We’re constantly in a hurry to reach the goals we set for ourselves. Whether it’s losing 20lbs or deadlifting 200lbs, we want the goal and we want it NOW.
We want our goal because we think it will bring us happiness. Because it feels like our current state of being is unbearable. We think that, once we’ve lost 20lbs or once we’ve pulled 200lbs, we’ll finally be satisfied.
But that’s rarely the case. In fact, most of the time achieving a goal leads to a “that’s all there is?” reaction. Because we realize that we’re not as happy and satisfied as we expected to be.
Instead, it’s worth learning to bear the unbearable as you continue your journey toward health and fitness mastery. As the Stoic Philosopher, Seneca, said, “Accustom yourself to that which you bear ill, and you will bear it well.”
This doesn’t mean you should resign yourself to excepting things as they are. On the contrary. Each one of us is bound for great things.
As Seth Godin said, “Everybody has their own Mount Everest they were put on this earth to climb.” And you should strive toward that peak as well as you can.
But know that it will take a long time. Instead of weeks, it could take months. Instead of months, it could take years. Instead of years, it could take decades.
So be patient. Bear the unbearable. And enjoy the journey for the journey’s sake.
