We all want the secret – the quick win, the cheat code, the magic pill.
We want to lose weight without moving more or eating less or better.
We want to have more money but not work more/harder or spend less.
We want to have better relationships but we sit at home watching Netflix instead of showing up or reaching out.
There is no secret. The way to get what you want is to make a plan, work hard, pivot when you need, learn, adjust, plan, work hard, pivot, and repeat.
We have to stop thinking this world is about us. That we are entitled to an easy, comfortable life. We have to be willing to either accept things the way they are or hustle for a change.
Those are the choices.
Here’s the truth. I’m tired.
I want to write. I love writing, but writing everyday is hard. I feel like my creativity, my voice is being stretched. My writing muscle is not used to this kind of daily work. So in this moment, I have a choice, keep working, keep showing up, or stop. There is no one to blame, there are no excuses. Now, it could very well be that I decide I actually don’t want to write, that I don’t like it. And if that’s true, that’s ok. It is 100% okay to change your mind, and it’s okay to quit, but if you do you do it because that’s what you want, not because you’re scared or tired or uncomfortable.
I don’t want to quit. I am tired and a bit uncomfortable ‘having an opinion’ or saying things out loud. There are times (like today) where I feel like there are no words left in my head.
The secret to successful writing, is to write.
I have a plan (write everyday). It’s hard, but I’m strong and tough and I will push through.
I think the hardest part of anything – the things we are looking for the ‘secret’ to, is the mental game. It’s being mentally tough enough to push past how we feel and stick with the plan. To get up at 6:00 to go run even when we’re tired and sore. To drive past our favorite coffee spot and make coffee at home. To pick up the phone and make the call. Because doing the things we have decided to do, the things that make us the people we want to be, THAT is what makes us successful, not giving in to our feelings, blaming others or being upset that it didn’t come easily.
The secret isn’t a secret at all. It’s just doing the thing, every day, even today.