What seems to determine success in life is not what you want to have but rather what are you are willing to tolerate or withstand. What kind of uncomfortable things, bad feelings and missed opportunities are you willing to sacrifice or endure for the bigger picture? Are you willing to endure autumn and winter to get to summer?
Let me ask you again…What are you willing to struggle for?
We fall in love with the idea of having a great body. Are you willing to commit to going to the gym every day? Are you prepared to push through the pain? Do you want the sweat? Are you ready to endure the unbelievable soreness, muscle fatigue and exhaustion that come from working out? The 5:00 am workouts? The time commitment?
You fell in love with the idea of being healthy. Are you willing to give up French Fries? How about eliminating sugar? Are you willing to eat carrots while your co-workers gather around the donuts? Skip the popcorn at the movie theatre? Decline the free lunch buffet? Fight the feelings of deprivation? The hunger pangs? Are you willing to log calories? Give up the cocktails with friends?
You want the kudos and praise that comes from the great job and wealth. Are you willing to work the 60-hour workweek, week after week, month after month, year after year? Are you willing to miss family gatherings and milestone events because you have to work? Are you willing to have people angry with you? Are you ready for the pressure and responsibility? The delayed gratification? Are you willing to take the risky business moves? Are you willing to fire people? Are you willing to piss people off? Can you have people mad at you?
And you want the dream relationship…maybe the partner or spouse. Perhaps this was your most idealistic fantasy. Are you willing to weather the emotional turbulence? Are you willing to talk about uncomfortable things? Can you take one more argument about money? Are you willing to have the serious conversations? To keep your cool when the past is brought up? Are you willing to make yourself vulnerable? Fight the hurt feelings? The tears? To be calm when you want to lash out? And above all, continue to remember that you love this person?
Make sure you fall in love with the commitment. Fall in love with the hard work. Fall in love with the effort. Fall in love with substance. Fall in love with the core. Fall in love with the journey.
Are you really willing to suffer through the Autumn and Winter to get to enjoy the flowers?
Carrie
