TSSI #15 - The Connection Between Pain & Success
Read Time: 2 minutes
Today, I want to explore the relationship between pain & success.
On the surface, we can all agree that no one likes pain. Physical pain or emotional pain, we generally try to avoid it.
But is pain necessary to succeed?
Is it possible to maximize your potential or become the best in the world while avoiding pain and discomfort?
Here's what I believe...
A mans success is directly correlated to his ability to tolerate stress, discomfort & pain.
Let me back up this statement with an argument...
Pain can be both physical or mental.
For example, the fittest athlete on the planet is the one that can endure the most physical pain.
They can keep going, pushing past their comfort zone, even though their lungs are burning or legs are exploding.
Their tolerance of pain & discomfort is greater than the 100th fittest athlete.
The best tennis player, surgeon or businessperson is the one that can tolerate the most stress & pressure, while still being able to execute.
Overcoming fear of failure, fear of the unknown, obstacles, injuries & losses is mandatory.
Here's what I know to be true:
Pain is a catalyst for growth
Risk & failure are necessary for innovation
Resilience is about enduring pain & setbacks
The more you succeed, the more responsibility you have (and vice vera), which brings stress & pressure
So, you might be thinking...
How can I increase my pain tolerance?
Training the mind and body to endure discomfort is very possible.
The most successful high-performers do.
There are two approaches to this: mental & physical.
Mental
Practices like mindfulness & meditation increase tolerance for emotional discomfort.
Novak Djokovic credits his ability to handle pressure moments & his resilience to mindfulness.
Furthermore, your ability to connect to your purpose also increases your tolerance.
"Connect to your why" or "Connect to what matters" are other phrases for this concept.
For example, would you throw yourself in front of a car to save a soccer ball? Of course not. Because it doesn't matter.
However, you'd be willing to throw yourself in harms way to save your son or daughter.
Why? Because you're connected to what matters.
Do the same with your career or whatever it is that you want to succeed at.
Connect to why it matters to you & you'll be far more willing to tolerate discomfort.
The most successful people are able to push themself longer & harder than anyone else.
They're obsessed with what they do.
They're connected to their why.
Physical
Physical & emotional discomfort are connected.
So, your ability to overcome emotional discomfort will help you improve physically.
Also, the stronger & fitter you are, the greater your ability is to overcome stress & pressure.
Not sold on this?
Ever notice how you get more cranky & frustrated when you're tired?
I do, and so do my tennis students. End of a long week, they often throw their toys out of the pram more easily.
By becoming physically stronger, you delay fatigue... which increases your tolerance to mental discomfort.
The more pain, the greater success...or is it?
For long-term sustainable success, there must be a balance.
While pain tolerance can drive success, pushing too hard without adequate self-care can lead to burnout and health issues.
Recognizing the difference between productive discomfort and detrimental pain is crucial.
Success that comes at the cost of well-being might ultimately be unsustainable.
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