. Neither do the lazy or entitled.

Show up, contribute, and make no excuses.