I like having options do you? I'm not really talking about anything in particular just in general. 

Senior year of high school I had this friend named Steven. Steven was bright, talented and dedicated to his academics. I remember one time in English class Steven was haggling with the teach to change his grade from a 97% to a 100% because he didn't think something was fair.

I asked him, "Steven, what are you really trying to accomplish here? You're already in the running for class valedictorian, you did awesome on the SAT's and you have plenty of extra curricular activities; you can get into any college you want. Are you trying to complete for a top spot at Harvard or something?" He then explained something to me I'll never forget. 

He told me he really didn't have any idea what college he wanted to go to. Maybe Harvard maybe a community college for a year, he really didn't know. Steven wasn't working hard because he knew where he needed to be, he was working hard because when it came the time to make a decsision he wanted the option to go anywhere he wanted to - it was that simple. 

This idea has stuck with me ever since and something I remind myself of often, which helps drive me to work harder. Currently much of my life revolves around health and fitness but this applies to any field. I don't work hard to compete on American Ninja Warrior or so I can run a 10k. I work hard so that when the time comes I'll have the option of saying yes or no and not have to say no simply because I'm not conditioned enough. I will have the option. 

I'd like to pass this same advice on to you. Don't work hard simply for the opportunity you see in front of you. Work hard so that when opportunities that you can't even imagine right now put themselves in front of you, you'll be ready. 

I believe it was Thomas Jefferson who said, "I am a great believer in luck, I find the harder I work, the more of it I have."