Hi ,
Hope you're having a great week so far!
A quickie (hopefully inspirational) message today about frustration and resiliency, ready?
But first, a question for you:
“What flavor of shit sandwich would *you* like to eat?”
This ^^^ is a fav quote of mine from Mark Manson (if you have't picked up his book, 'The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck' I highly recommend it) ... meaning, in life we are constantly up against the Law of Tradeoffs.
Saying yes to one thing means saying no to something else.
And EVERYTHING—no matter how wonderful—is going to suck at least sometimes.
Want to change the shape of your body? You’re going to have to hit the weights regularly and probably pay some attention to your nutrition. The outcomes are amazing, but the process isn’t without pain and sacrifice.
Same thing in relationships. I’ve heard people in long-term relationships wishing they were single again, and single people dying for a relationship.
Both situations can be trying at times. Couples who've been together 20, 30, 40 years tell me though they'd never want anything else, they're the first to admit it's
not always sunshine and rainbows.
Leaving your 9-5 to start your own business means (at least initially) less certainty and different/new stresses. Sure, now you have more freedom and autonomy but the responsible and accountability that comes with business ownership isn’t a walk in the park.
And
a million more examples!
But here’s the thing, we all have to choose what we’re willing to suffer for, because not suffering, at least some of the time, in some capacity, isn’t feasible.
And in my experience, it’s the EXPECTATION that things will be easy or will
happen fast that gets us in the most trouble.
Take how long you think it’ll take to make your business viable, and double it. Now you’re more in the ballpark. Take how long you think it’ll take to reach your physique goals, now double it.
Expectation management + resiliency is the ONLY formula
that helps us to continue to put one foot in front of the other when we’re stressed, frustrated, discouraged, feeling not good enough, defeated, want to give up, feel like a failure.
The willingness to manage your expectations, change your perception to one that allows for us to keep moving in spite of the discomfort (“Pivot Mindset”), and adopt a growth mindset (“What can this teach me?”) is
the ONLY way we’ll be able to keep going when things get tough.
You don’t have to be miserable. But you will be challenged, make no mistake.
And doing something hard is different than doing something that makes you miserable, or allowing yourself to become a martyr for something out
of guilt, shame or obligation.
So, pick your poison.
And remember to ask, in the times of struggle and frustration: what’s the alternative?
Because the old way will always be
there.
You can always go back to safe, secure, comfortable or familiar. And no judgment if you decide the alternative is what you want, but I can guarantee you that complacency isn’t without its own set of challenges, too.
Going through something tough? This is your reminder that you are not
alone and creating anything big and impactful is NEVER without challenge.
So the question remains, which shit sandwich are you willing to eat?
I mean … can we put Ranch dressing on it though, because #moderation365 😂
Hope you are having a good day, and I’d love for you to forward this email to someone who might need this reminder today if you feel like it ;)
Talk soon!
Xo,
Jill