Life in the Middle with Sharona Patrice
Life in the Middle is the place where Sharona Patrice, Certified Empowerment and Life Coach, explores real conversations, situations, and reflections about life topics we all go through. Opinions you think to yourself or only say privately with the people you trust most. It's the space in between where you are and where you want to be in different areas of your life. This podcast navigates the highs and lows (and in-betweens) of personal life, work & career, relationships, and all types of life stuff -- because life be lifin'!
Life in the Middle with Sharona Patrice
Working Hard
We’ve all heard it — if you just work hard enough, success will come. But what happens when you give everything, follow the rules, and still miss the mark?
After hearing a well-known entrepreneur on a popular podcast share how she worked hard and used grit to propel her into success, I couldn’t help but think about the parts of the story she didn't tell.
What about the external and invisible elements that impact what success looks like? I’m talking about: proximity, privilege, and the quiet ways the ideology of "working hard" keeps people stuck. It's true, effort and hard work matter, but these are only part of what determines success. I share my story of how years of hard work resulted in being overlooked and undervalued, and how I approach success differently now.
If you’ve ever felt like you’re doing everything right and still not getting ahead, you’re not imagining it. This episode is for you.
Episode Quotes:
“Hard work doesn’t guarantee you a seat at the table. That’s the part no one wants to say out loud.”
“Sometimes the problem isn’t your effort. It’s the environment, the access, and the game you’re being asked to play.”
“The moving target is real. And sometimes, you’re being measured by rules you never agreed to.”
In this Episode:
- 01:00 I share how a popular podcast interview made me pause and question the way we talk about hard work as the key to success.
- 04:45 I tell the story of my grandmother’s work ethic and explain why it wasn’t enough to open the doors she deserved.
- 07:00 I break down how proximity and privilege quietly shape who gets access and who gets denied.
- 11:32 I open up about spending decades in corporate without ever being promoted.
- 21:00 I offer a new perspective on worth and remind you that your value isn’t tied to performance.
🎧 Want more insight around this topic? Listen to Episode 30: The Three E’s of Possibilities next on Spotify or Apple.
Connect with ME!
If you’re ready for deeper conversations or you want to close the gap from where you are to where you want to be, visit sharonapatrice.com.
Download your free LITM Podcast Sheet to capture gems and answer questions from the episode.
Want weekly doses of inspired reflection and personal growth stories delivered straight to your inbox? Click here to 👉🏾 subscribe to my email list.
If you’re curious about life coaching and how you can work 1-on-1 with Sharona, click to book a free clarity call.
If this episode spoke to you, make sure to Rate, Review, and Subscribe to be notified of new episodes.
Buzzsprout Link: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2057656
Spotify Podcast Link: https://bit.ly/LITMspotifypod
Apple Podcast Link: https://bit.ly/LITMapplepod
Connect with me on IG: @sharonapatrice
Connect with me on LinkedIn: Sharona Patrice Moorer
