Why Does Life Go Great For Some People And Awful For Others?

[Tom9348]

Growing up, I was always told that those who succeed are those who work hard, I was told to work hard at school and through hard work you will have success etc. Over the past few years I've noticed that this doesn't seem to be entirely true and that hard work does not always mean success at all. I've noticed that for some people they seem to get success and have a great life whereas other people who work hard and do everything by the book just constantly get kicked in the groin (figuratively speaking) and get nowhere. Why is this the case and what causes it?

[ToraToraTora]

Generally study and work hard you'll do ok, the world loves a tryer.

Life isn't fair don't assume it is.

Nothing is certain.

[Old_Geezer]

A non-religious answer is that it is the luck of the draw, life is naturally random, some get an easy ride, others don't.

 

If you want a more spiritual answer then maybe folk agree before coming here and inhabiting a body  what lessons they need to learn in order to advance their spiritual improvement, and thus also agree what experiences they will have during their life.

 

Choose whichever chimes more with your own personal beliefs.

[Old_Geezer]

Also, while some things you are advised to do may improve your chances of achieving something, they won't guarantee it. In many cases doing things smarter works better than working harder.

 

Plus, often social skills and confidence, making contacts, this sort of thing, moves you forward faster than keeping your head down and doing a good job.

[Untitled]

lots of people work very hard and get nothing for it. some people work very hard at doing horrible things and get massive rewards (e.g. selling cigarettes, profiting from essential medicines). the world is not a meritocracy. 

[dave50]

Work hard and any rewards will be confiscated and given to those who don't. 

[Canary42]

The "work hard for success" is a myth perpetrated on the plebs by the super-rich so the plebs will thus provide the money to keep the super-rich in the style to which they're accustomed.

[PsalmEquipt]

Haven't you heard? Life is like a box of chocolates...

While many factors beyond our control will come our way, each individual is responsible for his attitudes and actions.
Proverbs 4:23 "Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life."
Those who achieve an extraordinary life of success and privilege at times subsequently realize that a truly fulfilling life comes only by contributing to the success of others, including future generations. The apostle Paul was one such man.
Philippians 3:7,8 "But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ. Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord..."

[netherfield]

One could  always move to somewhere like Russia, where, apart from Putin and his cohorts, everyone is treated absolutely equally.