Business By Hormozi #184: The Power of Outworking Others

Talent vs. Hard Work

Ryan and Chris both started at the same company, aiming for the top. Ryan had natural talent—he grasped concepts quickly and had a way with people. Chris, on the other hand, wasn’t as naturally gifted, but he had something just as valuable: an unshakable work ethic.

While Ryan clocked out right on time and enjoyed his evenings, Chris stayed late, mastering his craft. He studied beyond work hours, asked more questions, and took on extra challenges. He knew that talent could only take a person so far, but the ability to outwork others was a game-changer.

The Difference Hard Work Makes

At first, Ryan’s talent gave him an edge. He was quick, confident, and effortlessly handled tasks. But as months passed, something shifted. Chris, despite starting from behind, was catching up. His extra effort compounded, turning into mastery. He wasn’t just working more hours—he was working smarter, improving daily, and finding ways to be more efficient.

Ryan noticed the shift but assumed things would balance out. After all, he had always been the “naturally talented” one. What he didn’t realize was that consistency beats talent when talent refuses to work hard.

How to Win Any Competition

A year later, when a promotion opportunity arose, both Ryan and Chris were in the running. Ryan assumed he had the upper hand, but management saw something different. Chris had built a reputation as the go-to person for tough projects. His work ethic stood out, and his results spoke for themselves.

When Chris got the promotion, Ryan was shocked. He had relied on talent alone, while Chris had proven that the ability to outwork others was the real differentiator.

Conclusion

You can impress anyone by simply outworking them. Talent can give you a head start, but effort and persistence determine the finish line. In any competition—business, sports, or life—the person willing to put in the extra work will always have the advantage. If you want to win, don’t just rely on skill. Outwork everyone else, and success will follow.