“He who has a why to live can bear almost any how.”
— Friedrich Nietzsche
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(This part of a series on doing hard things – either chosen or when they’re thrust upon you – with style. Enjoy. Let me know if you found this useful too!)
You chose to be here. Own that first.
Or – perhaps you didn’t choose this storm. You chose the mountain, not the blizzard.
No matter. The need for a Why applies to both.
Why did you embark on this? The pension? The children? The qualification?
If life is life-ing you, what is your bigger picture? What’s your aspiration as this unfolds? To be present? Patient? Courageous?
Remember this when the mind-whine starts to get louder. When the friction of ‘what is’ meeting a resisting mind rubs raw.
Keep your eye on your prize.
Pain only becomes intolerable suffering when it’s aimless. Shouting “Why?” into the sky never helps. It just makes it worse.
Decide your own Why. If you don’t have one, it’ll feel pointless, and quitting follows.
A reason is the defining thing that gets anyone through anything. Viktor Frankl saw that in concentration camps.
But don’t let the reason be given to you – you’ll only resent it. And don’t wait to "find" one as you go. If you wait for inspiration when the bog hits, you’ll only go that far.
No grand purpose? Make the mastery of the moment your Why. Make "doing this hard thing well" the prize.
This is no small thing.
This is the alchemy – turning dross into gold.
A solid Why turns friction into fuel.
It’s the difference between a candle and a furnace. A candle is extinguished by a gust. A furnace consumes the wind and grows.
Don’t wish for less mud. Get clear on your Why so the mud becomes the training ground.
Move consistently. One step. Any fashion will do. Just don't stop.
Know too that forward motion isn't always a sprint. Sometimes it’s just staying where your feet are until the wind drops.
Keep your Why in your pocket.
It’s the only thing that keeps your feet moving when the wind picks up.
Go well!
Arjuna
PS.
I’m teaching an Ishayas’ Ascension course soon – 17-19 April (7pm start).
These are mechanical techniques to transcend old patterns and enter a life of more appreciation and awe — with more smiles for your miles.
Come join me.
Free to repeat, always. (It would be good to see you back in the room.)
Details on the course and 1-1 coaching: https://www.arjunaishaya.com/ishayasascension
Or reply to this and we can talk.
If you’re already an Ascender?
Remember our 5-day retreat: Saturday 19 – Wednesday 23 September.
Details here: https://www.arjunaishaya.com/autumnretreat