Success isn’t about working yourself into the ground. It’s about being intentional with your time, knowing what you’re going after, and showing up even when you’re tired.
Kim Kardashian once said, “Get off your ass and work,” and while not everyone starts with her resources, the truth is—success takes grit. It takes being an animal about the things you care about. The real movers and shakers—people like Anna Wintour, Martha Stewart, J.Lo, Chris Jenner, Oprah—they push forward, no matter how tired they are.
They are relentless, and they play hurt.
The Difference Between Those Who Win & Those Who Watch
Not all Kardashians are built the same. Some capitalize on the opportunity and do the bare minimum. Others, like Kim, turn it into an empire. And that’s the difference—those who succeed are the ones who go all in.
I don’t say yes to everything. I say no more than I say yes. But when I commit, I give it everything. If I’m building something, I will do it well. If I’m working in philanthropy, I will work myself to the bone to ensure every dollar goes directly to the people who need it.
It’s about understanding your priorities and executing them with precision. You cannot let distractions pull you away from your goals. People often think success is about luck or privilege, but in reality, it’s about the willingness to push forward, take control of your narrative, and work for what you want. You might not have the same opportunities as others, but that doesn’t mean you don’t have the power to create your own path.
The Reality of Success: It’s Never Easy
Many people look at those at the top and assume it was easy for them. But I guarantee you, the true leaders—the ones making an impact—have fought through exhaustion, setbacks, and moments of doubt. They don’t complain about the grind. They don’t let momentary discomfort dictate their actions.
They play hurt. They push through. They show up.
If you want something, you don’t just work for it when it’s convenient. You work for it every single day. Even when you’re tired, even when you’re uninspired, even when it feels like the universe is throwing roadblocks in your way—you keep going. Because consistency compounds. Every small, disciplined step forward adds up over time, and before you know it, you’ve built something meaningful.
Success isn’t about sprinting to the finish line. It’s about building a career, a legacy, a body of work that speaks for itself. It’s about making sure that when people think of you, they think of someone who delivers, someone who is reliable, someone who doesn’t just talk about it but actually does it.
Be Intentional, Play Hurt, and Stay Relentless
That’s the lesson: If you want something, go after it with full force. Be the best at what you do—whether you’re getting coffee or leading a company.
✔️ Bring that energy to everything you do, and you will rise.
✔️ Success is layered—it doesn’t happen overnight.
✔️ Build relationships, maintain integrity, and stay above the noise.
✔️ Don’t burn bridges, because the people you meet on the way up are the same ones you’ll see on the way down.
So, figure out what kind of animal you are. Decide how you want to go after what you want. Whether you’re working a job, starting a business, or leading a movement—be intentional. Push forward. Play hurt. And never settle for anything less than extraordinary.
Want more unfiltered advice on success, resilience, and getting sh*t done? Follow Bethenny on Instagram, TikTok, and her podcast for more real talk on business, life, and everything in between.