"I realised that the satisfaction of success doesn't come from achieving your goals, but from struggling well." - Ray Dalio
We've all experienced success, to some degree, throughout the course of our lives.
Finally conquering the new piece you've been practising to play on the piano.
Acing your exams.
Getting that promotion and pay rise you've been chasing.
Purchasing your first home.
Owning your dream car.
It feels amazing at the time when you reach the achievement.
But as we also know, these feelings are fleeting.
These feelings never last.
You are never perpetually satisfied with reaching a particular milestone.
Not too long after, you will redirect you focus onto the next goal.
It becomes a tiresome cycle of prolonged anticipation and short-lived satisfaction.
As you progress, the anticipation gets longer.
The work gets harder.
The effort required is far more demanding.
It can wear us down.
It can get to a point where we have enough and settle for what we have.
But for those who continually grow on a daily basis.
Those who strive to always be better than they were yesterday.
Those who reach the pinnacle of their respective fields.
They are not focused on the goal.
As much as they focus on the process.
The process is always tough.
It is always difficult.
It can seem like working towards a lost cause.
But those who succeed learn to enjoy the process.
To love the process.
They know that every single minute that they spend working gets them just that little bit closer.
They know that the work they are putting in will eventually pay off.
They know, in their hearts, that the work they are doing is what is necessary, even though it may seem hopeless at times.
Being able to have this level of love for the process is essential for continuous growth.
Learn to love the process.
Learn to trust the process.
The rest will take care of itself.
In my latest Book Review #10, I review Ray Dalio's masterpiece, 'Principles', as well as two other great titles. See full post to read all three book reviews in full.
Strive to live, live to strive.
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