The only way to achieve things you've never done, is to do things you've never done.
As Albert Einstein said, "The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting a different result."
There's no delicate way to put this: To be successful in anything, you have to be prepared to endure an element of discomfort. It comes with the territory.
But why is 'discomfort' perceived to be such a bad thing?
Because feelings are fuel. That's why.
Fundamentally we're not afraid of what we might have to do to achieve success in our businesses. We're afraid of it feeling hard. We're afraid of how we might feel if the result we get is different to the result we expected. We're afraid of temporary discomfort in order to achieve prolonged comfort.
We want to be at the end; now. We want to taste the success and enjoy the lifestyle we so desperately want to have, but we don't want to have to experience the discomfort of taking a risk, doing the work, and possibly making the odd mistake while we figure it out.
We want the result without the work. This is precisely why 'get rich quick' schemes and promises of 'overnight success' appeal to us. It's the reason 'rapid weight loss' pills and 'Uncle Ben's Instant Rice' are huge sellers!
Heres the thing.
Discomfort is a feeling. That's all it is. Providing you understand and accept you're going to feel it for a while, it can't stall, hurt, or stop you. And once you get through to the other side and experience the intense feelings of comfort brought about by success, the discomfort seems never to have happened. You may remember the toil, but you won't feel it.
Building a career or a business is a little like childbirth. It can be pretty darned uncomfortable at the time, but you forget the discomfort the instant you hold your baby.
Success, and lack of success, is entirely between your ears.
Which is so darned perfect, because we each have a mind. All we need to do is learn to use it for our ultimate advantage and success.
"Difficulties mastered are opportunities won."
Winston Churchill
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