The Reward is More Work
You Have to Love the Process
This post was inspired by Anthony Oliveira’s weekly “Mental Monday” video, which is linked below.
The video speaks specifically about powerlifting, but the theme resonates in every facet of life: the reward for the work you have done is more work to be done.
In sport, business, personal life, and beyond, one thing is almost always true: the work does not get easier. We may become better conditioned to the grind, we may make more money than we did before, and we may lift more weights than we used to be able to. However, progress almost never comes without a cost, usually in the form of a new challenge around the corner—not to mention the sacrifices that were already made on the way to progress.
For powerlifters, it will likely be harder and take longer to put 5lbs on their deadlift in year 10 of their career than it took to add 50lbs in year 2.
For the entrepreneur who is scaling an initially-successful business, managing employees, suppliers, and clients can be a massive headache.
For a young couple, marriage and taking care of children are far from easy things.
The reward for work and accomplishments is almost always more work.
The reward for meeting and exceeding previously-determined expectations is a new and elevated standard.
We’ve never really “arrived” until we retire (regarding sport/business) or die (regarding family and any other personal matters).
Fall in love with the process. Get comfortable with adversity. Keep showing up. Do the work.
