We all have our own definitions of suffering, but to me, its meaning is pretty simple:
Temporary sacrifice for long term gains.
The magical ability to endure the mandatory work needed to be put in is the main difference between people who typically are successful in life, and those who are not.
Ok… Cool. But it’s a lot easier said than done.
Nobody really enjoys suffering, so how is it that some people endure the suffering a lot better than others?
Just like most things in life, there is a beautiful art to it…
First and foremost we need to find our WHY.
Why would we be willing to go through the suffering?
When we find a why that offers a reason much bigger than ourselves and our suffering, we then become willing to make the sacrifice and endure the suffering…
Secondly and lastly, is it really that bad?
We constantly talk about how difficult and unbearable things can be, but like our dude Marcus Aurelius once said:
“If it’s endurable, then endure it. Stop complaining. If it’s unendurable … then stop complaining. Your destruction will mean its end as well. Just remember: you can endure anything your mind can make endurable, by treating it as in your interest to do so. In your interest, or in your nature.”
You’re damn f*ing right Marcus,
-EB