What Hard Work Really Looks Like (And Why Most People Quit Too Soon)
What Hard Work Really Looks Like (And Why Most People Quit Too Soon)
By Brittney Kosev | Founder & Broker/Owner of BK Real Estate
Let’s be real—“hard work” gets glamorized on social media.
People love the highlight reel. The success story.
But they rarely talk about the moments that nearly break you.
In this week’s episode of my podcast, Cut the BS, Build the Dream, I pull back the curtain on what real hard work actually looks like. And let me tell you… this one wasn’t easy to record.
I Talked About the Season That Broke Me
Before I became the Broker/Owner of BK Real Estate—before the top-producing agents, the investment properties, or the community events—I was a full-time school librarian.
And for two full years, I worked that job by day and built my real estate career by night.
Not 50/50. Not part-time hustle.
I treated both jobs like full-time responsibilities.
I’d pick up my two kids after school and bring them with me to showings and open houses.
They’d pass out flyers and water bottles while I met with clients.
There were nights I cried out of sheer exhaustion—but I never quit.
Because I wasn’t just working… I was building.
I’m In My Elon Musk Phase
Right now, I’m putting every dollar I have into BK Real Estate.
I’m funding this dream like Elon Musk did with SpaceX—when he was sleeping in his office and showering at the YMCA, pouring everything into a vision that hadn’t taken off yet.
That’s exactly where I am.
I founded BK Real Estate because of three driving forces—and most business owners only have one:
A pain I experienced from being in brokerage environments that didn’t support my growth
A professional background as both a real estate agent and investor
And a deep passion to create a culture where agents and clients alike feel welcome and empowered
We’re not a national franchise.
We’re not backed by corporate dollars.
We’re a fast-growing, independent, woman-led real estate brokerage—and we’re doing something different.
And yes, I’m carrying debt right now to fuel this dream.
It’s hard. It’s risky. It’s emotional.
But I know—without a doubt—we’re about to launch into orbit.
The 40% Rule Changed My Mindset
In this episode, I also talk about a mindset tool from David Goggins, called the 40% Rule.
It’s the idea that when your brain says, “I can’t go any further,” you’re actually only at 40% of your potential.
The rest of your strength—your power, your grit—is still inside you.
Most people never access it, because they stop too soon.
I’ve been there.
Late nights. Kids asleep. Deals falling apart. Stress piling up.
And just when I thought I couldn’t take one more thing… I did.
Because I was only at 40%.
This Is What Hard Work Really Looks Like
Hard work isn’t cute.
It’s not always visible.
And it doesn’t feel good in the moment.
But it’s the requirement.
It’s the cost of freedom.
It’s the foundation of success—especially in real estate, entrepreneurship, and building generational wealth.
If you’re in the middle of your own “grind season,” I want you to know you’re not alone.
➡️ You can listen to the full episode here:
🎧 What Hard Work Really Looks Like – Cut the BS, Build the Dream
