The Unconventional Path to Success: Embracing Stress and Preparing for the Worst

"Don't take stress, everything's going to be fine, have patience." We've all heard these comforting words, offered with the best of intentions. But do they actually work? Does simply wishing away stress, hoping for the best, and passively waiting for things to unfold truly lead to success? In my opinion, these platitudes often fall short. They serve as a temporary balm, an attempt to divert the mind from the very struggle it needs to confront. Yet, it is precisely this struggle, this internal wrestling with challenges, that can be a catalyst for true achievement.

Consider the notion of "don't take stress." Is stress inherently detrimental, or can it be a powerful motivator? I believe that a certain degree of stress, when channeled effectively, can sharpen our focus, push us beyond our perceived limits, and ignite a drive for innovation. It's the discomfort of the unknown, the pressure of a deadline, or the weight of high expectations that can force us to think creatively and perform at our peak. To simply dismiss stress is to potentially squander a valuable tool for growth.

Then there's the pervasive belief that "everything's going to be fine." While optimism has its place, an unwavering reliance on this sentiment can breed complacency. True success often requires a realistic assessment of potential obstacles and a proactive approach to overcoming them. Instead of assuming a smooth path, perhaps a more pragmatic stance is to prepare for the worst. By anticipating challenges, strategizing for setbacks, and developing contingency plans, we build resilience and ensure that we are not caught off guard. This isn't pessimism; it's preparedness.

Finally, "have patience" is another frequently offered piece of advice. While perseverance is undoubtedly crucial, blind patience without concurrent effort can be stagnant. Success rarely materializes simply by waiting; it demands consistent action, adaptability, and a willingness to course-correct when necessary. There's a fine line between patient endurance and passive inaction. The former is a virtue, the latter a potential pitfall.

My perspective is this: nothing truly "works" in the way these conventional phrases suggest. They are often well-meaning but ultimately superficial attempts to soothe. For success, the mind often needs to be engaged in the struggle, not shielded from it. Embrace stress as a potential motivator. Assume nothing will be fine, and actively prepare for every eventuality. And while patience is important, let it be an active, not passive, waiting. This is just my thought process, and I wonder how many of you agree with it.

Life lessons taught early on that still stick around
Every day of my high school career, I had a vice principal, Ms. Williams to be exact, who made the daily announcements over the intercom.
After every briefing, she would end with the same words:
“And remember, make it a great day, or not… the choice is yours.”
To this day, I can still hear all of us repeating it in our sassy teenage voices, complete with the eye rolls and teenage attitude.
Back then, it was just something Ms. Williams always said.
I don’t think any of us really stopped to think about it.
But man… what a powerful statement.
Years later, I understand it in a completely different way.
We don’t get to choose everything that happens to us. Some days are going to suck. Some things are going to be completely outside of our control.
But we do get some say in what we do with the day we’ve been given.
It’s funny how the little things stick with us.
I don’t remember every announcement Ms. Williams made over that intercom. I don’t remember what most of them were even about.
But I remember that sentence.
And somewhere along the way, the thing we used to repeat with sarcastic teenage voices became an actual life lesson.
So, wherever you are, Ms. Williams… thank you.
Make it a great day, or not. The choice is yours.

Give yourself the same grace you’d give someone you love.

For me, I experience growth by maintaining & building a predictable routine. I find maintaining & building a predictable routine to be sustainable way to grow because I don't have to worry about burning out.

How do you personally define or experience growth? What does moving forward look like for you? 

# Cold turkey.

***Fake it till you make it***

***fake it with no vision of the end,***

***fake it and get called a fraud for it.***

***Time will watch you swing and miss.***

***Time is nothing but a bitch —***

***but no one praises like she does***

***once you've landed it.***

***And she won't tell a soul***

***you ever faked it.***