By Oyewole O. Sarumi
In the modern age of corporate hustle, there’s an overwhelming emphasis on career progression, long hours, and the chase for professional accolades.
We are told that hard work in our job is the secret to climbing the ladder, gaining promotions, and finding success. But there’s a deeper truth that often gets overshadowed in this fast-paced, performance-driven world: the most significant work you can do isn’t on your job—it’s on yourself.
Jim Rohn’s timeless advice, “Work harder on yourself than on your job,” may sound counterintuitive in a world obsessed with tangible achievements, but it encapsulates a fundamental principle for success that many overlook.
What if the secret to lasting career success isn’t just about working longer hours or focusing solely on the job in front of you? What if the true secret is in becoming the kind of person capable of weathering any storm, solving any problem, and continuously growing beyond the boundaries of your current role?
In this article, we will explore why working on yourself is more important than working on your job. We’ll examine how internal development leads to external success, enrich the conversation by adding dimensions to personal growth, and compare the effects of both paths.
Additionally, we’ll introduce a story that parallels the process of self-development and its impact on long-term success.
The Power of Self-Development
The idea of self-development is not a new one. Throughout history, the greatest leaders, innovators, and thinkers have understood that personal growth is the foundation of professional excellence.
A prime example is the story of David, a young shepherd who became one of Israel’s most respected kings. While his job as a shepherd was important, it was the development of his character, skills, and faith that equipped him to lead a nation.
Jobs and titles may change over time, but the person you become—the habits you cultivate, the mindset you develop, and the resilience you build—will always serve you.
The principle that “what you work on internally impacts the world around you” is supported by decades of research in psychology, leadership, and business strategy.
Your growth as a person defines how you handle challenges, relate to others, and contribute meaningfully to your environment. The more you invest in working on yourself, the greater the impact you will have on your job and, ultimately, your career.
How Working on Yourself Transforms Your Career
While the idea of working on yourself may seem vague, it’s actually a structured and multi-dimensional process. Let’s break it down into core areas that contribute to overall personal growth and career success:
1. Mental and Emotional Mastery
Your thoughts and emotions shape your actions. Therefore, mastering your mindset and emotions is crucial for success. The way you think about yourself, others, and the world around you plays a massive role in determining your life’s trajectory.
By cultivating emotional intelligence, you can navigate interpersonal dynamics more effectively, manage stress, and make decisions with clarity.
Additionally, emotional resilience—the ability to recover from setbacks and remain focused on your goals—is one of the most powerful traits a leader can possess.
People who develop mental fortitude are less likely to be swayed by external challenges or negative circumstances.
By consistently working on your mindset, you transform obstacles into opportunities and learn to persevere, even when the going gets tough.
2. Intellectual Growth and Learning
The world today is rapidly changing, and if you don’t continue to learn, you risk becoming obsolete. Working on yourself means investing in knowledge and understanding beyond your immediate role.
Whether it’s reading, attending courses, or engaging in intellectual discussions, broadening your knowledge base will ensure you stay ahead of the curve.
In addition to technical skills, the future of work demands that we cultivate critical thinking, strategic decision-making, and problem-solving abilities.
The most successful professionals are those who never stop learning and continually seek out new skills that push them out of their comfort zones.
By doing so, you not only increase your value in your current job but position yourself for future opportunities and leadership roles.
3. Physical Health and Wellness
Too often, professionals overlook their physical well-being in the pursuit of success. But physical health is foundational to performing well in any job. When you prioritize fitness, nutrition, and rest, you are better equipped to handle the demands of your career.
A healthy body supports a sharp mind, enhances focus, and increases productivity. Working on yourself, therefore, includes taking care of your physical health. This could mean exercising regularly, eating a balanced diet, or simply ensuring you get enough sleep.
By maintaining good physical health, you create the energy and endurance needed to tackle your job’s demands and sustain a long-term career trajectory.
4. Building Relationships and Networking
Success is rarely a solo journey. Building meaningful relationships and expanding your network are critical to both personal and professional growth. Strong relationships provide support, mentorship, and opportunities that would otherwise be out of reach.
Networking doesn’t just mean attending events or exchanging business cards; it’s about genuinely connecting with people and adding value to their lives. When you work on your ability to build and nurture relationships, you open doors to collaboration, partnership, and even leadership opportunities.
5. Character Development and Integrity
Your character is what ultimately sustains you in the long run. While talent and skill may help you get your foot in the door, your integrity and consistency are what keep you there. Being a person of character means making ethical choices, showing humility, and standing firm in your values, even when it’s difficult.
Character development doesn’t happen overnight—it’s the cumulative result of small, consistent actions. Working on yourself means taking the time to reflect on your decisions, acknowledge your flaws, and work to become a better person every day. As you grow in character, you build trust and respect—both of which are essential for effective leadership and lasting success.
6. Financial Intelligence and Independence
Another vital aspect of working on yourself is improving your financial literacy. Success in your career doesn’t just come from earning a salary; it comes from managing, investing, and growing your wealth. Financial independence allows you to make decisions based on your values, not just out of necessity.
Working on your financial knowledge—whether it’s learning about investments, understanding budgeting, or building passive income streams—will put you in a position of strength, allowing you to focus on your long-term goals rather than worrying about immediate financial pressures.
Working Hard on Your Job vs. Working on Yourself: A Comparison
Here’s a more detailed breakdown comparing working hard on your job versus working on yourself:
As this table shows, working on your job may help you meet immediate goals, but working on yourself ensures that you have the long-term capabilities, mindset, and resilience needed to thrive no matter what the future holds.
A Closing Story: The Blacksmith and the Metalsmith
Consider the story of two artisans, a blacksmith and a metalsmith, who worked in the same town. The blacksmith focused only on forging the best swords, refining his skills to produce flawless weapons. He worked tirelessly, honing his craft to perfection, but his vision remained narrow—focused solely on the material he shaped.
The metalsmith, on the other hand, was also concerned with perfecting his craft but took a different approach. He studied metallurgy, the properties of different metals, and the science behind heat treatment. Over the years, he mastered the art of creating not just better weapons, but tools and machinery that would change the industry forever. His knowledge expanded beyond the immediate task at hand.
As the years passed, the blacksmith’s fame waned, his craftsmanship still strong but outdated. The metalsmith, however, was sought after far and wide. He had not only worked on his craft but had developed himself into an innovator and a leader in his field. The company he built became a thriving enterprise, influencing the entire town and beyond.
This story illustrates the difference between working only on your job and working on yourself. While the blacksmith focused solely on refining his current role, the metalsmith invested in personal growth, understanding the deeper elements of his craft, and expanding his capabilities.
Conclusion: Invest in Yourself for Long-Term Success
While focusing on your job can yield immediate benefits—such as recognition, income, and short-term goals—the true secret to long-term success lies in working on yourself.
By investing in your mindset, skills, character, and overall personal development, you create a foundation that not only supports your career but also positions you for sustained growth and fulfillment.
As you work on yourself, you will become the kind of person who can tackle challenges, create opportunities, and make an enduring impact wherever you go.
In a world that constantly changes, it is the person you become—your character, wisdom, and resilience—that will determine your true success. So, take the time today to start working on yourself. The rewards will not only benefit your job—they will benefit your life.
