The Easiest Way Isn't Always the Easiest Way ...

The easiest way isn’t always the easiest way. Everybody wants instant this and instant that. They want it now and they want it yesterday. They want overnight success and success overnight. However, sometimes your breakthrough is in what is hard… not in what is easy. Are you willing to put in the work? Are you willing to put in the sacrifice?

You say you dream about getting your education. You are working full time. You are broke. But, your job does offer tuition reimbursement. You have bills, so you have to keep working full time. What do you do? Do you give up, or go the hard route? Do you do the unthinkable? Do you work full time and go to school full time? It would be back-breaking, but it can be done. Are you willing to sacrifice? Are you willing to sacrifice for what you want?

You say you dream about starting a business. You have two kids and one on the way. It will take three times as long to do everything from the business plan to execution. That’s in the one hour of “me time” you have daily. What do you do? Do you scream, “It’s too hard!” while your four-year-old screams? Or, do you dig in and find creative ways to work it out? The “impossible” can be done. Sometimes it’s just hard. Very hard.

Many of you have probably driven on the highway at some point. You may have noticed that in order to pass the car next to you, you have to step on the gas! Now, what if you didn’t step on the gas? What would have happened? You would have stayed in your comfortable pace and place. You would have stayed in your lane; the one you wanted out of. In life, that is called mediocrity.

Just think. On the highway, you had to push the gas pedal to get to where you are going. In life, you have to push yourself. Sure, the engine strained a little bit, but it is the same when you go after something. Yeah, you start to strain… a lot. But, man is it worth it.

Sometimes we find ourselves jealous, envious, and a little insecure when we see what other people have or what they have done. The question is, are you willing to do the same thing in your own life? If it’s hard, it’s hard. Don’t look at others with an attitude unless you are willing to put in the work! I’m guilty of it too, but you better believe, I’m on the case and in my own face!

This is not to minimize how difficult “going for something” can be. Everyone has their own circumstance, hurdles, and situation. There are financial issues, family issues, time issues, and even fear issues. The issues go on and on. But, are you tough enough? Do you have what it takes? Are you willing to get up at 3am or four? Are you willing to give up, what you need to give up? Or, are you just going to give up? There’s only one way to find out, and that is to go for it!

I hope you can see by now, that success and change do not come easy. Remember, the easiest way isn’t always the easiest way. The true blessing is in the hard work, the sacrifice and a little bit of faith.