I recently heard an inspirational talk on how to become a great business leader.  The speaker mentioned the likes of Warren Buffet, Richard Branson, and Mark Cuban.  His anecdote focused on how these people all knew the news-cast personalities from the 3 am news.  Point being that great business leaders are all up by 3 am in the morning, ready to get a massive head-start on their competition.

Message:  start your work day at 3 am everyday and you’ll get ahead.

Marketing guru Seth Godin recently gave an interview in which he stated that he never watches TV or posts on social media.  He figured that gave him an extra 4-5 hours a day to think and work.  Message:  never watch TV, avoid dinking around and you’ll get ahead.

Author John Gardner once wrote that anyone could get published – or be successful at anything – if they worked at it 15 hours a day.  Entrepreneur Gary Vaynerchuk must have listened to this advice, as he commonly mentions his 14-15 hour work days as an advantage he leverages.  Message:  work 15 hours a day and you’ll get ahead.

As an entrepreneur you have to do some real self-reflection.  This is the reflection that goes beyond whether or not you have a business concept that’s viable.  It’s the reflection that asks whether or not you have the drive, ambition, and work-ethic to be great in your endeavor.

This is an important question, because the truth is that the hyper-energized businessman like Gary, or the committed thought leader like Seth, or the workaholic who can consistently get up at 3 am and start chopping wood is a rarity.

Most of us are unhappy (if not unable) working 15 hours a day.  Most of us lounge around in front of the TV in the evening.  Most of us must be asleep at 3 am.  Or 6 am for that matter.

In truth, most of us are more akin to Homer Simpson than Warren Buffet.  We’re lazy when we can be.  We drink beer and watch sports or zombie dramas on the tube.  We do our best just to keep our heads above water on the endless string of tasks modern life wraps us up in, from insurance to taxes to figuring out new cell phones, all while trying not to hit the snooze button too many times.

Message:  know yourself.

Gary Vee also gives this advice:  if you like to work a 9-5 because doing yoga after work is more important to you than putting in long hours, then do it.

Seth doesn’t let us off the hook that easy.  He implores each of us to find our inner artist, to take advantage of the opportunities the digital age affords us and forge our own path.

I think both pieces of advice are valid.  But keep that 3 am newscast in mind.

Just because the barriers to entrepreneurship and professional independence are lower doesn’t mean everyone should quit their job as a “cog” in the system and forge their own path.

Because just having the tools is only one component.  People who make it on their own are also driven.  They put in the work, the long hours, the sacrifice.

Just because the internet is there doesn’t mean everyone can be an entrepreneurial artist that parlays into financial success.

Hard work has been – and always will be – mandatory.

When you listen to business leaders and self-help gurus who implore you to reach for greatness, don’t forget who you are.  The power of digital marketing does put the tools out there, but that snooze button will be just as tempting at 3 am.

Note:  Seth makes a strong argument about the “lizard brain” at work here, preventing us from taking the risks that lead to important work.  It’s valid and worth consideration.  The lizard brain is what draws you to the sun on your face, margaritas, and pipe dreams at 4:20 in the afternoon.  Remember that just because the amygdala is small and we share it with lizards doesn’t mean it’s not powerful.  Don’t fear your daring, entrepreneurial adventure.  Just be aware of the discipline and commitment it takes to do great work.  If you’re passionate, you may not need an alarm in the morning at all…