One Key Principle to Transform into the Person Who Achieves Their Goals
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Chapter 1: The Illusion of Ease
Reflecting on past thoughts, many of us have often believed that certain milestones would make life simpler.
“I’ll feel accomplished once I finish my Grade 10 exams.”
“If I can just get accepted into this university, everything will fall into place.”
“I just need to land my first job after college, and then it will be smooth sailing.”
Such thoughts highlight a common tendency: the hope that life will eventually become easier. We often wish for some miraculous change to help us navigate the challenges we face, believing that once we overcome specific hurdles, we will be unstoppable.
Yet, as I reflect on my own journey, I remember countless difficult moments, telling myself, “If I can just get through this one challenge, then it will all be better.”
The truth is—life never truly gets easier.
Face the Reality
Life is inherently complex and full of unpredictability, consistently throwing unexpected challenges our way. In fact, it seems that just when we start to feel victorious, new obstacles appear, often larger than the previous ones.
Previously, my approach was to try to conquer these hurdles and simply wait for the “good” times instead of using these experiences to learn how to better manage tough situations.
The mental shift to embrace challenges is crucial for continual growth.
Instead of waiting for easier times, we often find ourselves trapped in cycles of complaints and comparisons.
“How did she achieve that so effortlessly?”
“How did they reach their career milestones with such ease?”
“Why can’t I seem to get things together like him?”
This cycle perpetuates a belief that others may have stumbled upon success or had an easier path for reasons we can’t comprehend.
Find Meaningful Pursuits
The reality is that things don’t suddenly become easier—especially when pursuing meaningful goals outside our comfort zones. Whether it’s achieving fitness targets, launching a startup, writing a book, nurturing a relationship, or embarking on travel adventures, these successes are rarely handed to those who simply wait for ease.
Instead, they go to those who are resolute, prepared to confront challenges head-on, and who understand that with every success comes greater challenges. The payoff, however, is that the journey enriches them.
As cliché as it may sound, the most rewarding achievements in life require time and hard work. From athletes to writers to entrepreneurs, those who wait for an easy path often find themselves waiting indefinitely.
Avoid the Temptation of Ease
Successful individuals acknowledge the inherent difficulty in achieving their goals. They have already mentally conditioned themselves to accept and prepare for tough paths, which enables them to persevere rather than give up when faced with adversity.
Take my writing journey, for example. I used to think I’d write until I created one viral piece that would launch my career. Or until I got published in a notable outlet that would signify my success. Ironically, one of those dreams came true.
However, it didn’t lead to an easier path; it actually became more challenging.
This increased difficulty arose because I shifted my aspirations, aiming not for one viral article but for multiple, and not just one feature, but consistent weekly publications. The challenges will continue to mount, but I’m ready for it.
I now recognize that this journey is a continuous uphill battle that must be embraced to reach my desired destination. I understand that quick success is often fleeting. Therefore, I refuse to wait idly, as I have already embarked on this journey.
The challenge lies in becoming accustomed to the struggle. Day in and day out.
In 2023, it’s crucial to determine the kind of person you wish to become—someone who tirelessly puts in the effort, fully aware that the journey will be arduous, or someone who waits for the path of least resistance?
I know which path I choose!
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