I heard David Goggins say that on the other side of suffering is greatness.
And it is. How many times has a hurt caused you to dig your heels further pushing you to succeed? I know it has for me.
In my youth, if someone made a derisive remark telling me that I would never accomplish the task in a million years or patronizingly tell me not to get my hopes up that a particular relationship would blossom, it spurred me, as I thought: watch me. It was innate in me.
It took on a different meaning later in life for then it was I who I had to face. My inner critic surfaced to dampen my spirits or squelch my dreams. No one was harder on me than myself.
Don’t let anybody tell you what you cannot do — especially yourself.
When I began to silence that voice, retorting in staccato fashion the benefits I expected to receive if I persevered, I consciously chose to live life from the inside out. I returned to wholeness for I refused to compromise living in my essence.
“The power to affect your future lies within your own hands.” — Nido Qubein
If you think back to the times when you were trying to achieve a goal, whether it was running a marathon, starting a business, or writing a book, success was sweetest when you overcame the most obstacles. It provided value for you.
Our souls, like character, are strengthened through trial and suffering, not when everything is flowing smoothly.
There will be times though when you feel you cannot push yourself anymore. You tell yourself that skipping a day will not matter. Doubt gains a stronghold on you. You question if the sacrifice, the suffering, is worth it. You might even entertain the idea of quitting. It is during those times when you need to force every nerve and sinew to do that which you wish to do the least.
“Make up your mind that no matter what comes your way, no matter how difficult, no matter how unfair, you will do more than simply survive. You will thrive in spite of it.” – Joel Osteen
Be mindful never to project your insecurity onto others for you will exacerbate those feelings within you. Instead, acknowledge them non-judgmentally and let them pass. When you do, you will recognize the lesson that it is bringing you.
You will soon realize that attitude and authenticity are hallmarks of transformation. There are very few things you can truly control except for your attitude, reaction, and response. If you control those things while not letting yourself get distracted with other things, even it if they are in front of you, you increase your rate of success.
When you dare to live your truth regardless if anyone is supporting you or not, and you decide to make every moment extraordinary, you set yourself up for greatness. You cease striving for achievement and start looking for significance. You begin to focus on purpose, on why you are here and how you can serve others. You choose being, inviting your soul to become an active participant in your life.
“Greatness, in the last analysis, is largely due to bravery—courage in escaping from old ideas and old standards and respectable ways of doing things.” – James Harvey Robinson
What are you doing today? As David Goggins is apt to say:
There is no finish line. Do not live in that moment. Embrace it but move on to the next accomplishment.
Here is to you embracing your greatness!
