Why is it that people say they want to grow, but as soon as things get difficult, they want to quit?
I spend many coaching hours talking people out of throwing in the towel.
If you want results, you’ve got to learn to love the growing pains.
“Meet struggle and master it, says nature, and you shall have strength and wisdom sufficient for all your needs.” ― Napoleon Hill
Isn’t that the truth?
You know you can’t build biceps without hard work and a bit of pain, rest, and recovery.
Now, apply that to life.
Don’t we always want instant gratification?
I hiked to the top of Mt Greylock in Massachusetts two years ago. The climb was 3,489′ to be exact. When I saw the incredible view, I quickly forgot about my tired feet and all the energy it took me to get there. But even more remarkable was the crowd of people sitting on lawn chairs with picnic baskets, wine glasses in hand, throwing frisbees for their dogs.
I didn’t get the memo that you could drive your car to the top!
But honestly, I wouldn’t have driven even if I knew I could. Experiencing the view was more remarkable because I worked for it.
We live in a world of high-speed, fast food, overnight, and instant. We gravitate towards all the things that reward us instantly. No wonder we don’t have to master the struggle because, given a choice, that’s rarely one of the options.
Everything I am proud of that has made me a better and stronger person are the things I’ve struggled to achieve.
When the prize is handed over, not only don’t we learn and grow, we often don’t even appreciate it.
It would be like getting handed a marathon medal for a race I didn’t run just because I was standing near the finish line.
With all the collective achievements we see around us, why is everyone still so unhappy?
Try taking the path less traveled.
Sweat for it.
Master the struggle, and you’ll win even bigger.
