“Diligence is the mother of good luck.”

Benjamin Franklin’s timeless words. I have always found him to be inspiring: “a penny saved is a penny earned,” “an investment in knowledge pays the most interest.” Great reminders that perseverance and patience have their rewards.

I needed those reminders this week. However, it is difficult to remember to stay focused and keep striving when it seems everyone around you is making personal and professional strides while you remain in the same place. This week, I learned of a friend who just got a national on-air job, another with an interview for the job of a lifetime, and another with a great relationship with a man that only seems to get even better every single day. I trully am happy for them and was genuinely excited when I heard their good news. Any of my friends will tell you, I am always their biggest cheerleader, biggest believer, biggest supporter.

And though cheerleaders are always smiling and perky, it is exhausting to keep it up. Sometimes, I want to  leave the sidelines, run in the middle of the field and have everyone cheer for my touchdowns of professional and personal success. Why can’t I be the one doing the Dougie in the end zone while the audience claps with sheer glee? I wonder if this is how NBA or NFL cheerleaders feel…

Things may not happen when I or you want them, but Ben Franklin was right. Diligence is the mother of good luck. No one gets anything just from luck…that luck comes after years of sacrifice, hard work, and believing in oneself. Today, I am diligent. One day, I will have my good luck and will no longer be sitting on the sidelines.