"Trabaja duro trabaja inteligentemente y lo más importante sé igual de apasionado por lo que haces cuando nadie más te está mirando."

The main idea here is pretty simple: it’s all about putting in the effort, being strategic about it, and maintaining your enthusiasm even when there’s no audience. Working hard is crucial, sure. But it’s not just about logging long hours. You’ve got to use your time wisely, focusing on what really moves the needle. And perhaps the most critical part? Keeping that fire alive, even when no one’s there to see it.

Imagine this scenario: It’s the 1980s, and we’ve got Steve Jobs to think about. Jobs wasn’t just a guy who clocked in and put in the hours. He worked insanely hard, yes, but he was also immensely smart about how he did it. He knew when to push his team, when to innovate, and when to pivot. Now, here’s the kicker—Jobs was just as passionate about his work when he was alone in his garage as he was when presenting to a packed room. That’s the magic. It’s easy to be passionate when everyone’s cheering you on, but the real test is when it's just you and your project, day in and day out.

Let’s take a more down-to-earth example. Think about a student working on their final year project. They’ve got deadlines, sure. They’re probably burning the midnight oil. But the ones who really knock it out of the park are those who don’t just work hard—they work smart. They prioritize tasks, seek out the best resources, and maybe even ask for help when they need it. And the secret ingredient? They’re genuinely invested in what they’re doing. They’re excited about their project even when they’re alone in their dorm room, late at night, with no one to impress.

So, how do you apply this to your own life? Start by identifying what truly matters in your work. What are the high-impact tasks that will get you the results you want? Focus there. Next, find ways to optimize your efforts. Are there tools, techniques, or strategies that can make your work more effective? Use them. But above all, nurture your passion. Find what excites you about your work and hold onto that. When you’re excited, it doesn’t feel like work.

Let me tell you about a friend of mine, Sarah. She’s a graphic designer. Sarah works at a small agency, and she’s always the first one in and the last one out. She’s not just putting in the time—she’s constantly learning new design techniques, experimenting with her style, and pushing the boundaries of what she can do. Here’s the thing: Sarah’s just as passionate about her personal projects as she is about her client work. On weekends, when there’s no one watching, she’s still at it. That’s why she’s so good. It’s not just talent; it’s that quiet, relentless passion that keeps her going.

So, next time you feel like slacking off because no one’s watching, think of Sarah—or Steve Jobs. Remember that the real game-changers aren’t just those who hustle hard and smart, but those who do it with unflagging passion, even in solitude. That’s where the magic happens.