A few years ago, I spent several hours each week volunteering in one of the local Habitat for Humanity offices, sorting paperwork connected to the mortgage-holders’ loans. That’s where I learned about the concept of “sweat equity.”

Habitat for Humanity isn’t a charity, as most people have come to define the word—meaning it’s not an organization that simply provides help to the needy. Habitat provides a way for the needy to help themselves. In order to qualify, Habitat homeowners must make a down payment and monthly mortgage payments—and they must contribute a large amount of “sweat equity.” That means they have to put in hundreds of labor hours building not only their own house, but other Habitat houses.

So what they take out of the program is directly proportionate to what they put in.

That’s true for the rest of us as well. The best way to curtail panic about the economy, our job situations, and our futures is to focus on hard work—sweat equity. If we focus on working toward our goals, whatever they may be, one way or another, we’ll get a good return on our investment. Here are some thoughts on marrying a good attitude with hard work:

“A lot of people have great ideas, but nothing in the world is cheaper than a good idea with no action.”

—Source unknown

“Plan your work for today and every day, then work your plan.”

—Norman Vincent Peale, minister and motivator

“We all have dreams. But in order to make dreams come into reality, it takes an awful lot of determination, dedication, self-discipline, and effort.”

—Jesse Owens, Olympian

“The only thing that stands between a man and what he wants from life is often merely the will to try it and the faith to believe that it is possible.”

—Richard M. DeVos, Amway cofounder

“As is our confidence, so is our capacity.”

—William Hazlitt, essayist

“Great effort springs naturally from a great attitude.”

—Pat Riley, professional basketball coach

“Some succeed because they are destined to; most succeed because they are determined to.”

—Anatole France, author

“The big secret in life is that there is no big secret. Whatever your goal, you can get there if you’re willing to work.”

—Oprah Winfrey, media mogul